Monday
Dear wittle Pat,
10:45 I am sitting here in English class being confused, so I decided I'd write to you and confuse you.
My letter to our petits fils went off last night. The weeks go by so fast! It seemed as though I'd just sat down yesterday to write the last weekly missive, but I managed to rattle on for 3 pages, illustrated by my fine Italian hand.
I haven't received my whatever-it-is from Witch yet, but don't tell me what it is. If it ever gets here, I want to be surprised.
11:00 I am now in French. It's such a great help living next door to Pat Warden who spent 3 years in France and speaks it like a native. She helps me with pronunciation and translation. Also, I've begun to learn some interesting petites (fem, I think) chansons que je vous chanterai quand je vous verrai encore. N'est-ce pas? [little songs that I will sing to you when I see you again. OK?]
12:05 Back at home base. I got a note from Lida Virginia Parker (she's a friend of mother's who has something to do with Columbia, used to be very active in YLT, and lives close by)[.] I'm going to have supper with her Oct. 28 and go see a play in the Village. I can't wait!
Yesterday - pardon, Saturday - Mollie, Marilyn and I went downtown for our weekly splurge. We wandered all over, tried too late to get tickets for a show and ended up in that monstrosity of all monstrosities, the Paramount theatre, to see "A Star is Born." It was an excellent picture, with fine acting, unusual songs and musical numbers, and beautiful photography. Only one trouble - we had to leave before it was over, so we don't know how it ends. So frustrating!
Ted is still calling once and twice a day. Much as I immensely like him, I don't want to be with him all the time. He's such fun to talk to, and we've so much in common - but he's not - well, you know. He was over last night after I precisely had informed him that I would be busy, and we whiled away 1/2 hour in scintillating conversation. Then he called an hour later to say goodnight. He had discovered a friend with apple-jack (sound familiar?) and I think he was a little pottsed, [sic] gooned, stewed, or pickled. (Choose one [1])
I suddenly have the most awful urge to see autumn leaves and fields and frost on the pumpkin and corn in the shock and such. The darned trees here, just seem to stay green till they get grayish brown and then fall off. But of course there's always the City, and that makes up for any multitude of sins. I love it so! I manage to get downtown at least 2 or 3 times a week, and just wander and observe. It's wonderful!
Marbara is having a book sale that is straight out of this li'l old planet. The most fabulous books on sale for $1.00 and $1.98 - I got a book about N.Y. theatre by Atkinson and one about N.Y. City Ballet for $1.00, and a beautiful volume about the Coronation for $1.98. I'm going down tomorrow afternoon to spend the rest of my allowance. I save so much, only to spend it all on books and Xmas presents.
I muchly appreciate the cartoon. It's very graphic.
Funny that you should just have read Hedda. I bought a collection of Ibsen the week I came and that was the first play I read. I hadn't thought of her in that connection, but I see what you mean. The basic idea is the same - but somehow I can't see our favorite Sorceress banging away at her little dyed (or perfumed) head with a pistol. Fancy that, Patricia!
I have to outline 2 more d___ (delicacy triumphs) essays for English, the which I enjoy not at all.
The Columbia Varsity Show needs workers from Barnard. I think I'll see into it. Also, the next play by the Workshop is a Srindberg [sic] thing, "There are Crimes and Crimes." I might try out - also, would like backstage work. More fun!
I'm going to call Mother tonight. It doesn't seem possible I've been away over a month. Why, we'll be going home for Thanksgiving soon!
I wonder what ever happened to Sister Betty?
WRITE!
Grrr!
Love,
J. Thornton, Esq.P.S.
Mother has a good part in "The Cherry Orchard" in Drama For Discussion. I'm very happy about it, and Jack Spatz designed the sets for "Happy Birthday." Tonight's their opening night. Good luck, YLT!