Stanford Student Letters and Memoirs

[written] p. 12 b XI

[typed] much to our surprise. But Mrs. Miss Thompson didn't know we were out and Mrs. B. would have taken offense if we had declined. I think she is very anxious for us to join the Cappa fraternity. What do you think about it? I am not going to join! tho' I think Rose after all her adversion is rather inclined to. Bessie showed me a collection of Vickerey's Missions of California - exquisite - photogravures or something on that order. And I immediately thought of Miss Rhoda - wishing so much she might have a set if she has not already been satisfied in that direction. The next time I am in S.F. I will see how much they are and don't you think it would be a nice thing to give her Christmas? Last night was our Roble reception to the Profs. and I really enjoyed it after I recovered from my stage fright. Rose had been assistant decorator and the halls did look lovely - A profusion of Bamboo - and little tables with flowers on them the length of the corridor - was the refreshment room. I felt like a cat in a strange garret at first but when my eyes got accustomed to the strange sight, I began to have a good time. Rose had snkched (?) me into my lavendar and I felt about as stiff as a sawdust doll. Rose wore her black silk decollté and looked beautiful. I took Prof. Griggs bless him, out to refreshments and the dear man said if I was doing all the work in Ethics 3- even tho' I weren't registered if I passed the exam he would give me credit for it. Wasn't that lovely of him, And he didn't know at all who I was except that I was a Payne. Prof. Hudson said he would remember to class me with the Paynes here-after . I think he thinks you are a Payne too. Miss Jones inquired very obsequiously after you did Mrs. Maitland. What a strong grand woman she is! I like her very much.

Tues. Oct. 22nd.

It seems as if purposely I had left my letter unsent until today, when I could thank you for you dear cheering letter, tho' I had in fact quite forgotten the exact day of my birthday, thinking I would forget

[written] 30

[typed] May 31 - '97 San Jose at Gertrudes

Nannie dearest -

Well, well, the very first Sunday after the routine was over I missed writing my letter to you- not that I did anything that day - but just luxuriated in my laziness from morning till night. The week has been such a full one and has ended by my finding myself here at Mrs. McMillans eating my head off at her excellent table. I don't know which end to begin but guess with this morning's happiness - for Gertrude, after she saw Theodora off for Stanford on the 8o'clock train, went with me out to the cemetery. We started a little after eight o'clock with Punch and the Phaeton and had such a happy cool ride and found the dear resting place beautifully kept. I had gotten the St. Joseph lilies from the altar at church the evening before that Miss Wakefield so very kindly offered and you can picture how pretty each mound looked with its two stalks of pure lilies. It is Memorial Day of course and before we left many people had begun coming out. We drove around town in the same old jog fashion and I had a satisfactory little talk with Mr. Gostey- just to let him know that Theodora had gone to the University for the summer work and could be easily reached by telephone. I like him ever so much and feel sure he is doing his level best for the Payne estate.

Of course, Theodora has told you about the day or two here and calling upon Aunty Carry and Auntie Sue and Mrs Ballou who are all well and inquiring about you. The last commencement days were full of utmost confusion a. The most delightful thing was the Promenade Concert - the night was just warm enough mild and bright with stars - the dear Quad was outlined with chinese langterns and San Francisco's best orchestra gave the most beautiful music near the east entrance - the whole reminded me more of the World's Fair than anything else - all of the short arcades were transformed into pretty booths where different sets of girls met their friends and served refreshments. Prof.Allardice gave a little dinner party just before inviting two Miss Risings-daughters of Prof. Rising of Berkeley - who were visitinging the university, Grace Barstow, a Mr. Stadmiller from S.F. Mrs Myrich for chaperone and myself. It was the most charming dinner I was ever at- deliciously cooked and so daintily served with Prof. Young passing the coffee or passing the champagne and Prof. Allardice carving the roast. It certainly takes men to entertain beautifully. I felt very honored to have my first and last promendde with Prof. Allardice and to have him escort me home.

In your last letter you asked about Mr. Pomeroy - he was assistant professor in law last year but is now practising in the city and is a great friend of the Myricks where I met him - he is the son of the great law text book maker and jurist - don't be alarmed about him he is harmless and likes to call and make himself entertaining. I find my most congenial friends among the youngn professors - though the boys are lovely yet their tastes grow toward freshmen girls as mine grow toward freshmen. the faculty.

Mr. and Mrs. Teggart asked me to tea during commencement and I found them spending a few last days in a dear little cottage before moving into another still dearer little cottage just newly built - the have the most rollicking sixteen month old baby - so intelligent and jolly - light like the mother, but with the father's features. The tea was deliciously cooked and served by Mrs. Teggart - Mrs. Maitland and her Helen were there and the table talk was so bright and entertaining - all about politics