I've finished the second draft of my book and am going to begin the third tomorrow morning at half-past seven.It's the sweetest book you ever saw-it is，truly.I think of nothing else.I can barely wait in the morning to dress and eat before beginning；then I write and write and write till suddenly I'm so tired that I'm limp all over.Then I go out with Colin（the new sheep dog）and romp through the fields and get a fresh supply of ideas for the next day.It's the most beautiful book you ever saw-oh，pardon-I said that before.
You don't think me conceited，do you，Daddy dear？
I'm not，really，only just now I'm in the enthusiastic stage.Maybe later on I'll get cold and critical and sniffy.No，I'm sure I won't!This time I've written a real book.Just wait till you see it.
I'll try for a minute to talk about something else.I never told you，did I，that Amasai and Carrie got married last May？They are still working here，but so far as I can see it has spoiled them both.She used just to laugh when he tramped in mud or dropped ashes on the floor，but now-you should hear her scold!And she doesn't curl her hair any longer.Amasai，who used to be so obliging about beating rugs and carrying wood，grumbles if you suggest such a thing.Also his neckties are quite dingy-black and brown，where they used to be scarlet and purple.I've determined never to marry.It's a deteriorating process，evidently.
There isn't much of any farm news.The animals are all in the best of health.The pigs are unusually fat，the cows seem contented，and the hens are laying well.Are you interested in poultry？If so，let me recommend that invaluable little work 200Eggs per Hen per Year.I am thinking of starting an incubator next spring and raising broilers.You see，I'm settled at Lock Willow permanently.I have decided to stay until I've written 114novels like Anthony Trollop's mother.Then I shall have completed my life work and can retire and travel.