I am sorry I neglected to post this yarn from Kimberley; but I believe I will still post it when I land, as I may not see you yet awhile, and it will bring the history of my travels up to date.
I was more sorry to leave Kimberley than I expected to be; but I suppose one can't live in a place for a year without making some friends whom you are sorry to leave.
I journeyed down to the Cape all alone; but some Cape Town friends came to see me off, and it was quite home-like to be on the Scot once more.
The chief officer invited me to sit at his table, and we have had a delightful voyage, good weather, and pleasant people.
We had a few hours ashore at Madeira, and I think the flowers seem more beautiful every time I go there. Some day I should like to stay some weeks in the island.
We were all shocked to hear of the wreck of the Victoria off Tripoli, and the loss of 420 lives; it does seem terrible.
We find that, if all goes well, we should land on the day of the wedding of the Duke of York and Princess May.
The Bay of Biscay is behaving like a lamb. This is the fourth time I have been through it, and only once has it kicked up its heels and been really disagreeable.
I am going to spend a few days in town before I go home, so as to be interviewed by two or three matrons of the big hospitals. I think I know which hospital I would like best to get into, but whether I can persuade that particular matron that she really will have a vacancy in the autumn (I must spend a little time at home first), and that I really am the most suitable candidate for that particular vacancy, remains to be proved.