UNPACKING 25 



labour of Simla. They seem to me to be absolutely 

 mad on the subject of social functions in this 

 country. It seems to be one incessant round of 

 garden-parties, dinners, and dances. I do not 

 think, however, that they will get me to go out 

 much in Simla any more than they did in Calcutta. 



I was very glad indeed to get your letter, and 

 shall always be grateful whenever you write to me, 

 as I cannot but feel very much alone, removed as I 

 am from all my old friends and English associations, 

 although I must say I have received much kindness 

 and consideration since I landed in India. 



Since my arrival here I have not had time to 

 look round, my whole days being taken up in 

 putting the house straight and unpacking my 

 worldly goods from England. I am glad I brought 

 many of my things from England. Most of the 

 shops here are dear and the stuff is bad, and al- 

 though bringing things from England entails great 

 trouble and some extra expense, on the whple I 

 think it is the better plan. 



I have been unfortunate in one respect. The 

 earthquake of last October caused a great crack 

 in the main chimney-shaft of the house, and the 

 first fire lighted nearly burned down Peterhof. 

 All the carpets and some of the floors have had to 

 come up, and I have experienced all the misery 

 inseparable from builders, bricks and mortar, dust 

 and dirt, to say nothing of being unable to light 

 fires. But things are getting straight, and I hope 

 soon to settle down for the first time since I landed 

 in India. 



