pounds in money, and a great many valuable things, such
as gold and jewels. They are all at the old bank in Cape Town, and the
cashier has seen you, and will deliver them on demand. So that is the
first of my good news, because it is good news to you. But, dear sir,
I think you will be pleased to hear that Dick and I are thriving
wonderfully, thanks to your good advice. The wooden house it is built,
and a great oven. But, sir, the traffic came almost before we were
ready, and the miners that call here, coming and going, every day, you
would not believe, likewise wagons and carts. It is all bustle, morn
till night, and dear Reginald will never be dull here now; I hope you
will be so kind as tell him so, for I do long to see you both home
again.

Sir, we are making our fortunes. The grain we could not sell at a fair
price, we sell as bread, and higher than in England ever so much. Tea
and coffee the same; and the poor things praise us, too, for being so
moderate. So, sir, Dick bids me say that we owe this to you, and if
so be you are minded to share, why nothing would please us better.
Head-piece is always worth money in these parts; and if it hurts your
pride to be our partner without money, why you can throw in what you
have at the Cape, though we don't ask that. And, besides, we are offered
diamonds a bargain every day, but are afraid to deal, for want of
experience; but if you were in it with us, you must know them well by
this time, and we might turn many a good pound that way. Dear sir, I
hope you will not be offended, but I think this is the only way we have,
Dick and I, to show our respect and good-will.

Dear sir, digging is hard work, and not fit for you and Reginald, that
are gentlemen, amongst a lot of rough fellows, that their talk makes my
hair stand on end, though I dare say they mean no harm.

Your bedroom is always ready, sir. I never will let it to any of them,
hoping now to see you every day. You that know everything, can guess
how I long to see you both home. My very good fortune seems not to taste
like good fortune, without those I love and esteem to share it. I shall
count how many days this letter will take to reach you, and then I shall
pray for your safety harder than ever, till the blessed hour comes when
I see my husband, and my good friend, never to part again, I hope, in
this world.

I am sir, your dutiful servant and friend,

PHOEBE DALE.

P.S. There is regular travelling to and from