Stanford Student Letters and Memoirs

[written] 3

[typed] Sunday--Feb.

My dear Nannie--

I seem to have hunted in vain for larger letter paper, and only hope this won't get lost in the mail. A whole week I have been lounging luxuriously in that daintiest of pink wrappers whenever occasion and time offered, and think you are the lovingest--most thoughtful person to give first just[written] what I had said only a week before that I wanted so much.

It came while Rose was sick and I could not believe it was really for me. Thank you so much my sweet dear Nannie--it seems so far away to express what I want to; in fact Edison himself can't hug by electricity.

Rose has been in San Jose just[written] a week yesterday. I thot she would be back today, but undoubtedly Laura has persuaded her to stay and come down tomorrow. She has been taking some Turkish baths which Dr. K. thot would be good for her, and she says she is very fair now. She was so yellow, just like parchment--even the whites of her eyes were saffron, but I am so glad she has been wise enough to recuperate thoroughly. Thursday at Fr. Rev. saw Paul Mabury. He comes down twice a week to lecture, and in the course of the conversation, he urged me to come down and see the girls, but I told him that Bella hadn't accepted my invitations to visit in and that I wanted to see her so much. He forthwith told Bella who wrote me a note that night saying she would be down Saturday unless she heard from me to the contrary. I was delighted and we had such a nice little visit but all too short, since she had to go back on the noon train today as there was no train between that and one that would arrive in S.J. after dark. She is enjoying her business college work so much. The reason that I have not said much about my drawing is that I have all but "flunked" in it! Prof. Clark is absolutely the rudest and most disaagreeable man it has ever been my misfortune to be under. And as a consequence after drawing under him for an afternoon I have once or twice been so sused up with rage and pity by turns that I have gone to bed to recuperate. Very seriously, I thought of dropping it this semester but I was bound I would make the man be civil at least--tho I know we will never agree. My history & Fr. I enjoy much. Mrs. Schneider invited Rose & me down there to stay all night Tuesday night and be there for a dancing party. I should liked to have gone but did not feel that I could afford it as I have been guilty of a most rash and extravagant act. I went to hear Paderwerski! I had to go to the city to have my dress fixed that I had made at Christmas time and so got a two dollar seat with Helen Younger who went also. I wanted Rose to hear him as she would have done if she had accepted Helen Lathrop's invitation to San Quentin for Friday last but Dr. K. preferred her to stay in S.J. which I think was better for her even tho she missed the rare treat. He certainly combines the greatest strength & power with the most exquisite delicacy and refinement. He perhaps will come down here to the University.

You don't know how sorry & surprised I was to hear of the Fort Stoniax bank failure. I know you had considered that such good stock. Did Aunt Clara have anything in that too? Mr. Mabury sent word by Bella that the Woolen Mill was going to do well now in his opinion. I will write to Mr. Crosby & see what he can do about selling your shares. I suppose it is on the books--the number that you have. We have been having a perfect winter--such perfect days as balmy as June. This is an ideal place with much to enjoy. I have a new course with Mrs. Barnes--19th century history which I like so much I. I think she

[written] p. 25 20

[typed] Stanford University, Cal. Tuesday, September 29, 1896

My dearest Nannie -

There is only a minute before the lights go out but it will be time to begin a line to my precious Nannie. Last Sunday, Helen & I hired an inexpensive little rig with a good horse and drove down to San Mateo to see and surprise Lolie. It was such fun and I never enjoyed anything more in my life. We left here at eight o'clock, reached San Mateo at ten-thirty & home again by six-thirty with dinner & visit with Theodora in between. The lights went out and I went to bed so shall finish this now. We came home about six-thirty hungry as bears after our ride - The country is so beautiful all about here, it is an education and a happiness just to live in it. At San Mateo we went into the beautiful little stone Episcipol Church and saw marvelous stained glass; the first that I ever saw in my live and the texture of the garments, the coloring and the expressions of face & figure was wonderful.

Everything has heaped up this week but I enjoy the work all the more - that reminds me - Prof. Hudson requires his class to get his so new book___ so[written] may not I send it on to you when I am through with it. I shall take good care of it & be so pleased to have you have my copy. I don't like Hudson nearly as much now as when a Freshman, perhaps Prof. Andersons genuiness & depth has spoiled me for Hudson's chattering superficiality.

Next Saturday the Glee Club is going to San Jose, and Laura has asked Mr. Abbott, Mr. Holbrook and me to stay in their pretty flat. There is to be a football game in the afternoon, and so I have several errands to do to do in S.J. I think I shall go; especially as I have a ticket I bought for my extra baggage coming here. I forgot to say that Gertrude had spent the night with Theodora so we saw her too when in San Mateo.

When I was at Mrs. Dummis the last time she gave me little amateur photo of her rose-garden to send to you - it shows the oak trees & hills prettily in the distance. Laura comes over to the Hall for her luncheon about all the time now which is very jolly.

Every afternoon at four there is football practice & you should see our enormous[written] great coach from Yale! Cross is his name & he is a giant. Also a splendid athlete.

To-day I was sadly laughed at in Shakespeare - I had to give a report on Queen Elizabeth in Richard III and was just getting hugely conceited because I didn't get rattled when I voluntered the information that Henry VII didn't wish to marry the princess Elizabeth after his accession to the throne, & when Prof. Anderson asked me why he did marry her then. I frantically answered "because he promised" instead of saying it was to join the houses of York & Lancaster. Prof. Anderson laughed & so did the whole class - I am consequently unmercifully "joshed" for my ----- & belief in mankind. The lunch bell has rung so bye-bye.

Your loving, Toodles.