Thursday, March 11.—This morning Mrs. H. Green came with a present of butter and eggs, it being Alfred's birthday. She asked us to tea this afternoon. We were just going to sit down to dinner, and made her join us. She went away directly afterwards, saying, "We must forgive her manners, for she must get home." They were giving a birthday dinner.
Monday, March l5.—A ship was sighted this morning; it was lost sight of for a time, but later appeared again, when the men went out to it.
This afternoon Mr. Keytel invited the school-children to his lawn, a square grass-plot behind his house, where he took photographs of them playing various games. It was intensely hot. Later we played games in earnest. On leaving each child received some prunes.
The men got to the ship at dusk and did not return till the early morning. It was from London and going to Australia. The captain told the men that he had seen in the paper that the Pandora was coming here with the mail. The people are quite excited about this piece of news, which will give them a subject for conversation for some time to come.
Friday, March 19.—On Wednesday a good many of the people went by boat to the orchards at Sandy Point, and brought back sacks of apples.
We are quite proud of our cucumbers. To-day I measured one I brought in; it was close on a foot in circumference. I have never seen such fine ones at home, and I think these are more juicy.
We wonder each day whether it will be our last here.
Saturday, March 20.—All eyes are scanning the ocean for the schooner, and I may add, for the Pandora. I think Mr. Keytel is beginning to feel he will be glad to get away.
One comes across curious types of human nature. The other day Bob Glass sent to ask if he could preach on Sundays at the church when we are gone. Graham replied, "No." Then he came to see him and said he had got the learning, but Graham pointed out to him that it was the life that was needed, and showed him that he had not this, because, to mention only one thing, he was a notorious swearer, which he admitted. He came again the next day or the day after to ask if his child could be baptized, and also to ask if he might preach on Saturday afternoon at the church-house, as there were several of the boys who wanted to hear how he could do it. The child was baptized on Sunday.
Tuesday, March 23.—Ellen was amused the other day by one of the women telling her that she had ready some nice fresh eggs for us when her turn came to serve us, which would be a week hence.