4.

and wake me up, call me a fool, call me anything you like, I don't
care what it is, but I want a voice strong enough to hear, and to my
womanly stupidity I want a woman's' correction, no man can offer one as mu
ch for when they tell you the truth it takes somehow the form of a compli-
ment. Poor weak thing, I have really been hurt'

If you don't know all the inns and outs of everything that concerns
John and me, I will write you another letter full of facts, but I cant
just now, I haven't got enough guts.

Love.

“earest “abel.

Forgive that last letter, it was a sad little whine, and
I was ashamed the minute I posted it, and wanted to write and tell you
so at once, but my Scotch sense of standing punishment got the better of
me, and I had to say to my self, "Well it serves me right". And you are
quite right, I am not hurt, only for a little very sorry for my self. I
have a terrible tussell with my vanity, I dont yet see, since I
know I am a far decenter person than Hal, he shouldent have been willing
to give me the children, since he knows that I have always done more for
them than he has, and cared for them always, much more than he has, but
no' all he talks about is his pride, his pride must not be hurt, he must
always be able to say to People, "Look I am in the right, I have the chil-
dren". He is going in other words to use the children, which I never
could, and that very fact makes me a better parent for them than he
will be, then why in Gods name since that is a fact, should it not be so?
I will have them evry summer, and it is true that during these months I
will see them every day, while in the winter they are at school, more
than they are at home. oh it dosent really matter', they will grow up
and have their own lives soon enough, it will peobably be better for
them to be freer of me, thinking as I am sure they will, that I have
deserted them, and Hal is very sure to force that idea on them as much
as possible, he cant help himself, he is weak, and yet I suppose that if
I felt the thing strongly enough I would be willing to give up everything
for it, but I am not, so I should not complain, but at heart I dont see why
I should have to, and also I have this awful scotch conviction of
punishment to fight against, but I know that will fade too in time, just
now the whole thing is too close to be able to be sane about it all.

3.
saw look so well, he really looks very healthy, and his voice seems stronger
and less buried in him. I was struck at once with it, and so was John.
I am dying to read what you wrote, especially about me, and I am
frightened to death at the same time. Una, says that she will read it
first, and if she thinks we ought to see it, she will let us read it after.
which to me is a horrible idea, just think how I'll feel if she dosent
think I should see it I think what I'll imagine, Good God it will be
torture, but Una said that you put it up to her that way. "Well Madam
if you like tearing the legs of little flies, you will do regardless"
and this little fly will work up a great indifference, and snap what legs
are left it. But I guess she will shew it after all, and I will be as
honest as I can, I will try very hard and write and tell you what I
think, which will be very hard for me, because I hate even to look in the
mirror at my self, much less think about my self, at least with any
effort at honesty.

We have a nice old 'ammy cook called Mrs Schaffer, she is very kind,
with little white plates sticking out all over her head and eyes as black
as ripe olives.

I am working hard on my book, I want to finish it as soon as possible,
Hal is coming out in three weeks time, perhaps it will be done by then, he
read part of it in New York and liked it, so that he offered me an
advance of 500 dollars to publish it, I had half a mind to send it
around to others, but the 500dollars made me change my mind at once.
Ten of Johns' books' came this Morning, and he is so pleased with them,
lifting them up and putting them down, and just as pleased as punch, its
nice to watch him, and I do think that it is a good Job, dont you? I like
the whole make up, the type and everything. He is starting another
right off, I can hear his typewriter rattling away from where I sit
writing to you. Well goodbye, and Love to you.

Box 497
La Jolla.

Dear Mabel:

What lovely silks' I am all excited about having
a dress made, but I am going to wait until we get to New
York, and if you don't mind I would like to have one made
for Sister also I have made such a cute design very old
i t
fashioned with brass buttons, she will look lovely
in it, and also for my self I shall have a silk sort of
bodice to go with my good velvet skirt. But listen! there
was a lovely black scarf in the box, you dident mention
and I was sure that it had got there by mistake, perhaps you
left it behind you in Carmel, John says no, he sniffed it and
says that it belonged to your Mother, I love it and would
naturally love to have it, but if it was a mistake do tell
me and I shall send it on at once, and a thousand thanks.
John rushed down town and had his shawl hemmed by the tailor,
he has taken it with him to Adrians, he and Cady went off
to gether this morning. I am all alone and simply petrified,
the Nurse went away yesterday, after staying four days
for nothing, she simply couldnt bare to go, she has grown fo
nd of the baby, and she feels at ease with John and me, I
am petrified not because I am alone but that its the first time
I have ever washed the baby and fixed the formula, its hectic
because he has both from me and formual also, so that one
rushes after the breast feeding and fixes the bottle, of
course when John is here he will do the bottle-- and that

will be simpler, now the babys asleep thank goodness--
and after this letter I have to solemnly lie down on the
floor and do excersises, and oh'a hundred other silly
things. I hope John has a gay time-- he deserves it, I had
quite a time making him go,-- he is convinced that every
horror in the world will happen if he is not around.
Hal and the children and Red Lewis have gone off to Bermuda
I hate the idea, but Hal wrote that Red was having a
more or less sober period--- I dont believe it, but I hope
for the kids sake it is true. We have just bought a racing
sloop, it was a terrific bargan only 2 hundred dollars--
fully found and will be delivered in maine, Hal wal--
was a saint and lent us the money until June. so when you
come this summer we shall have some fast sailing which is
very exciting and there are races to enter every Saturday
at Bucks Harbour. Ella Young sent a lovely Fae poem
that she had written for the Baby, its really lovely, send
shivers up and down ones spine.

