I MUST show him that he can't dictate to me. No one can dictate to me
but you, Daddy--and you can't always! I'm off for the woods.
Judy
CAMP MCBRIDE,
Dear Daddy,
Your letter didn't come in time (I am pleased to say). If you wish your
instructions to be obeyed, you must have your secretary transmit them
in less than two weeks. As you observe, I am here, and have been for
five days.
The woods are fine, and so is the camp, and so is the weather, and so
are the McBrides, and so is the whole world. I'm very happy!
There's Jimmie calling for me to come canoeing. Goodbye--sorry to have
disobeyed, but why are you so persistent about not wanting me to play a
little? When I've worked all the summer I deserve two weeks. You are
awfully dog-in-the-mangerish.
However--I love you still, Daddy, in spite of all your faults.
Judy
3rd October
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 crepe 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 favoured 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.