August 19, 1943Dear Marion,
I'm very sorry that I didn't get to see you on the way down. Last Wednesday, the 11th I went up to M.H.C. loaded down with a cake. I had the same room that you had. Dotty H. came over for dinner. Poor June didn't get much studying done that night. Was the French School in session while you were there? They were chattering, laughing and dancing all over the place. Thursday morning I went to Psychology class at 8:00 with June. Then we got Miss Hutchinson and went to Mt. View. We measured all the windows and beds in my rooms and June's. Then I got ready and went into Holyoke to the jewler's [sic] and the bank. June just made the 12:19 train with me. Evelyn meet us [sic] at Grand Central. While I checked my bag, June sent a telegraph to the housemother to sign her out. We had come off in such a hurry that she had forgotten that important little thing.
Then we all headed down to the village for dinner. We just got out of the subway when the air raid signal blew. A woman warden herded us into - a bar room of all places! As we just couldn't sit and smoke we decided to order. June came out the best with a claret punch. I left most of my Alexandre. Afterwards we walked over to the Russian place, but it didn't look like so much fun so we went over to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. There we ate in the sidewalk cafe. Then a bus ride uptown, a walk around Radio City and Times Square and it was time to meet Mr. Loeffler in Penn. Station. He is very nice and we had a gay time talking to him. Then Evelyn and I rode uptown and I left her to go to Grand Central to wait for the Barnes. By the time they came I was having a grand time talking to a sailor. (I didn't get his name, somehow I don't seem to anymore.)
Friday evening Bobbie Barnes and I went to Wilmington for the weekend. (I should have tried to call Betty, but I didn't have the time. Bobbie knew a 1st Lt. at the Air Transport Base there. He got me a blind date, one 2nd Lt. T. P. Labbé from Louisiana. He is about 5'6", blond hair, blue eyes and a lot of fun. Bobbie and I stayed at the Hotel Du Pont in Wilmington. Saturday morning we got out to the base around 9:15 and a jeep meet [sic] us at the gate to take us to the review. That was a lot of fun.
Afterwards we went to Dick's office and rode around the field. Meet [sic] T.P. in time for lunch at the officer's mess. That afternoon we came into town and went down by the brandywine where we took some pictures. The boys took us to dinner in the hotel and then out to dance at the officers' club. Afterwards we went across the street to the mess for chicken à la king and coffee. Sunday dinner was at the mess and most of the afternoon at the club while the boys works. [sic] About five we went out to the Russels. Sally is about 24 and very cute. Billy is about 33 and can tell some wonderful stories about diplomatic Washington. Monday T.P. had to work so Dick came in and took us to lunch. As he had to be back at the base, we put ourselves on the train.
I had a wonderful time and like T.P. very much. The T stands for Toussaint. He is of French descent and an R.C. but not very strong. (You need have no fears about my going R.C. I like my own religion, thanks.) I nearly tried for his wings but decided it wasn't quite fair. He is very good-natured and considerate. In first, he is sweet and I won't mind in the last seeing him again.
Bob Mesrobian is coming up this weekend. He had wanted me to come to Princeton, but I couldn't make it.
I am leaving here Monday for a few days with my aunt. I expect to go to Evelyn's on Wednesday and go home on Friday. Call me when you get in Medford. The number is Winchester 1431 W. You could take a bus to Winchester Square and I could meet you. We can go sailing on the Lake and swim from the boat. The water is pretty awful near the club.
You are right about school. I had looked in the catalogue.
See you soon.
Lots of love,
Mary Lou