I. began to think whether it would not be advisable to black my face, put on simply a muslin petticoat and veil, and settle down as a native. That horrid sea, and four months at least of it! If it were not for you, and a few others, I never could set about that voyage. It is the only thing I am a coward about, but I cannot conceal the melancholy fact that, whenever I think of it, I am frightened to death, and it prevents my eating anything now. That dear dry land, if ever we make it again! Mind it is quite dry.
This is my birthday, moreover, and, besides fright, I am nearly dead of old age. George gave me such a pretty pair of earrings to-day—quite his own thought. I suppose he has got a trick giving presents this month. I am quite tired of buying for him and of seeing native jewellers. I bought eight rings the last. two days—emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds—that, strung altogether, were quite a sight to see. The servants like them better than 10l. in money, which they spend at once, as Mussulmans think jt a sin to save.
