When I started this letter, I had no intention of filling it with a
description of the recently excavated charms of Robin MacRae; it's just
by way of remorseful apology. He was so nice and companionable last
night that I have been going about today feeling conscience-smitten at
the thought of how mercilessly I made fun of him to you and Jervis. I
really didn't mean quite all of the impolite things that I said. About
once a month the man is sweet and tractable and engaging.
Punch has just been paying a social call, and during the course of it
he lost three little toadlings an inch long. Sadie Kate recovered one of
them from under the bookcase, but the other two hopped away; and I'm so
afraid they've taken sanctuary in my bed! I do wish that mice and snakes
and toads and angleworms were not so portable. You never know what is
going on in a perfectly respectable-looking child's pocket.
I had a beautiful visit in Casa Pendleton. Don't forget your promise to
return it soon.
Yours as ever,
SALLIE.
P.S. I left a pair of pale-blue bedroom slippers under the bed. Will
you please have Mary wrap them up and mail them to me? And hold her
hand while she writes the address. She spelt my name on the place cards
"Mackbird."
Tuesday.
Dear Enemy:
As I told you, I left an application for an accomplished nurse with the
employment bureau of New York.
Wanted! A nurse maid with an ample lap suitable for the accommodation of
seventeen babies at once.
She came this afternoon, and this is the fine figure of a woman that I
drew!
We couldn't keep a baby from sliding off her lap unless we fastened him
firmly with safety pins.
Please give Sadie Kate the magazine. I'll read it tonight and return it
tomorrow.
Was there ever a more docile and obedient pupil than
S. McBRIDE?
Thursday. My dear Judy:
I've been spending the last three days busily getting under way all
those latest innovations that we planned in New York. Your word is law.
A public cooky jar has been established.
Also, the eighty play boxes have been ordered. It is a wonderful
idea, having a private box for each child, where he can store up his
treasures. The ownership of a little personal property will help develop
them into responsible citizens. I ought to have thought of it myself,
but for some reason the idea didn't come. Poor Judy! You have inside
knowledge of the longings of their little hearts that I shall never be
able to achieve, not with all the sympathy I can muster.