Catoctin clarion., 1921-08-18
Letter from Marion FirOr

busy preparing for this for several
months, but they didn't let US know un-
til two weeks before. taught my class
the Virginia Reel, jig, and another folk
dance, and as didn't do the dancing my
self, dare say, without being called
boastful, that this feature made quite a
hit. The m eet lasted for two days. June
l and g. 1t was held on big military
drill ground outside East Gate. The field
was very we'll arranged and gaily decor
ated. The soldiers kept order and did
their duty very well. The Magistrate
and the Commander of the Sixth Divis-
ion, Changsha, presided. The command
er brought his band (eight men) along,
and believe me when they played Yankee
Doodle, Marching Through Georgia,
"Rally Round the Flag Boys" and "Auld
Lang Syne", could scarcely keep from
jumping all over the place. Lakeside
took the honors in everything. and altho
we were very proud of them, yet we felt
little sorry for the other Boys Schools.
Our girls made the best showing of any
Girls School.
But such two days as these were. The
Sun was boiling hot and from to we
basked in its rays. My arms are black
and my neck is so sore, haven't had
comfortable night since. The skin is
broken open. and is very painful. AS
soon as it peels, all will be o. X. It's all
my own fault, too. wouldn't hold an
umbrella over me- just hate to bother
with one, and for fear I'd miss one event
l stayed in a sunny spot all the time.
Now the weather has changed again
and it is particularly chilly. This is re-
markabe for this time of year.
Today am visiting the school Hwa
Yung. Came over by boat yesterday.
We left at six in the morning and reach
ed here at p. m, and it was an unusu-
ally quick trip. Tomorrow l go home
and am hoping the wind will change so
III have real fast trip back. Anyway
we're going with the current. 1--WE"
are the boatmrn and ''yours truly"
How l wish you could have been with
rTludy ulSHC luC
children held their commencement and
they were darling. One item towards
the end of the program was a speech by
dear little girl. This was about my
leaving. She then presented me a big
basket decorated with flowers in which
were parting gifts from the children. 1t
was a very embarrassing time for me,
but | did appreciate their loving spirit
more than ever could find words to tell
them.
There seems to be so much work to do,
so many things to straighten out, that l
can't get time to collect few things to
bring home or to pack. Alice packed a
box with my rug, quilts and a vase. If
she hadn't done this it would still be un-
done.
This coming Friday is the 9Th of the
4th moon or the Dragon Boat Festival.
haven't seen the Dragon Boat races as
yet but l hope to see them this time.
On July Mrs. Hemrichsohn and l 60
to Peking. We are going third class and
it will be hard trip but worth it.
Don't forget July 23 will find me on
the Empress of Asia" leaving for
America.
June 13.
have been wondering all day if the
date would recall to you what happened
last year and hoping it wouldn't. Mem
orial services were held for Mr.. Reimert
at Lakeside and here but what do such
services avail when such a man has
been taken from his work. We all miss
him constantly.
On my return from Hwa Yung l had
quite surprise. AS the first and second
year children were to 60 home on Friday
they decided to give me a farewell on
Thursday night. There were especially
composed songs, or perhaps l should say
drges, and clever jolly little play, after
which huge chair was placed upon the
platform which was forced to occupy.
When the school stood up and sang their
farewell song, felt like Goddess of
Mercy sitting on lonely lotus in mid
oCcdH. AltSIWdTuS IWO VI IHe SLldlleSt
children came forward with tray on
which was pretty little box which they
presented to me. In it was the dearest
jade pendant. l won't attempt to de-
scribe 1t; you'll see it soon enough. How
| shall always prize their loving gift.
Oh, yes, must tell you about the SEN
sation made. Surely you remember
the blue and white and black voile you
sent me. 1t reminds one of a check ar-
board. 1t was just made up and donned
it Sunday, changing from my usual Gus
tom of wearing Chinese clothes on that
Day. Well, the people all along the way
were enthusiastic about it. There were
remarks of Every pretty, beautiful,
lovely" etc., ETC., and the S. S. children
were almost demoralized. l was sorry
in way had worn it, but on third con-
sideration was glad. Our clothes gen.
orally look 80 ugly to them that l was
pleased to think l had one foreign dress
which was pretty in their eyes. But in
spite of my dress there were still several
foreign harlot" epithets bawled after
me. But then would not feel natural
if vent out and nobody called me that
4 L. - L RI