Received 7-3-92
Answered 18-4-92
Kohlhoher ???? 29
13 January 1892
My dear old Chris
I’m almost ashamed to begin a letter to you as it’s such a long time since I last wrote, but I’m sorry to say that I inherit the ‘Elmslie fault’ viz. a bad hand at letter writing. It takes up most of my time writing home to scold them for not writing. Well I hope you’ll forgive me now old boy.
Many thanks for your last letter which you addressed to Papa. I’m still in Bremen and at the same house as you will no doubt notice by the address. It’s always the same – no better, no worse and so that’s why I suppose I remain here. It seems as if I’m to be stuck here for my lifetime doesn’t it?
I gave Frau Schütte notice to leave at Easter the other day but after a long talk she asked me to stay longer so, on second thoughts, I thought I would firstly because I could save up more money and secondly I could take my time in looking for something else. I shouldn’t think of giving this up before I had something good as I don’t wish to live at home now that I’ve been independent for so long.
Edie is at home now with a bad eye poor girl and thinks she will have to give up her place at Mr. [or Mrs.] Dalton’s on account of the climate. She thinks France doesn’t suit her so I’ve written to ask her to give me her place if she leaves as I should have a nice chance of finishing my French. I’m rather anxious to know if she will and then I can easily solve the mystery which has always hung over Mrs. D. and Edie. If that is nothing I’m going to try America and seek my fortune there. Girls get better paid and have to stay on till summer so there’s heaps of time.
When are you going to move to Brisbane and get settled old boy? I pray every night that luck will fall into your hands so that I can soon come out to you but in the meantime you must pick out a good husband for me as here the men are worth nothing. Sometimes I detest the whole sex – except my brothers of course. My “ideal” is — a good, steady, man, in good society but not too fond of pleasure, naturally good looking but if he’s good I’ll take an ugly one and with money enough to keep a family.
Now have a good laugh over me, but look out for one else I shall remain an old maid.
Good bye old boy it’s a rubbishy letter but shows you that I’m in pretty good spirits.
Many kisses, from your loving Sister
May
I’ve always ???? ???? ???? you that I borrowed ₤4 from Mr Tasman this summer and am coming up to pay it back as fast as I can. Thanks awfully for the loan of it.