Perry letters

ful. And I was one of the lucky few! I did not think that I had passed it, but when the papers were returned and I found out my good fortune my happiness knew no bound.

I have not even yet gotten over my hilarity. By passing the Ex. I am exempted from the final one which will probab ly be easier than the previous "quiz" so that those who failed then may redeem themselves in their next effort.

I see, in your letter, that you did not consider my poem comical enough. Well, well, of course it was'nt! You can hardly expect a poet (?) to see humor in that which is not humorous.

If you had suffered some awful calamity such as burning your fingers, bruising your hands {prerinted: Stanford University, California...........189}

or acquired some for of nervous ailment while earning your dollar there might have been a fit subject for displaying a little wit in my rhymes. however, as there was not opportunity for it, I was reluctantly compelled to eliminate all the humorous element that usually appears when I write verse. I have for some time intended to thank Aunt Ruby for her generous gift, but you yourself know how busy I have been during the last two weeks. During this week, I shall try to write. I'll address the letter home as I do not

know her address. Just as you suggested, I have spent the money in buying books. We've had a storm last night which has completely covered the fields and roads, and this morning as I trudged off to the University I put my rubbers and ulster to excellent use. As I write the sun is shining with all his radiance and it looks as if the roads will be dry enough to permit my going home Friday afternoon. You know the roads up here after a storm are only passable by a boat, or, at least, one would think so upon seeing the numerous pools

formed there. Tell Claude his little note was quite brief, but I {preprinted: Stanford University, California..........189} suppose he was trying to observe Shakespeare's little maxim "Bevity is the soul of wit." I'm pleased to hear that he is well on the way toward the conquest of Miss Edna. Before Claude's arrival she had scorned the petty affection of several of the young gentleman of Claude's age, and now when he seems to have quite captivated her with his irresisible charms he should be congratulated on his good fortune. and so should Edna, for Claude is a fine boy, and if he would only apply himself would make a fine scholar.

Well I must close now, as my lessons are calling me away, so with love to all I remain, Your loving boy, Jewell

P.S. Your stamp came in handy. I have returned it to you on the envelope.