_October, 1900._[1]
I wish to prepare myself to teach the two grades, lower and higher; and
also to take courses in hygiene, bandaging and the care of the sick.
Later I should like to take a language course. First to learn thoroughly
my own mother tongue. I want to go on with my studies in Holland,
because Holland seems to me in all respects a more suitable place of
preparation for the great task which I would undertake.
How shall we greet each other when we meet at last? I know exactly what
you will say to me at first: "But child how stout you have grown!"
And I shall whisper between two hugs, "I have grown old, both outwardly
and inwardly, but that little spot in my heart where love is written in
golden letters remains the same, for ever young."
[1] To Mevrouw Ovink-Soer.