_August_ 12, 1894
And here, Mr. Barrie, is news with a vengeance. Mother Hubbard’s dog is
well again—what did I tell you? Pleurisy, pneumonia, and all that kind
of truck is quite unavailing against a Scotchman who can write—and not
only that, but it appears the perfidious dog is married. This incident,
so far as I remember, is omitted from the original epic—
She went to the graveyard
To see him get him buried,
And when she came back
The Deil had got merried.
It now remains to inform you that I have taken what we call here ‘German
offence’ at not receiving cards, and that the only reparation I will
accept is that Mrs. Barrie shall incontinently upon the receipt of this
Take and Bring you to Vailima in order to apologise and be pardoned for
this offence. The commentary of Tamaitai upon the event was brief but
pregnant: ‘Well, it’s a comfort our guest-room is furnished for two.’
This letter, about nothing, has already endured too long. I shall just
present the family to Mrs. Barrie—Tamaitai, Tamaitai Matua, Teuila,
Palema, Loia, and with an extra low bow, Yours,