Dear Pearl,

Miss Blue sends her highest regards, Pearl. I am staying with her long enough to recuperate from a beastly virus - or is it ennui - that has kept me bedridden since Monday. Blasted Louise swears by mustard poultices which I wear to humor her. I feel a rash coming on. And there's a faint scent of mildew where the wretched things cling wetly to my chest. Crumbs!  It's a dog's life!

With All Due Respect,

Schubert