Charlotte Perkins Gilman, The Yellow Wallpaper
"The garden is quite beautiful," I told John this morning. He might let me enjoy an afternoon stroll there later if I eat all of my vegetables. Jennie says that they are so good for me.
I told her I'd like to see where they are grown. I have quite a little secret, really. The nice gardener handed me a note from my friend Susan Anthony this morning. The paper was white and crisp, not at all like the hideous yellow wallpaper.
Her message said I that she had been trying to reach me through John but that he said I wasn't well.
Dear John! Always so concerned about my health! I wanted to tell him about the note, but the gardener fairly pleaded with me not to do it.
His eyes are very bright for a man his age and I trust him for a reason I am sure John would not think logical. I don't think it will hurt for me to play a little game and send Susan a response. The gardener will wait for my reply as I stroll later today.
John thinks Susan is very silly. Women don't need the right to vote or own property when they have a fine husband or father to look after them. Such ideas are the mark of an overactive mind, John says.
What ever would I do with such responsibilities? I tire myself too much now with my writing, Poor John, I burden him so!
I am hoping for fair weather tomorrow. The Eastern horizon was darkened by clouds late this afternoon. The gardener took my letter to Susan and I can't wait to see if I get another! It's such a tiny little secret! Just as when Susan and I were little girls and we would write notes. I don't think John would mind very much.
The gardener seems so eager for me to keep the letters a secret from John. He even asked me not to tell Jennie. She is away this evening visiting with friends.
John says that he may have to go into town tonight to care for a patient. I truly hope the weather remains clear for him. It would be such a shame if he were to trip over the woman creeping in the garden in the dark.