October 3rd.
_Dear Daddy-Long-Legs_,
Back at college and a Senior--also editor of the _Monthly_. It
doesn’t seem possible, does it, that so sophisticated a person,
just four years ago, was an inmate of the John Grier Home? We do
arrive fast in America!
What do you think of this? A note from Master Jervie directed to
Lock Willow and forwarded here. He’s sorry but he finds that he
can’t get up there this autumn; he has accepted an invitation to go
yachting with some friends. Hopes I’ve had a nice summer and am
enjoying the country.
And he knew all the time that I was with the McBrides, for Julia
told him so! You men ought to leave intrigue to women; you haven’t
a light enough touch.
Julia has a trunkful of the most ravishing new clothes--an evening
gown of rainbow Liberty crêpe that would be fitting raiment for the
angels in Paradise. And I thought that my own clothes this year were
unprecedentedly (is there such a word?) beautiful. I copied Mrs.
Paterson’s wardrobe with the aid of a cheap dressmaker, and though
the gowns didn’t turn out quite twins of the originals, I was
entirely happy until Julia unpacked. But now--I live to see Paris!
Dear Daddy, aren’t you glad you’re not a girl? I suppose you think
that the fuss we make over clothes is too absolutely silly? It is.
No doubt about it. But it’s entirely your fault.
Did you ever hear about the learned Herr Professor who regarded
unnecessary adornment with contempt, and favored sensible,
utilitarian clothes for women? His wife, who was an obliging
creature, adopted “dress reform.” And what do you think he did?
He eloped with a chorus girl.
Yours ever,