October 13, 1939

Dear John,

I am really ashamed of myself for not having written to you sooner but I have really been too busy to answer any of my letters. There is always some lesson to be alone or some meeting to attend. All of my professors seem to delight in giving terrific assignments last week. I wasted 8 hours drawing cuts of beef. This evening I have been trying in vain to solve some chemistry problems. I have never in my life seen such questions. And our organic book is practically worthless as a sure source of information. Just another one of those things we have to buy to keep on a shelf.

Nothing very entertaining ever happens here. My mother left for Alexandria on Tuesday morning, I have been helping my sister-in-law keep house. Matthew came back last night, thank goodness. He bought me a sewing box shaped like a little keg with a candle in it. Really it is wiggy.

Wednesday afternoon I took a class out in rhythmics today (a very poor class if anyone should ask, at least it hasn’t done me any good so far I am still as awkward as heck) and made gingerbread houses from 1-4:30. Even if I did make it, it was right good. It was for the freshman initiation with the town Girls’ Club. We also had some cider which was supposed to be sweet, but I fear it was a trifle strong. We had a swell time. I never paddled so many girls in my life--- oh it was fun. Well, we had some cider left over, so we kept it in the town girls’ room. Yesterday it was sweet, but it fermented a bit overnight. All the girls are taking turns drinking it. If only the college president knew about it!?? (Maybe he would want some himself it it were hard enough.)

The most excellent governor of the state of Virginia visited our fair school to see whether or not we needed a new library. The faculty members were instructed to ask us to please go to the library when he came even if we had to sit on the chandeliers. Never have I seen a place as packed. There was hardly breathing space in the tiny library. I hope the plan worked out. I hope! I hope!

Last night I went to the Service Club initiation in the physics lab. We had had slugs, pickles, potatoes, dinner chips and soft drinks (no cider.) I never ate so much in my life. I barely understand how I ever ate it.

Well, today, Friday the 13^th has not brought any trouble yet. I just knocked on wood. It wouldn’t do for me to brag. The dog mart was held today on the high school field. It was quite a scrumptious affair so I hear, because I didn’t go. Classes! Classes! Why were they ever invented? Well, my mother bought us a little, tiny fox terrier. I am crazy (nearly) to see it. Maybe I will next week for it is too young to get yet.

I haven’t been around to the Leitch’s lately. I never seem to have time to go anywhere or do anything anymore. Mrs. Leitch had a bad cold last week. Frances and Paul are going to move into their new house soon. Russell announced that he was going to fall in love with a college girl who lived a little nearer Fredericksburg. How does that strike you?

Well, how are things in Richmond? And how is Carlton? Please write to me soon and forgive me for not writing sooner. I’m sorry, honest I am. It will never happen again if I can help it. Be good and come to see me sometime.

Love, Margaret.