Stanford Student Letters and Memoirs

[written] 11

[typed] took the noon train for San Jose, as I wanted to go to the bank for money for my silk waist and fare to the city. I took luncheon with Gertrude and then we both went out to Allis Ballan's - to see Allis who got back from her trip Monday, and to get some millenery out there for a winter everyday hat. Allis looks thin but appears better- more composed and rational and prettier in white mull than I have seen her for a long time. Mrs. B. was as sweet and dear as ever sending much love to you. I took the 6 P.M. train home and got here in time for a late dimmer. Friday I studied and had an examination with Miss Mosher the head of the gymnasium. It was the "ancestory" ex. and I passed all right. Not having to go back farther than Mama and Papa. Saturday was the jolliest day of all. Theodora and I took the 8:30 train for S.F. We went first and got my cape which is repaired beautifully for $2.50 and looks as good as new - no new fur but old repaired. Then I went to Miss O'Strander's. The waist was not done, but lovely even in embryo state. It is to be finished Wednesday. Theodora talked with Fred who gives us a feeling of security. He advises we consult either Judge Myrick/or Judge Rhodes and is going to consult with Mr. Gosbey himself and investigate accounts with Theodora Thursday. Then Theodora and I had chicken pattie at the Women's Exchange. Then we did an errand or two and by way of "spontaneous variation" bought gallery tickets for 35¢ for "Tribly". I never enjoyed anything more in my life. The play was strong and well acted. It was most as much fun as discovering the Maitland house to go up and up the gallery stairs not knowing whether we would get in a smoking, gum-chewing mob or not but we found ourselves in the midst of fashinoable respectability and had such a good time. We left just before the last act to see Louise, but we missed the 5:30

[written] p. 12 g XVI

[typed] The last time that Rose and I were in San José together, Ge trude and Miss McKinnon got a surrey and drove us out to Allis' She is very much changed - for the better. She had found the repose that she lacked; but I am unable to tell whether it is great happiness or the end of a hard struggle that has brought her this peace. Mr. Bradford goes to Africa in a month - not to return for 5 years. He gives Allis no encouragement for a marriage under a year but Allis looks on the hopeful side and thinks it will be less than a year. She expects to follow him to Africa and be married there, after he is finally established. She is announcing her engagement and seems full of peace. I hope he will appreciate this rare girl that he will get when he marries Allis.

(June?), Rose and I hear, is down here and very much wants us to see us to get a recommendation as cook for the Figi House! Isn't that a huge joke! He got into some difficulty at Mrs. Parks and wrote me a long letter saying she wouldn't pay him what she owed him and beseeching me to see her in his behalf ending with profuse blessings etc, etc. -a letter which I paid not attention to and I doubt if I shall recommend him. I think it will be hard for him any place and he will have to adapt himself more than he has any idea of before he makes a success of any place.

I am afraid you will think we have forgotten our studies when I tell you we are thinking of organizing a whist club of 6 girls and 6 boys to meet once a mo. or so. It is very undeveloped as yet, but 4 of us girls have played a few times and enjoy it so much, we hope to carry it further. (note on side)We admire your own immensly

Give my love to Aunt Clara, with a heap for your own dear self. Theodora.

[written] 14

[typed] on the 9:36 train of San Jose. It was a beautiful morning and we walked to the Station as we had missed the 8:10 train and supposed we had plenty of time. Helen Younger, a lovely Santa Cruz girl went with us, when to my consternation we discovered we had only six minutes to make the last half of the distance in, we made it by running the last block. Good fortune seemed to follow us all day. I took my dress to a Mrs. Brown(?) a woman who makes all the dresses for one of the best clothed girls here. She generally goes into sew sew at $2.50 but said she would make my dress for 5 or 6 dollars at home and within the week. It is to be a plain dress with tartilin under-peticots made about like my dimity skirtthe neck is to have a ripple accordian pleated ruffle with bunches or rather bouquets of double violets on the shoulder and white satin belt ribbon. Miss Erkus(?) could do nothing for Theodora so on the recommendation of Meda mcMillian and Jeanie Mayberry whom we saw in the street she took it to a Mrs. Maxon who promises to remodel it within the week with white satin caps. I left an order for white evening gloves and will be fixed and so will Theodora for the future. That little white imitation ivory fan you gave me is just in style and I am going to use it. We took luncheon with Gertrude and what should she and Miss McKinnon (whom we met taking two children to a dog show]] do but get a surrey and horse and drive us out to Allis Ballon's in the afternoon - I got some whale bones and hooks and eyes out there, and Theodora had a little visit with Allis. We got back in time to take the six o'clock train back and get a seven o'clock dinner. After dinner Theodora, Alice Colt Alice Wheeler and I sat down to a game of whist. I was interupted and surprised by a call from a Mr. Royse Stroher (Figi) a very nice boy in most of my classes. Helen Younger took my hand at cards and

