Koamalu : a story of pioneers on Kauai, and of what they built in that island garden / by Ethel M. Damon. [Vol. 1, no. 2]

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KOA M A L U

have me stay. I room with Mary and can sit by the fire next door
in Mrs. Mills' little parlor on rainy days when I cannot go out.
I often go to classes too, and try to obey all the rules. This is an
excellent school, the girls all so fresh, without that weary, tired
look that school children so often have.
I am fearfully hungry and eat from morning till night, fat meat
and all. And the Grapes! We all have fruit whenever we want
it, and I hope to go back fat and strong. And I'll never go away
from home alone again. My heart continually travels homewards.
I've read all your letters over again with Mary and left them for
her to read to Willie. Yesterday I sent Emily her money by the
Overland Route, and shall write to Germany before long.
Some of the 67 girls come into the private sitting room evenings and it is often a merry place. Mary is like a petted child.
Mrs. Mills sends me to bed if I look tired, sees that I am dressed
warm enough and orders me out if I go into a cold room. She is
so kind, and never cross to anyone, tho busy till often late at night.
And sitting by my nice coal fire, I don't mind the drizzly rain at
all, with a dish of mellow pears, and a book to read. The damp
rooms on a rainy day in our dear little home under the trees are
the only things I dread about going home. I mean to get a little
wood stove and have it put up in the dining room when I get back.
'Twould be such a comfort in rainy weather. The corner by the
parlor would be the best and the pipe could run into the old latticed verandah and out, with one of the funnels on top to keep off
the rain. Tell me what you think of the idea. I wonder if it is
raining at Home today. If so, I imagine my darling little Dora
has kept the house in a rumpus. Tell her to be good, and obey
quick, and help Grandma take care of precious little Brother. I
have many anxious thoughts whether dear Mother has sleep
enough. Her life is so precious to us. Don't get run down, Mother,
or I shall blame myself that I ever left you to the entire burden
of the Children. God bless you all, my Beloved.
Nov. 28....... The climate here at the Seminary is milder than in the
city, and every one is so good to me. It is a most delightful school.
They let me go to classes whenever I like, and I always come