This holiday letter has a slower pace with scenic descriptions which demonstrates the closeness of Reynolds’s relationship with Miss Evans. Reynolds spends most of the letter reflecting on her role as a teacher and as a missionary. She also mentions losing two pupils to a foreign commission, in connection with other letters, we know these two are the nephews to Empress Dowager Cixi.

Peking, China

Nov. 16 – 1905

Dear Miss Evans –

Snow on the hills, the first of this season, reminds me that Christmas is coming and if I wish to send greetings they must go soon or they will be out of season. 

How I wish I could take you up into our new tower on the girls’ college and show you the view.

All the city down around below you, courts with little tile roofs, smoke and trees. 

In the near distance the yellow palace roofs and the coal hill, and in the …

… distance beyond it all and on three sides the hills. 

They are so beautiful and such an inspiration but we can’t see them unless we get up high. 

We can see most of the city gates from our tower too and the legation buildings. The girls are counting the weeks until vacation and I fear are anxious about their English – so much to do in so little time. 

I think in pictures largely and it is our supper time, not yours, but the time of day makes me see you coming from your room down the hall with all the … 

… girls , to the dining room. 

Those were good days but so are these and all the better for those blessed memories. 

I have received the money from the Carleton mission and think it will be quite enough to meet any expenses which I may have while I am in this work unless the unexpected happens. 

I am about to loose my most important pupils – as the older one goes with the commissioners to visit foreign countries and the younger one doesn’t want to study alone. It is not certain yet but I think that may be the decision from appearances. 

I have other work though and still enjoying it very, very much. 

I do not know how much good I am doing but I do know that I am gaining a great deal myself. 

God has taught me many things and I feel that it is all so that I may be better able to serve Him. 

I am so grateful for all this year has meant to me and I am thankful for past years too. It seems to me God has been so specially gracious to me, I have had so much that is best in the way of friends, I shall try to always remember His benefits, And I do hope for you and miss Lincoln and all my dear friends the best things God can give you in this new year – Lovingly,

Mary Reynolds