Am I too familiar, Daddy? Ought I to treat you with more dignity and
aloofness?--Yes, I’m sure I ought. I’ll begin again.
* * * * *
_My dear Mr. Smith_,
You will be pleased to hear that I passed successfully my mid-year
examinations, and am now commencing work in the new semester. I am
leaving chemistry--having completed the course in qualitative
analysis--and am entering upon the study of biology. I approach this
subject with some hesitation, as I understand that we dissect
angleworms and frogs.
An extremely interesting and valuable lecture was given in the
chapel last week upon Roman Remains in Southern France. I have never
listened to a more illuminating exposition of the subject.
We are reading Wordsworth’s “Tinturn Abbey” in connection with our
course in English Literature. What an exquisite work it is, and how
adequately it embodies his conception of Pantheism! The Romantic
movement of the early part of the last century, exemplified in the
works of such poets as Shelley, Byron, Keats, and Wordsworth,
appeals to me very much more than the Classical period that preceded
it. Speaking of poetry, have you ever read that charming little
thing of Tennyson’s called “Locksley Hall”?
I am attending gymnasium very regularly of late. A proctor system
has been devised, and failure to comply with the rules causes a
great deal of inconvenience. The gymnasium is equipped with a very
beautiful swimming tank of cement and marble, the gift of a former
graduate. My room-mate, Miss McBride, has given me her bathing-suit
(it shrank so that she can no longer wear it) and I am about to
begin swimming lessons.
We had delicious pink ice-cream for dessert last night. Only
vegetable dyes are used in coloring the food. The college is very
much opposed, both from esthetic and hygienic motives, to the use of
aniline dyes.
The weather of late has been ideal--bright sunshine and clouds
interspersed with a few welcome snow-storms. I and my companions
have enjoyed our walks to and from classes--particularly from.
Trusting, my dear Mr. Smith, that this will find you in your usual
good health,