THE same familiarity may be observed by parents when
corresponding with their children, with, of course, the addition
of a certain amount of dignity commensurate with the fact that
they are, as it were, _in loco parentis_. The following example
will no doubt be of aid to parents in correctly corresponding
with their children:
A Correct Letter from a Mother to Her Son Congratulating Him on
His Election to the Presidency of the United States
DEAR FREDERICK:
I am very glad that you have been elected President of the United
States, Frederick, and I hope that now you will have sense enough to
see Dr. Kincaid about your teeth. It would be well to have him give
you a thorough looking over at this time. And Mrs. Peasely has given
me the name of a splendid throat specialist in New York whom I wish
you would see as soon as possible, for it has been almost a year
since you went to Dr. Ryan. Are you getting good wholesome food? Mrs.
Dennison stopped in this morning and she told me that Washington is
very damp in the spring and I think you had better get a new
overcoat—a heavy warm one. She also told me the name of a place where
you can buy real woolen socks and pajamas. I hope that you aren’t
going to be so foolish as to wear those short B. V. D.’s all winter
because now that you are president you must take care of yourself,
Edward dear. Are you keeping up those exercises in the morning? I
found those dumb-bells of yours in the attic yesterday and will send
them on to you if you wish. And, dear, please keep your throat
covered when you go out—Mrs. Kennedy says that the subways are always
cold and full of draughts. I saw a picture of you at the “movies” the
other evening and you were making a speech in the rain without a hat
or rubbers. Your uncle Frederick was just such a fool as you are
about wearing rubbers and he almost died of pneumonia the winter we
moved to Jefferson Avenue. Be sure and let me know what Dr. Kincaid
says and tell him _everything_. Your _loving_ mother. P. S. What
direction does your window face?