The little cook went to a Navy Ball last night, and she is
still half seas over, inclind in fact to stagger, shes taking
it out in house work, there isnt a rug in the house they are
all on the grass out side and its going to rain any second
now. I ordered some of those Chinese buiscut things you
and Tony liked and shall send them to you as soon as they
come,--- also some Pine Soap which I couldent get with
the oil, Heavens ' rain' and Mildred no where to be seen--
I have got to rush and gather in the rugs--- A thousand thanks
again and again.

Love.

Box 497. La Jolla.

Dear Mabel:

They had but one of the Pine sets left, so I send it
on, they wrer rather vague about when they would have more in, so
I found some in San Diego which to my mind is better only it does not
come in sets, so I am getting some of that on 'friday when I have to
go there and will send it at once, but I send the other at once so that
you will not have to be without, (IS this a business letter or is it
not?)).

It Has rained Cats and Dogs for three days now, the little lawn in front looks like a sunken pool, and John growls around the house like a sick Tifex-Tiger. The Paby gains a great deal, too much in fact, but he seems to be of that fierce temprement, four ounces one day then none the next, he is 9 pounds 9 ounces and all the wrinkles have dissapeared and he smiles a lot.

2.

Excuse this queer arrangement I found that the paper had been
written on the back, so I had to cut it off. I was in the midst of
writing when your letter came about the Trailer, Horrors, but thank
God it happened when it did and how it did and neither you or Tony
wrer shocked or hurt, do you think you ought to get another? I dont
it sounds scary to me.

I have a letter from a gentleman who is writing a book about
Hart Crane, it seems to me far too soon for such a thing to happen,
and somehow I dont feel that "arts" work was important enough or that
there was enough of it. I hate to give all I know because I feel
sure it will not be what they want, they are too busy building up
a-mythical-e- myth to have any use for the truth, its the same way
about Elenor Wylie, no body as yet has even hinted about the most
interesting things about her, simply because they dont seem too
flattering, its all so tiresome this silly little idea that the nice
things are really the only nice things.

I have had such a lovely letter from Pat, when he remembers and lets
himself go there is no one finer or more generous or as beautiful in
what he says. John and I love him terribly, dont think that John
does not love him as much as I do, he really does, once one gets
a chance of really knowing the creature one cant help ones self, you
felt it too didn't you, it will be interesting to see just what happens
with him.

Sandy is a beauty he really is a funny wee character, smiles a lot now
and I couls swear his hair will be red. I know John has just written
you so what news I might have for you is withered at its roots since
he got there first, I almost did but then I had to leave the letter
only started and John wrenched it out of the machine and did his,
Now I'll stop and get this firmly glued up in an envelop as John
loves to read what ever I have written-- and I hate to him, it just

QUERY

Luncheon: March five
Tuesday at 12.30

Date: No Guests.

Place: Town Hall Club, 123 West 43rd Street.

Subject: Genius the Hope of the World

Speaker: DR. ALBERT EDWARD WIGGAM

ANSWER (Imperative) Before Sunday

CLARE DANAMUMFORD, 33 Fifth Avenue

CLUB RULING: "Notice of illness or absence from City is necessary. Failure to reply or attend REMOVES YOUR name from membership list."

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: I hope in time of

Connie?
Clair?

earest Mabel:

Just a rapid note, early in the morning--its worried me that I havent had time to write you more often-- but they--the powers that be are about to procure for me a little maid who will help with the children-- there are a sort of Government regulations to jink before it can be done--John hasent time for anything but what he is doing-- he is in charge of all the Japanese of all the Towns-- and we hardly ever see him-- except at meal times when he gulps down and flees-- then he usually has a meeting at night-- and if anything happens he is off again-- all quite hectic--

We have a wonderful ice chest now-- but as yet no stove-- but I manage to cook breakfast and supper on a hot spot-- and its a relief not to rush over with the children three times to the mess hall-- where eat with a certain amount of abandon-- about 250 people-- shouting at the top of their lungs so as to be heard above the blowers and the rang of heavy dishes-- we have also-- a carpet-- very new-- which is at present molting off its fuzz-- and two easy chairs-- an M. T. Monteray type-- very hideous-- with strange tropical fruits stencelled on rather ornate dashboards-- the covers are of that stuff known for its gift of not shewing spots-- you can imagine what a blessing your blankets are-- one of them thrown over makes a creature of great dignity and beauty of what would be a monster of ugliness--

