2625 Northumberland Ave.

R., Va.

Dear Aviation Cadet Knucklehead,

[Jean’s writing] We just had to write right away to tell you the good news—Ed gave me that ring last night—and it is the most beautiful ring you’ve ever seen, and I’m the happiest person you’ve ever seen—I think Ed’s pretty happy too tho. I knew I was going to get it but I wasn’t expecting it for at least another month so you can imagine how surprised I was when he slipped it on my finger. You can mark August 1 down in your little red book as a date to go down in history. It’s a plain yellow gold band with one diamond. He had E. P. D. to S. W. R and the date engraved on the inside—It’s so pretty—I wish you could be here to see it. Thanks for your good wishes and keep pulling for us until he gives me the other one. Nope, we haven’t any definite plans yet and probably won’t for quite a while. We’ll keep you posted tho—we did a lot of worrying about how everyone was going to take it but most of the reactions were different from what we expected. Mr. and Mrs. Dabney were surprised of course but they took it all right. Mr. and Mrs. Wicks just laughed and laughed—they haven’t even taken us seriously. I think it’s about time they woke up, don’t you? We still haven’t told my Aunt Jessie—you know, the one who lives down the street from you. I’m afraid to break it to her—wish me luck!

[Ed’s writing] Well here I am to put my part in. I think Jean said just about everything that she could say. You just can’t imagine how it really feels now that I have given her the ring. We both feel pretty darn happy about the whole thing and the way we feel just can’t be put into words. Old boy—I sure hope you can find a little “woo-bucket” some day that is as sweet and swell as Jean is. She really is swell and I think you know and I consider myself quite lucky. Don’t you think so? If you even find one as swell, be sure to hold tight because they’re scarce.

When you write to Ruth again be sure to tell her about it will you! She might be interested to know. (Jean just tore the other sheet in the electric fan).

Say we were glad to get those pictures of you and if you ever have any more taken send them along. We would like to remember you in more than two poses.

Well that’s about all there is—but we had to let you know. Write again soon.

Bye-now,

Jean and Ed