THE MATH, BELUR,
HOWRAH,
8th November, 1901.
MY DEAR JOE, (Miss Josephine MacLeod.)
By this this time you must have received the letter explaining the word abatement. I did not write the letter nor send the wire. I was too ill at the time to do either. I have been ever since my trip to East Bengal almost bedridden. Now I am worse than ever with the additional disadvantage of impaired eyesight. I would not write these things, but some people require details, it seems.
Well, I am so glad that you are coming over with your Japanese friends — they will have every attention in my power. I will most possibly be in Madras. I have been thinking of leaving Calcutta next week and working my way gradually to the South.
I do not know whether it will be possible to see the Orissan temples in company with your Japanese friends. I do not know whether I shall be allowed inside myself — owing to my eating “Mlechchha” food. Lord Curzon was not allowed inside.
However, your friends are welcome to what I can do always. Miss Müller is in Calcutta. Of course she has not visited us.
Yours with all love,
VIVEKANANDA.