After I had enjoyed the freedom of the Parkhurst home for a few months I learned through friends that a young lady whom I had befriended at the time of the earthquake and who had become temporarily deranged was about to be sent to the East. The supervisors inquired whether it would suit my convenience to take the trip, and said if so they would defray expenses from and to California in order to have her safely chaperoned. I gladly consented; for, praise God! this would give me opportunity to pay a brief visit to my son and his bride, now making their home in Allegheny, Pa.
Following her safe arrival, I was on the way to Cincinnati in less than twenty-four hours. Thence I was to take train early the next morning. Having several hours to dispose of after securing a room in a hotel close to the station, I decided to see as many points of interest as possible in this fine city. Accordingly I was thus delightfully occupied until about four o'clock, when I heard some one speak of the Zoo. Upon inquiry I learned of the wonderful gardens so called. Soon, following directions, I boarded a car at Fountain Square, which conveyed me up a very steep incline. Returning in the neighborhood of six o'clock, I followed the example of several persons, who on the incline stepped out of the car on to the platform in order to enjoy the magnificent view.
A white-haired, elderly lady who had sat opposite to me on the return trip, now pleasantly remarked:
"Cincinnati is well worth a visit, is it not?"
Upon my replying in the affirmative, she rejoined:
"Doubtless you are a stranger. May I inquire from whence you come?"
"From California," I answered.
She clasped her hands together and exclaimed ecstatically:
"Dear, dear California! How happy I am to meet some one from there!
Some of my most delightful, very happiest days were spent there."
We were now once more in the car and at the foot of the incline.