f
possessions--my appendix still gives me ample proof of its constancy.
The blue devils are chasing me today and I am wearing the expression
that sits on the lips of every portrait in every exhibition. I smile to
keep from crying, because if I cry--I'm lost!

As I am of the experienced elite of society that sups, I must bid you
adieu--I promise more jocosity in my next.

Affy,
MARIANNE.

December 1.

Since writing you I have heard the turkey gobbler say his last prayer
and have had a coming out party for "Penny," short for appendix. The
receiving party was comprised of two eminent surgeons, two trained
nurses, who served adhesive plaster and instruments, and an "etherist"
who poured. Costumes were uniformly white with great profusion of gauze
trimmings, with which I also eventually became somewhat decorated. One
of the internes wasn't half bad, so I kept the nurse busy combing my
adopted hair and pinning it on becomingly. It is a much quicker and
easier process to have your appendix cut out than your husband.

I was away four weeks and am now back in Sioux and well taken care of by
my landlady, whose hair and face disagree as to age. My walls are hung
with ten-cent store art, and if I were not awfully strong-minded I could
not overcome the effect.

The white auto called last night, and as my head rested on his shoulder
our conversation was the rambling sort that may be ticketed "all rights
reserved," so I won't repeat it as the postmaster-general would refuse
me stamps in the future if I sent it through the mail. In Chicago they'd
take out my phone if I squeaked it over the wires. Carlton is deeply
interested in some mines out here--spinach mines I think. I made up my
mind to something last night--I am determined to get him away from that
carrotty giraffe whom he used to believe he loved. If in my
convalescent state I am unable to arouse his sympathy, I'll relapse into
white muslin emotions and thereby gain my end. I am made from dust and
the slightest rustle from the right man's coat can blow me whithersoever
it willeth. You know I am a spoiled child who has had everything it
wanted, so bon-bons no longer excite me. Carlton is so thin that you can
see daylight through his lattice work, and cold as paving stone in
winter. He's a real "millionery," but his cash is 40 degrees below, so I
am determined to warm u