#765 (old 118B)
Kuling, China
Sept. 12, '21Dearest Abby -
I have long meant to write to you "to-morrow"; indeed the only reason I haven't is that the longer I live in the antipudes [?] the more difficult it becomes for me to take my pen in hand, altho' my heart is as fond as ever. And this year with its memories of the sweetly sad June whose sheaves of roses were white has of course kept my tho'ts and loving longing centred [sic] upon you and all the beloved "Family" ather more than usual.
Not till the end of July did I learn that your dear mother was at last at rest. She must have been happy to go and your grief and loneliness must be mitigated by that thought.
Elizabeth wrote me something about the re-union and I've had sundry other documents. It must have all been very sweet and dear. I'm sorry I didn't heed your behest and write a letter. Some way I couldn't. I feel such an exile and such a back number and so out of touch with everyone. I hear from no one at all of the old crowd except you and Elizabeth. You know how ardent our correspondence is and tho' Elizabeth write fairly often quantities of her letters go astray and most of the others are merely "I'm well. How are you?" I quite mooned over the re-union in a sophomorish way, but how could I write?
At the end of August Tillie had a little M.H.C. tiffin one day - of course she was the only one I knew, but we had a very pleasant time. Tillie is looking quite distinguised in her grays and lavenders. Age becomes her more than youth. I know of no one who more heartily enjoys the prestige of her position. She's making good and I'm glad she is so proud and happy.
My little Katharine is getting the College spirit. She pored over the last issue of the Alumnae Quarterly - called it "fascinating" and eagerly inquired what her class would be.
Everard broke down from overwork in the famine field and hence had a long vacation this summer. We especially enjoyed the quiet June days doing things together, the four of us. He had been gone most of the time for four months and hence we all were keen for family fun. We walked and picnicked, had lessons, played dominoes and after the little girls were in bed I knit and E- read aloud to me.
Or reading happened to take a turn toward American History - quite fortunately as the exigencies of the program have compelled E- to take a class in American History this fall.
July was very hot and crowded with meetings. Kuling grows more and more like Chautaugua. August was full of picnics, teas and dinners. September I've been enjoying because the cooler air agrees so well with me. However, we are moving down in another week largely because poor E- has had a mess of newly arrived bachelors and temporary widowers thrust upon him and he's distraught with the task.
Wuchang's business section including the big mint was looted and burned in June. July was quiet, but August was full of ructions. Fortunately for us the fighting swung off to the south and Boone has opened with more students than she can readily accomodate.
This factional strife is getting worse and worse. We had high hopes a month ago that at last the southern republicans would triumph over the northern militarists and unite the country under some semblance of a just and secure government. Alas, just now conditions are more near anarchy than ever with Japan's mailed [?] first, descending with increasing clarity. It's a decade since the revolution and one can't see that one thing has been accomplished except much bloodshed and incessant looting.
Thanks for the paragraph you wrote about Anna Yates and her man. She is such a dear and I've been out of her life so many years that she didn't find time to answer my engagement letter and I no longer hear from Ellen - a political lady can't keep up with remote missionaries - and I did want some idea of David. I haven't sent my wedding gift yet as I want to have it made in Wuchang. Perhaps she'll acknowledge that when it reaches her.
How's the back? Elizabeth thought it was better.
I hear our next re-union is in '24. That may be when we're at home. We're due in June '23, but we're seriously talking of delaying a year. If we all keep well we probably will.
Good-bye, dear. Much loving sympathy always.
Ever fondly yours
Lucy Fish