This week I have not been to school but have devoted my time to sorting things and packing, and a great business it has been in these small quarters.
[Illustration: NEARLY FINISHED]
Monday, November 9.—Graham was hors de combat on Sunday with one of his headaches, so I had to take the services. I spoke out plainly about the attendance at church, though only by the way, and said it showed how little they cared about the things of God, and that we could not help asking ourselves if we had been any real help to even one person on Tristan.
This afternoon I gave up to gardening. Just as Ellen and I had planted out some tomatoes Mr. Keytel brought some mignonette plants and put them in. He brought also a sample of a loaf he had cooked which he thought was quite a triumph.
Thursday, November 12.—On Tuesday the ketch returned from the islands and has again anchored. I think the Pearsons are loath to take to sea again. The architect has most kindly drawn a plan for a church here, and I only wish we could carry it out.
We are gradually getting on with the work of packing, and have made lists of what is to be put by when we are gone.
I have taken rather a good view of the front of the house and want to print it on postcards to send home, but this takes time and I have little to spare in the morning.
Friday, November l3.—Our letters are to be taken on board to-day, for with the first north wind the ketch will move out. We wonder when it will reach Cape Town, for we fear it will be a long time on the way. While it has been here there has been a remarkable spell of fine weather.
Sunday, November 15.—The Pearsons have not gone yet. They landed to-day though it was somewhat rough, came to service, and had dinner with us.
Wednesday, November 18.—Our visitors have gone. They came in yesterday to say good-bye. I had to go to the women's meeting, but was back in time to pour out tea for them, after which we saw them off from Big Beach. The ketch, which was called Forget-me-not, had anchored off the settlement eighteen days and within half-a-mile of the shore. This was a record for Tristan waters.