[No full date, but Elizabeth is in New York City at Columbia in 1917-1918 and gets her MA in 1918, so maybe she was pondering whether she wanted to continue studying toward a PhD after the MA program was complete, or take a teaching job.]Dear Dr. Clapp -
Ann writes me that you are in Florida but gives no address. Knowing that you were going to Mt. Dora, I'll write that alone - regardless of streets and numbers and all the rest.
I came home from the City last night glad to be here away from the noise and hurry and subways and cafeterias. I'm 'fraid I'm not quite acclimated yet! My sister comes to-morrow, and my young cousin and Ann come on Wednesday. Won't it be a nice gathering? Wish you could run in on us, too.
There are several of us disappointed when you went through "our" city without giving us the chance for a glimpse of you. I'most wanted to sit in the Grand Central all day December fourth - but not being sure that was the date of your arrival nor that you went through the Grand Central. I decided it would be better for me to stick to Cytology.
Feel a bit swamped in work just now. There are so many things to learn and my brain seems built on the place of a sieve for things leak out merrily and when I want them, they're simply not to be found.
And just now I'm trying to decide about next year. I'm so woefully lacking in general "scientific situation" and in a big enough perspective for so big a job, that I hardly feel it's fair to try it. And yet I am willing to give the best of me to it - and I do love the teaching. On the other hand I p'raps ought to study more while I'm started at it - or p'raps even try something brand new. - Well, I didn't mean to make this letter all about me - except as it told you I was loving you, - but I seem to have done it.
My best Christmas wishes to you all.
Do love you, lady dear,
Elizabeth.