_August_ 14, 1745.
TO MISS AMELIA BALFOUR—MY DEAR COUSIN,—We are going an expedition to
leeward on Tuesday morning. If a lady were perhaps to be encountered on
horseback—say, towards the Gasi-gasi river—about six A.M., I think we
should have an episode somewhat after the style of the ’45. What a
misfortune, my dear cousin, that you should have arrived while your
cousin Graham was occupying my only guest-chamber—for Osterley Park is
not so large in Samoa as it was at home—but happily our friend Haggard
has found a corner for you!
The King over the Water—the Gasi-gasi water—will be pleased to see the
clan of Balfour mustering so thick around his standard.
I have (one serious word) been so lucky as to get a really secret
interpreter, so all is for the best in our little adventure into the
_Waverley Novels_.—I am your affectionate cousin,