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93

Sunday, 27 September 1925

   The day was almost entirely spent in my study, and I did many letters, getting myself partly on top again so far as correspondence is concerned. This business of correspondence reminds me of a man trying to sit on top of a floating barrel and at the same time tie his shoes or his necktie or something  Most of the time he spends on the necktie, either with difficulty keeping his balance on the barrel or trying half-heartedly to scramble up out of the water onto it. Occasionally he makes a determined effort, forgetting the necktie, and then when he has got on top the whole struggle begins over again; and he never gets tie tied or the barrel to shore. Still some letters have to be written, and some we could not be happy without writing, and so such days as this.

   In the evening we went to the Fergusons' for supper. Dr. Ferguson is in Shangahi, so we had a sort of friendly reunion, with just Mrs. Ferguson, her daughter Mary, Eleanor, Louise and us present. We were not [[underline]] too [[/underline]] bored.

Monday, 28 September 1925

   This morning we took a little walk and did a few errands. Having received notice that my boxes from home had been reshipped from Shanghai, I took the bills of lading to the Canadian Pacific agents, Jardine, Matheson and Company, and left an order to have them forwarded to me. In the afternoon I had to go off again to the School of Chinese Studies. We have our openning service and dedication next Sunday, and it behooves to get things as nearly ready as possible. Especially since school opens the day after. The building is getting finished at a great rate. Two weeks ago one could scarcely have imagined that today it would be as it is. Next week, with no single room in the place completely finished, we shall be so fixed up that people will be surprised and delighted.

   The girls from Ting Hsiang Hutung came over to tea this afternoon. Dorothy had sent them a formal invitation, so they came very formally, and much fun was had by all. I arrived late on the scene but in time for some cake and farewells.