Stanford Student Letters and Memoirs

[written] p. 24 19

[typed] Stanford University, Cal. Sept. 4, 1896

My dearest Nannie -

How I wish you could see my pretty new room - every one exclaims "What a typical college room" who enters; you know I am rooming on the second floor with Miriam Maclaren; it is a corner room and very large sunny and airy. Every morning I wake up ecstaticly happy in my sweet cosy little bed; and every night I think I am about the most fortunate little girl in the world. My course is going to be the most delightful one I ever had in the university as for once in my life my hours do not conflict. Tuesday and Thursdays at half past eight I have German - (Faust), on the same days at half past nine I have a course in history which is European history from the Peace of Westphalia to the beginning of the French Revolution, I have this under Prof. Spencer whom Theodora liked very much last year. At half past ten I have a course in practical politics under Dr. Powers - it is a course consisting of the platforms of the present campaign considered from a historical stand point and their present issues. Wednesdays Thursdays and Fridays at half past nine I have Shakespere under Prof. Anderson (bless him!) nineteenth century poets Keats, Rossetti, Mathew Arnold & Tennyson under Mr. Hudson, and at half past eleven, Wordsworth, Byron, Shelly and Browning under Anderson. Friday afternoon I have Chaucer. This makes a program of sixteen hours a week for one semester - not heavy work. Please don`t worry about me, if you knew how exuberant, jolly and happy I am every second of the day you couldn't worry if you tried. It seems so good to see everyone & this is such a dear old place anyway that one couldn't but be happy at "Mr. Jordan's school". Our new matron is quite a different type from Miss Thompson, she is an old Californian and a friend of Mrs. Stanfords, we miss Miss Thompson ever so much but we might have some one worse that Mrs.M. Redding-Clements. This morning Dr. Peet called. He is such a dear little old man, I shall be so glad to go back to his little church when I feel so much at home. The professors are all perfectly lovely - so cordial and helpful.

[Drawing of a room with parts written in: window, books, window, te atable, Books, screen, door, study table, salon, screen, dress box, window, wardrobe, bed, bed]

A very rough diagram of the room but is very artistic and Bohemian with the rugs Mr. Herme has given me to take care of for him and a beautiful palm on the reading stand. I have the etching that was over the library mirror at home,Hermes[written], and a water color of Lolies on my wall & they show off so well against the (diagram of room) blue plaster. The books and screens and tea table make it look very cosy, and I brought down some jelly to taste good. But it is nearly lunch time and I must say bye-bye.

Your loving, Toodles.

Laura is as pretty as ever - I wear shirt waists my duck or rough skirts & broad brimmed sailor hat - also my heavy tan shoes - round toed. Am going to have my pink underslip made up soon to wear under my white batiste or by itself - maybe next month or as soon as I get money enough - shall save the organdy for some swell occassion.

R.

[written] p. 316

[typed] Dec. 11 - '96

the room in apple pie order when you are solely responsible. We are reading Mathew Arnold now with Prof. Hudson and I am enjoying it immensely: We are writing a paper for him on Sohrab & Rustrum, perhaps you would be interested in know what it is to cover. The questions are I. Who was Firdausi & what is the Shahueh-mah? (a) Why is Sohrab and Rustrum called an episode? (b) What literary influences are shown in the style and _____ of the poem - give illustrations. II. To what great Greek myth does the story of Sohrab & R. show striking resemblances to. Indicate points of similarity. III. Who was the real Eurpedicles? (a) To what extent has Arnold faithfully followed the story in his poem? IV. Why does he call it a dramatic poem? (a) How far is it really dramatic? (b) What expression of Arnold himself do you find in it? V. Point out Arnold's treatment of nature in these two poems. VI. Indicate three or four passages in each that strike you as particularly fine and effective as poetry. How does Arnold's style impress you generally in comparison to Keats with Rossetti?

In class he reads to us at present Oberman Once More, and in connection with it we are to read his chapter in Culture & Anarchy on Hebrewism and Hellenism (Chap.IV) also Walter Pater's "Marius the Epicurean", expecially Part IV, Chap.23. And in connection with the verses beginning "Tears washed the trouble from her face!" read Browning's Christmas Eve. Sections 11 and with the verse "Unduped of fancy, henceforth man" must labour!." - etc. read his "God and the Bible". No doubt you know enough to do all this naturally, but I thought I would put in in anyway, he has given us the poems to read in order of his development & growth from Youth to old age - if you want me to send you the list and order I shall be happy too. The lights have gone out so I must say good night - Theodora's vacation begins next week when she is coming here. A heart full of love and thanks.

Your 21 yr. old, Toodles