I washed clothes until ten last night-- and will iron all day to day and then more wash tonight again-- the dust is still terrific-- but they are tearing up and down with a harrower on the land in front of us-- so that must mean they are about to plant which will be wonderful-- I have someone coming to dig for me-- and will plant grass next week after I get some top dressing-- I seem to be complaining but I am not-- I really like it tremendously-- its exciting-- and a feeling of life--

2

and movement everywhere--nice people too-- Morris Burge Burge-- is here
from Santa Fe and his wife who is delightful-- and we get on very well--
every one thinks I am a great sport-- but it isn't really that its merely
that I like it-- and I have crused so much that I know how to cope with
makeshifts-- I think ours is the only house that is livable-- again the
blankets--'' and it all comes from the fact that one can throw something
over something else and presto one has a table-- or a chair-- or a dressing
table--- you know-- well I hear the family stirring-- so must get gowing-
Bonnie has captured all hearts as usual--on affectionate terms with great
Doctor and mess boy alike-- A Japanese has made her shoes-- another
has given her a new dress-- and so it goes-- Sandy looks much better-- but
had a sort of fit-- but a Doctor Leighton-- who is an army Doctor
and a great specialist-- tell me that after Influenza-- even grown ups
have a hard time of it for at least six months-- being left very nervous-
and frightened-- so I don't worry about him-- and he the Doctor thinks that
Sandy is amazing ly well considering what he came thru--
I'll write you soon again-- and more interestingly I hope--

Love.

Claire..

Sorry no pencil or pen-- the children again--

W.R.P. BOSTON ARIZONA

Dearest Mabel:

NO word from you for so long--are you allright?
do drop a line sometime as I am worried that you might be sick agai
n--I took the children to see my Mother 'essie-- in 'alifornia and
had a gastly time-- such a fight-- she does dislike me and shows it
I do dislike her but try so hard not to shew it--and all my time
with her is exausted trying not to have a fight take place-- but
always the day before I leave she gets her way-- and we have
a beauty-- she loves fights and they make me ill--so--
arrived back the same day as John-- he with a 'eer-- so now the ice
chest is stuffed with meat--

The Pond clinic have sent me another bill- so I am writing them tha
t+ I sent it to you-- thinking that you had paid it-- dident you?
the bill you sent me had paid written on it--

I have no news-- things go on the same as ever-- much house work
cooking and washing-- but I have given up and try ti dignify my
slavery as my war effort--Have just painted the kitchen dresser
a brilliant fiery red-- color all helps here--

Pat is in 'cotland now in the Air force-- a Major-- Nappy goes to b
e made into an officer and when that is over he will get married an
d be made into a husband-- and I must try and be at his wedding--
and force Hal to give him a nice one-- Sister is taking a course
which has something to do with Artechture-- and when she is thru
will be given a job-- she is working hard--and loves it--
also going to the league-

well must go-- much love from us all here and from me-

Dearest Mabel :

"We weren't realated to hear from you-- goodness you
must feel grand-- what a load off your mind terribly glad--.

We have been having the hell of a time here-- A general strike was
declared-- on some minor point-- there is quite a pro-Axis group-

meetings-- some of the
get them out-- wnd
ther two heads
night after night abo
back and John could
ro-- the strike is of
traighten up-- and
20 miles away wrer s
d amumition that wrer
of stones built at
ear-- and the
aneese up-- you
at long-- and terrific
ng songs-- and huge
-- the bad element is
er hand-- and the 'ao
ery easily frightened--
ear as possible-- one
ing the trucks--
ne heads of a "japanee
ren-- and got up and
dident know how to

Dearest Mabel :

"We werer realaved to hear from you-- goodness you
must feel grand-- what a load off your mind terribly glad--.

We have been having the hell of a time here-- A general strike was declared-- on some minor point-- there is quite a pro-Axis group-and they have been frightening the people by beatings-- some of the beaters were put in Goal and the strike was to get them out-- wnd the charges lifted-- John was all a lone the other two heads being off to Salt lake City-- I served dinner night after night abo ut 3-30 in the morning-- then the others came back and John could relax somewhat-- but he has emerged a great hero-- the strike is of f from today-- but so much to clear up-- and straighten up-- and people to get rid off-- The people inarker-- 20 miles away wrer s o mad at the Japanese-- that all the guns and amumition that wrer for sale was bpught up-- and also great piles of stones built at street corner in case any japanese should appear-- and the Army rearing to rush in here and shoot the Japanese up-- you can imagine--fires all over the place all night long-- and terrific loud speakers-- roaring out Japanese fighting songs-- and huge voices giving instructions-- all night long--- the bad element is small but by intimidation they gained the upper hand-- and the ao Japanese as a whole seem to have no guts-- very easily frightened-- flags appeared-- not quite Japanese but as near as possible-- one awful night a shot rang out-- a Soldier guarding the trucks-- just couldent control himself and shot over the heads of a japanee se group-- I was sitting in bed with the children-- and got up and brought out Johns revolver-- and discovered I dident know how to had-