April 21, 1945

Dear Billy:

I received your letter of April 15^th yesterday Morning.

Thank you very much for getting me a bottle of “Shalimar”, honey chile. I have never had any of it, but I understand it’s scrumptious. How did you ever manage to get it? It can’t be bought at all over here. Gosh! The girls will turn green with envy when I tell them about it. Their eyes all got as big as pie plates when I told them about the “Christmas Night” and now when I tell them you’re sending me “Shalimar” too, they’ll really be surprised. I’m so proud of the things you send me, that I tell everybody about them.

I’m glad you got Mary’s perfume. I know she’ll love it and appreciate it very much. As to Chanel No. 5, she’ll be tickled to death with it. I haven’t run across anyone yet who doesn’t like Chanel No. 5.

I mailed your package with the sneakers, etc., yesterday. I had it all wrapped but thought it might be a good idea to weigh it before I mailed it. It’s a good thing I did, because, as usual, it was four ounces too heavy. I had to take it all apart again and take out half of the box of candy. I felt awfully funny sending you only a quarter of a pound of candy, but I just couldn’t help it. One of the girls took the package down to the post office for me and she was waiting for it so I didn’t even have time to cut the candy box down. I just took half of the candy out and stuffed the rest of the box with waxed paper. If the government only knew all the trouble I was being caused, I’m sure they’d raise the weight limit to six pounds, but then I suppose all my packages would be over six pounds and I’d be in the same fix.

I received the three booklets of French lessons from “Esquire” so I put them in the package with the sneakers. I would have sent them air mail, but I think several of the cards I have sent you via air mail have been lost, so I decided to put them in the package. Even though it will take a little longer for them to reach you, I think you’re surer of getting them.

From your description of the brandy snifter, it must be very cute. I’ve seen lots of them, but never one like yours. It certainly was nice of the lady to give it to you. You have been very fortunate in meeting such nice families, Billy, and I’m so glad that you have. Maybe you will have a chance to bring it home before too long, but if things don’t work out that way and you have to send it, be sure to wrap it very well so that it doesn’t break.

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