Sunday, February 1Dear Margaret:
No, I've not yet written to thank you for your researches in the realm of business literature, and I hereby do same. The Barrett Wendell I borrowed for a couple of days from the man I fired, looking it over just before he left, and think I shall get a second hand copy. He said it was a very useful work, but was not himself a very good ad for it. The other references I shall look up, trying the public library here. I really hadn't thought of testing its resources.
As a matter of solemn record, I don't myself know very definitely what I have in mind, and haven't had time to focus on it to any great extent. It makes an interesting subject to have for consideration while walking to and from work or trying to go to sleep. I'm trying to invent a title for the work first. Never could do much till that was out of the way. I'm trying to condense into two, or at most three, simple words the idea of language as a transmission wire that offers resistance to the idea-current.
Otherwise most of my side interests have gone in to Ad-route, March copy for which was mailed last week. On Tuesday night took in the Boston Symphony here, and on Friday afternoon went to Boston to hear it in its native habitat, Symphony hall, to satisfy my curiosity both as to the hall and as to those far-famed Friday afternoon concerts. Mrs. Winship came in from the country to go with me and we had a pleasant time.
My next-door neighbor has now reached the point of telling me her name, asking for the privilege of borrowing books, also for advice on what books to read, keeping me supplied with fudge, and playing pieces from the Franklin Square collection, or of that type, after I've gone to bed and don't dare curse audibly. We've had a couple of midnight luncheon parties, by reason of her having kept open the sliding doors till I came home. I'll say she's a brisk little worker.
It is fine to know that there is now peace and contentment where your appendix used to be, and long may it continue thus. Your doctor appears to have had a more reasonable sense of proportion than most specialists do. Which reminds me to observe that I meant at Christmas time to suggest that if you need any supplementary financing, I should be glad to be of service. I've a small amount on call in the savings bank here, or whatever account there is at Westfield is entirely at your disposal. You are welcome, and urged, to make use of it as may be helpful.
Haven't yet got a new man to complete the force, but hope to make some kind of arrangement this week. Meanwhile, of course, work is slightly congested.
I trust the cold snaps haven't bothered you unduly, and that your steam pipes are delivering the goods.
Love,
Walter [Walter Savage Ball, Margaret's brother]