Kohlhöcher Str. 29.
Bremen.
19 November 1889
My darling brothers
This Christmas you shall have a little treat at least from me and I hope you will appreciate the little present. I send it this Christmas Chris, so that you will be able to know me when you come home and not mistake me for Edie.
First of all I must wish you all a very merry Christmas as well as New Year and hope you will be as well and strong next year as you are now. You can’t think how delighted I am Chris at the idea of your returning home next summer and only wish you could bring little Monsie with you. We would be a jolly party – all together once more.
I should like to creep in this photo and get a peep at your faces when you get this Christmas present. You are sure to go down to meet the ship – but don’t show it to Papa as he will send me a long lecture about spending my money and I don’t deserve it as this is out of the money which I have saved up – and also, I am earning ₤25 yearly and so can quite afford to send my brothers a surprise.
You must write directly you receive it so as to let me know whether you have got it safely. I hope to goodness that it won’t break on the way. I shall be ???? if it does. I’m dying to think what you think of it.
But now I will tell you what I am doing. You know, I suppose, that I went home for the holidays and stayed away eight weeks. Papa took us to see the Naval Review and we remained at Ryde for three days. I enjoyed myself thoroughly although the weather was bad.
When I came back to Bremen I found the Herr Bredehorst, with whom I have been living since November, had died in my absence and, consequently, everything was changed. Money matters not being quite in order I had to go. But I had no trouble in finding another engagement as Frau B gave me good references and went herself to seek another situation for me. I only got 17/- monthly with her and now over 40/-.
It is a nice spring. I have been here just two months and am quite satisfied with everything. Frau Schütte is very good to me, although a little stiff, and takes me to concerts etc. I think time will wear off the stiffness. At first I felt awfully strange and lonely as at Frau B’s it was just like home. There it was like a little nest -simple but homely like the people themselves. Here it is like a palace so beautiful, yet there is something missing and I think is the homely feeling. I have been spoilt dreadfully by my friends and that is why it as much, I suppose. Altogether I get too much attention paid to me here more than I deserve, but
it doesn’t make me conceited Chris, you will find the same old May when you come home – only changed in height, figure and face.
I feel always so at home here in Bremen. I know so many people now and everybody is so kind to me. I get no end of invitations more than I can accept sometimes.
You can fancy how I felt the change when I went home this time. Of course I was delighted to see everybody again but yet it was not the same old home I left two years ago. The house was strange to me – the town and people as well. I didn’t know a single creature there and had of course very little interest in the people.
I must say when I came back to Bremen it was more like home – only Papa and Mama and all were failing. But don’t mention a word of this to any at home – it is only for your ears.
When are you going to marry Chris? The only nuisance is when you marry out there you must stay on account of the business and it would be so nice to have you settled down nearer us. I always tell Edie she must hurry up or else I will be first. Her best days are passing over while mine are beginning.
Chris, take me back with you next summer and I will keep house for you. I am learning cooking most industriously now in case of accidence. I should love to see Monsie pottering over his eggs.
But now I must finish this scrawl and hope to get as letter on a postcard if you haven’t time, to say if my photo has arrived safely and how you like your little sister. Do you think I look like a prim young lady of 20?
But now with my best love and many kisses to both of you, and keep strong and healthy.
I remain, ever your loving and true Sister
May Elmslie