Ah my dear friend:
I write you this letter to send you my good wishes. We are all well. I have awaited in vain a letter from you with the flower seeds you promised me. I have inherited a very large piece of land where I could plant roses.
We have been very sorry that you have not given us more of your news. We have missed you much.
If you wish to write to your friend Vai Etienne, he is in heaven far away.
As for Ghost Girl, she must have fallen into hell.
Many Daughters’ soul must have rejoined l’Hermier in France.
You would do well to return to Atuona. Our land is very beautiful—our roads like those in France.
Vanquished Often is dead, but she must be in paradise.
Your friend, Timoteo, sends you greeting. If you have forgotten him, he has not forgotten you. Come back and we will again drink the kava together.