Medical Mishap Averted

I had a dreadful fright this morning. The maid who brought my hot water gave me a small bottle ½ full of liquid and partly by words and partly by gestures explained that she had broken my bottle in dusting, but had brought me another of the same medicine. I thought she meant that she had passed what was left of the cascara into another bottle, but in handing the bottle found it left a yellow stain in my hand and it proved to be tincture of iodine.

What would have become of me if I had taken 40 drops of tincture of iodine? I don’t know. I went right down to the Signora and she called the maids up and talked to them well, but I don’t think it made much impression and indeed I think she helped them get the medicine. Was much shaken up over it. Went to church and gave 5 lire for a thanks offering. Wrote to Florence to tell her about what had happened to me and to tell her of father’s 3 accidents to prove to her that she couldn’t have his disease.

Began a letter to Alfred. Took a nap – then went over to get some gelato – ice-cream – a German woman came up and sat with me and we talked a while in four languages. She was alone and lonely and her only son is in America. Came home and sat in my window to listen to the band playing in the Lizza.

Walked in the Lizza with the Oudesluys after dinner. Sat up till after midnight writing to Alfred about the disposition of the furniture in California.

Slow Rainy Day

I was awfully tired so I stayed in bed and had breakfast and studied the grammar there. Did not get dressed till 10. Helen came up to say that they were around with the banners and the winning horse and wanted money to help about the dinner so Helen and I gave 5 francs between us.
I washed out several pieces and had nice hot water for it.
Helen in the meantime moved into the front room. She cares so much about the room she has that I like her to have the best on for it makes her happier.

Lay down and slept after lunch – then went in with my letter to Jeannie Hincks,* telling her about prices re in regard to coming abroad next winter. Helen came in and invited me to go to walk and I got all dressed but it looked so dark that I did not go. I forgot to say that we had a thunderstorm after lunch. Went into Mrs. Oudesluy’s room with my sewing and told them the story of Margaret’s wedding which amused them very much.

After dinner played part of a game of Sequence with Mrs. Oudesluys and then Helen, Mrs. O and I went out and walked to the end of the Lizza and back – her daughter and Miss Flora, Signora’s daughter went too. – Came in at ten and came upstairs and finished letter to Jeannie Hincks.

*This may have been the daughter of her grandfather’s sister, Jeannie Hincks