[written] p. 14

[typed] Sunday - June 28 - '96

we wake up, & the evening is my only chance to read. Have not quite finished "The Diamond Necklace " yet - was very glad to come across it as I was very misty about that incident of the Fr. Rev. Is Carlyle partisen in his treatment of it? Even if he is I gather a very clear idea of the affair from his striking account. He makes you understand a thing as if you were an actual observer of such a case speculating, moralizing & forming your own opinions as you look, or do I cheat myself, are they his opinions he so subtely makes your own? As soon as I finish the N___, I am going to read Pendennis - your copy that Gertrude has lent me. My impressions of Erasmus you have revived, as my only acquaintance with him was in the Education I course a year ago where I met him as a Humanist educational leader. I shall hope to read the Harper's story as soon as I get back to college where there are magazines. What a pity you are having such uncomfortable weather - the days here are cool and breezy now. I wonder with you as to how I might like Cazeuoria, I have such a vivid impression of its gossiping, conventionality, its handfull of freakish grotesque characters, its butterfly processions of summer people, and its beautiful natural setting that I am quite curious as to whether I am mistaken or not. I generally have toward people that I hear many bad things about and who have a few good qualities quite a leaning, or at least a tacitern way of sticking up for them;probably it would be the same way with Cazinovia, I might like it very much at first and find it beautiful and interesting but if I should have to stay there a long time I know I should hate it for I should hate to live in a place where I couldn't get at least a whiff of a broad, free, active life where people are working & doing something, and where you can get some higher progressive life, & know & be associated with people of high progressive thought, & hear fine music and see goo plays - even if you have to get a third balcony seat at the theater. Gertrude came down for a last little glimpse Friday evening - she looked very tired but I hope her trip will greatly revive her instead of wearying her the more. Theodora and I were dressing to go over to Mrs. Might's for a little evening to meet a Mr. & Mrs. Jackson - bride & groom from Malta - so the glimpse of Trudie wasn't very satisfactory as I was so taken up with Rose Payne & the way she looked. The evening was a jolly one - playing an observation's game - I helped Mrs. W. at the tasting table - for it was progressive - so didn't play. There was a seeing, swelling, touching & tasting table & every one was blindfolded except where they were timed at the seeing table, & the prizes were given to the one who had guessed the greatest number of things correctly - each one wrote down on a card what she thought she had tasted smelt etc. Charlotte Newbury & Dr. Grisem got the prizes - a prettily framed photo of the "Long words" & a silver knife. Theodora came within one of getting the photo. It seemed very natural to be having a good time in that pretty home but I think Theodora really enjoys things more, she hates to start so that she has a pleasent reaction that I entirely miss. I meant to get up at five to see Trude off the next morning but woke up a quarter of an hour too late & had to give it up - was sorry as I have done nothing for her birthday or her journey and am ashamed of myself; will try to concoct something this vacation for her return as soon as this clothes business is off my mind. Mrs. Might sent over quantities of ice-cream & cake & salad" after the ball was over". Major Bradford has had the appoint of manager of the mine - the position Mr. Aberdeen - his partner left - so Allis is at the head of an establishment - servants & carriages furnished - and a salary of 12,000 a year for her husband. A good beginning for Allis's enterprise. Theodora has just