can't write about it
now, it is a long story. I'll tell you by and by. But the trouble
now is, we have lost a boat in the river; it is a poor fisherman's,
and we must pay him for it. You will understand that we do not dare
to tell Mrs. Stanhope anything about it. We can't ask her for so
much money. Fani says he would rather go to work in the factory.
But you will help us, I know, dear aunty; you will not let us
suffer. We want eighty marks. It is terrible. But it is worth that,
for there were two oars and a pole besides the boat. I don't ask
you to give it to me, but only to lend it. I will keep thinking day
and night how I can earn enough to pay you. I have some things, you
know; my godfather's present. In my drawer in the little
writing-table at home are six silver spoons, and a beautiful
pincushion, and two old Easter eggs with pictures on them cut out
of paper: dragons spitting fire, and flowers, and the sun, moon,
and stars. You can sell them for something, I am sure; and after
this I will sell directly everything that I get and give you the
money. And perhaps I shall contrive to think of some way to earn
something too; if I can I will. Oh, dearest aunty, you will help
us, I know, for you help everybody.

Write as soon as you can and tell us to come home. How glad we
shall be to get there! There we can tell you all our troubles. I
wish we could go to-morrow, and get back to you and mamma. Write
directly, dear aunty. I send you my love a thousand thousand times.

Your loving niece,

EMMA.

P.S. Aunty, dear, I have thought of another way. In Cologne I saw a
girl who went about in the street with a basket and sold roses. Now
I think that if Mrs. Stanhope would let me take two roses from each
bed in her garden I should get a basket full, and I could earn a
lot of money, I am sure. Don't you think so? With a thousand
kisses, Your niece,

EMMA.

P.S. I have thought this very moment of the nicest plan of all. In
the vineyards here they put horrid looking figures, like men with
red beards and arms stretched out, to frighten away the birds. If
you will send me some red stuff and some yellow, I can make figures
a great deal more frightful, and they will sell for a great deal.
Perhaps in this way I can pay you half the money, and I