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The Letters of Katherine Mansfield: Volume I

Thursday — October 9, 1919

Thursday
October 9, 1919

I have just had an interview with a bonne who does not speak 1 word of French—a pretty, nice, awfully nice girl with pearly teeth. What she said, what I said, I really don't know.

Me: La lettiere nonne arrivato attendre duo giorni venuto Bordighera?

She: Si, si, cuisino.

Me: Oh, dear, what a bother!

She: Si, si, dimancho-sabbato.

I finally gave her a letter in French for the woman at the dairy to translate, and off she went. When (to make it plain) I showed her the empty room with two coat-hooks and a sheepskin in it, she seemed to think it superbly furnished. “Bono, bono, molto bono!” A sort of Maori haka! Wise old Feltie, 2 listening in the hall, is still shaking with laughter.

I think she is just the person—young, strong, pretty, with black, laughing eyes, a bit grubby, but only de la terre, a kind of Italian Marie 3 of a lower class. She gave a little page 248 half curtsey when we parted. What will come of it? She also wrote on a bit of paper, Da muni vineri si. Whether that means she is coming or that she is fond of wine I am still not certain….

It's a lovely morning. I am working and very happy. It's hot—grilling. I think I shall have a pet lizard here. L. M. said a sissida (cicada) was buzzing round her electric light all last night. What do you think of that?

I had a letter from S. to-day which really boxed it. I mean, he said it was only my “indomitable will” (!) which kept me alive this last year, and he is sure I shall now get absolutely well and “grow into your dream of achievement.” This, of course, makes me feel cicatrisé all over and also rouses my pride. I will.

2 A large grey felt hat which we possessed in common.

3 The bonne at the Villa Pauline.