Dear Theo,

A few words in a hurry, because tomorrow is St. Nicholas Day. It is such a pleasant day in Holland, I should like to celebrate it once more.

I am looking forward to Christmas, aren't you? We shall have a great many things to talk about. It is a pity that Anna cannot come too; I hope she also will have pleasant days. Christmas in England is very interesting, and perhaps Anna will learn to love her surroundings better if she celebrates the holiday there and helps to make things pleasant in the house.

My dear Englishman (Gladwell is his name) is also going home for a few days. You can imagine how he longs to go; he has never been away from home before.

Write to me soon.

Is it as cold in Holland as it is here? With our little stove, Gladwell and I are very comfortable - morning and evening.

I have taken to smoking a pipe again and I enjoy it as of old. Compliments to everybody who may ask about me. A warm handshake from

Your loving brother, Vincent