6 A.M.
One can say things so much easier in a letter -- I can , anyway . Even my voice affects me -- swelling and falling when I am moved , like a billow on the ocean . I find my writing can not any longer be done in a sitting position in bed , but I can prop my book on my breast and write lying down . MARY O'NEILL 'S LETTER TO MARTIN CONRAD _ August 9th _ , 6 A.M. MY OWN DARLING , -- Strengthen yourself for what I am going to say . It will be very hard for you -- I know that , dear . To-morrow we were to have gone to the High Bailiff ; this day week we were to have sailed for Sydney , and two months hence we were to have reached Winter Quarters . But I can not go with you to the High Bailiff 's ; I can not go with you to Sydney ; I can not go with you to Winter Quarters ; I can not go anywhere from here .