[The author didn't address the letter formally, but it was written to Abby Turner.]Sunday.
I'm having a terrible time trying to write a letter. These two halves are portions of paper left over from previous unsuccessful attempts.
Aren't you having splendid weather? Yesterday was nearly too much for me and I was tempted to dash for a train and go home to the wedding, for 'twas such a glorious day for one. Instead, during the hour set for the event, I tramped hot streets fruitlessly trying to get a trace of my lost umbrella. Finally after miles I reached the office only to find it closed at 5. (Then 5:20) I thought then of the chicken and rolls and other good things the wedding guests would be getting and for consolation stood before a bakery window - but it wasn't consoling at all. Now I'm waiting eagerly for a letter, but I wish I could have seen the final step in this matrimonial performance. You know, don't you, that the bride & groom are to live in the Whitman house temporarily?
Better have another Commencement during the year so as to have more gifts for the department. They will help you out a lot for next year. But where did that Christian Science nonsense originate? You will have to have mumps and Dr. Lang at once, and frequently. I'll try to supply the former once more if you'll come down to N.Y. Maybe Eva would supply something else, diphtheria or whatever you prefer.
I think now, subject to change, that I shall leave here Thursday noon and get to Louisville Friday night. Somehow my excitement had such a leap at being sent to Dr. Noguchi that Louisville seems tame. However maybe my enthusiasm will rise once more. One of the men in the laboratory showed me some meningococcus agglutinations yesterday and Miss March, formerly with Dr. Zinsser, showed me a plate of the bug so I'm acquiring additional information on the edges. I felt quite relieved to hear Miss Marsh say that when anybody asked her about Bacteriology at P. & S. she wasn't recommending it because "Dr. Zinsser & Dr. Hopkins were the whole thing." She thought also that nobody would want to teach the subject after having only the summer course - or after having only one course anywhere. I'm wondering what P. &S. people are telling Eunice Downing's relative. I haven't been to P. & S. yet for my notebook. I did go so far as to get some shopping done! Shoes at Best's and really feel they are good. They aren't very much different from Jones Pete's, maybe slightly squarer in the toes, but the heels come in smaller sizes, free of extra charge, and the brown color is lovely. The blacks they had weren't of the right heel & toe combination[.]
There doesn't seem to be much to write about that will be of any special interest to you, so maybe I'll look for a moment at Latzko's "Men in War" which Eva has left in here. Also I need to read about Pneumococcus & Meningococcus determinations and I want to get together my notes on the complement fixation experiments to see that I have enough to teach Miss Newell. If these days keep up, though, I shall join you tomorrow and walk up a hill.
Much love to you, dearie, Beryl.