A Drinking Problem Nicholas Adam Dagel Dearest Mother, It is I, your loving son Anselmo. I’m writing to inform you that your youngest son is a success. As you know, it’s been nearly a fortnight since my landing in Bavaria. In the time since my arrival in this ominous and beautiful country, I have been appointed as the dutiful servant of the mintmaker, the issuer of currency and a wealthy landowner, the right and honorable Count Orlok. The Count has recently taken to sickness. And in his illness, he has required the services of an able-bodied man to help him in the upkeep of his estate. He also requires assistance in the performance of his duties as mintmaker. I had been staying in an inn after I arrived in this foreign land. I went to the innkeeper and inquired where I might find employment. The innkeeper informed me of the open position here at Count Orlok’s estate, and upon the beginning of my employment here, Count Orlok graciously provided me with lodging in a small cabin on his land. It’s funny, dear Mother. When some locals heard of my acceptance of this position, the Vicar himself came to me to warn me of the Count’s strange activities. However, I’ve found that despite the odd hours he keeps, the Count is a truly generous and kind-hearted man. I’ve found the denizens of Bavaria to be a superstitious and cowardly lot. Count Orlok is a lovely man. He’s even offered me some inheritance if I continue in my faithful service! Regards, Anselmo.
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