Saturday, Jan. 19.

My Dear Ezra:-

Please _do not_ call me _Billy_. In regard to taking your
writings seriously, I am sorry if I give the impression of not
doing so. What made you think so?

Gwen and I are orphans again as mother has been in
New York for about two weeks. Has had lots of compliments
about her voice, and Helen Von Dernhof, her teacher, says if she
had come to her six years ago she would now be a second Lehman.
Isn't that fine? You know everyone thinks she is a contralto,
but it seems H.VD. calls her a dramatic soprano. We expect
her back in about a month.

This afternoon a hen party of which I am one is going
to see Viola Allen in Cymbeline. It won't be so bad as a
Shakespear Club however. Had to get permission from the "mountain
of flesh" which acts as the vice-president of this Company but
it wasn't hard work, because he is always so good_natured_. He
does not know where I intend to go and so it won't hurt him any
if he doesn't. Will it?

Nothing much going here, except a Bazarre at Church,
Feb.4,5,&6. Have raked me in for the United States Booth. There
will be a Martha Washington, and who do you suppose will be "George"
Papa Pease !! My what a George he will make. No more now as
my clock says nearly 12, and I have to meet Gwen at the Teacup Inn.
I do not ask for any "excuses"- but it seems to me you must be
very proficient on the typewriter and could write longer letters
anyway, by this time.

From,

Viola Scott Baxter.