814 Mercer Street

Fredericksburg. Va

November 3, 1940

Dear John,

‘Tis a tired young lady who is writing to you tonight. I have been chief cook and bottle washer around home all day because my mother is sick in bed. She has been feeling poorly for nearly a week, but we didn’t persuade her to go to bed until yesterday. I have also been sick with a dreadful cold this week – missed one day of school. My red, sniffling nose was really a sight.

Today we had two cousins from Md. Visit us – they ate my cooking too. I had never seen one of them until today – rather nice looking husky lads. Martha and Davis ate uncomplainingly, even though my food lacked proper seasoning. Buddy Pyne brought back some scarfs I left over his house for his mother to see. He looked very lonely. I hope he didn’t have another quarrel with his girl up at the college. He has been calling on Davis off and on, but he didn’t even ask for her. My the world seems mixed up.

Wasn’t today lovely? And wasn’t last night beautiful? The moon was so inviting looking – but I knitted and read in my room – alone for not even the girls would come up to break the monotony.

Last week I had tests and exams. Studying is getting me down – but I’ll soon snap out of my rut – hope. John, I am surprised at your being tired of school work so soon. Of course, physics is a rather dull subject, but honestly I know you don’t think you would really stop working. And another – don’t I sound like a moralizing old school marm- if I understood from my various sailor “friends” the army and navy are no cinch.

Sorta wish I could have been at your house when the accident occurred. I adore candlelight – I have a few candles in my room which I burn occasionally. My spelling is awful. Forgive – or rather blame on my tired mind and body.

Frances and I spent one evening together last week when I should have been studying. She and Paul are really a pair. Mrs. Seitch says I am getting crazier each day – but don’t you believe her because Mr. Seitch still loves me. He still asks how many times I have kissed you every time I go around there.

You remember my little dog don’t you? Well, the negro man who is keeping him brought him here the other day. He is really strong and husky now. Wish he could be here more often, for Mama loves him so much,

Oh, gracious I have run out of things to talk about. Strange! So unlike me! Really, you should come up some nice Sunday – I’m not the begging type however so I reckon I won’t keep nagging you. I hear also that that isn’t the best policy. By the way, I’m sorry my last letter asked so abruptly but I really was in a hurry. I didn’t mean to sound flippant either – but John if the question was intended the way I interpreted it – well, I didn’t just know how to answer it without seeming too – I can’t think of exactly the necessary word but I know you gather what I mean.

My thanksgiving plans have been blasted because my brother has a long holiday too. I am still going to Roanoke, but my brother is going there too – to the VMI –VPI game – I’m not going to see it cause my vacation will be expensive enough without it, and besides all the good seats are already taken. So I’ll see you it seems a long time away for more than one reason.

For a person who had run out of ideas, I certainly wrote a lot. You please work hard and keep your chin up. Be good and write soon. Give my best regards to your parents, Carlton, and don’t forget Alvin. Now that wasn’t nice, was it? Bye now!

Love,

Margaret

P.S. Guess what I’m thinking? Use your imagination.