| | | 13 July |
Shanghai
July 13th
Dear Papa,
I am just back from my first scéance at the dentist's, and I am sorry to say the outlook is not attractive. My teeth are worse than I thought which is saying a good deal. Twenty three cavities! nineteen of which are in the upper jaw alone, while two of them are so bad that they will require treatment before they can be filled. By going every day I hope to get through in a fortnight.
I took the typewriter back this morning. There was nothing to pay on it. I have not yet seen about your underclothes but will try to do it tomorrow. Mrs Denney's amah33 has just (a month ago) been engaged by Mrs Jordan who has taken her to England & expects to keep her a year or two. But Mrs. Low says she knows of another good one. She is to come to see me. I looked about for the King's present & found nothing except some imitation Lèous vases. The large ones Mrs Low chose are $200 & I should think more than you need give. They are not first rate without being very ordinary. They had others rather smaller for $100., $120. & 80. I prefered the ones of a $100. & 80. about 16 inches high, perhaps a little more. The choice is very limited and most of the things are not very nice.
It is not unbearably hot, much less so than at Chefoo. I am being fed up - people call. & I am having a very good time of it & enjoy the shopping hugely, after so long a holiday. Mr. Walter very kindly brought down the news from Chefoo that I was engaged to Mr. von Brandt, so that it has become town talk & I hardly dare put my nose out of the door. I saw Mr. Morse yesterday who inquired after you, as do many others. I hope you are taking care of yourself & that Mama is also well.
With love & kisses to both.
Ever Affectionately
H.M.H.
| | | 13 July |