695 Est. Grande-Allée et 1210 Place Georges V
Québec 4, Canada.Hôtel Château Laurier Inc.
QuébecNew Haven, 20 May 1965
2 PMDarling Stef,
Received your letter early this morning, on the way back from breakfast and re-read it a few times (I guess I really do miss you!!), before starting in on my work. I've read over 150 pages of Westerfield's book & should finish it by tonite (500 pages). It was nice out this morning (tho somewhat windy) so Hank & I took blankets outside for a few hours and read as we sun-bathed. I skipped lunch but went to the Co-op and picked up next year's Biology text for $1.50! It's brand new & next fall would sell for $7.96! Don't ask me why it's so cheap, now, but I'm bent on saving money, so I can spend it on other things (like supporting the New Haven Association of Hotels!). As a special bonus, they're giving away (free!), Compact Kits, to Yalies with a purchase of $1.00. Included are deodorant, hair cream, No-Doz (!), Visine (for tired eyes), something for athlete's foot, toothpaste, etc. (not that I need any of them!). Now, of course, I'm back at the room. After this letter, I'll get some more sun/reading.
I received a letter from my aunt Gloria today. She reports that everything is fine in Lima (Perú), that the kids have just resumed school after a 3-month summer (below the equator) vacation. Even better, she says they're probably coming home (to the States) this summer. (It's been more than a year). She closes with "My love to the family & Sue Ellen" (of course, I told her about you!).
Received (under the door) my Bursar's Bill and that wasn't so pleasant as it totals $79.77. There's $8 for Yale Stationery (looks showy, but oh, so expensive!), $2 for Tour shots (!), $10 for the Prom Ticket, $34 for laundry (that's just until Dec., at which time I stopped patronizing the Student Laundry & began to wash my own clothes), $3 for a book I bought my Mom at Channukah, & $22.65 for "Board Extras" (charged meals). I really don't know why I'm telling you all this (you have your own problems!), maybe just to let you know how much I shouldn't be spending! Really dear, it seems like a lot, but the "luxuries" are the Book ($3) and perhaps the Stationery ($8), so it still would have been expensive, no? I guess this reflects the cost of living: food, clothing, etc! (Love you muchly, darling!).
I figured out (when I was supposedly studying!) that while we've known each other slightly over 100 days we've actually only spent 16 of those days together. A lot has happened in those few days, hasn't it?! (Not to mention - altho I musn't [sic] forget - all those lovely letters that lay before me how [sic], neatly held together by rubber bands) Yes, a lot has happened to bring me from a position of righteous consolation (where I felt I could, and would, live and study and accomplish, alone - that when I had scaled the heights, I would look down (or up) and pick me a mate to relieve the solitude) to one of madness in love (where I couldn't care less about the obstacles - with you, why worry?). Thanks, darling: I like this situation and my own attitudes and feelings much better!
I was glad to hear about the prospective ride down here on Sat. morning. I hope you've contacted the girl and that she'll take you. I don't like the idea of you're [sic] having to leave (get up) so early. At least, this way, if you get up early, you'll have that much more time to study before it's time to leave (personally, I'd rather you slept until 9). We'll work hard, I promise you. After all, I want you to do well as much (if not more - otherwise I'll feel very poorly!) as you do. Don't worry, I'll make sure you work (and rest!). By the way, what's the surprise? ("good news") I can't help being curious - even if it doesn't (for some reason) come thru, promise you'll tell me what it was?
I finished reading Mary McCarthy's The Group - it was kind of outspoken, describing a completely different world from any I've known (or hope to know!). A bunch of socialites (Vassar, of course!), and their post-graduation flirtations with Leftism, marriage (and divorce), life (!), and even lesbianism (only one). Well-written, easy to read, and a lot of good commentary on the '30's. I enjoyed it, altho, as I say, it left me outside - perhaps that's why, when it ended (after 400 pages of description), I regretted every having spent the time it took to read. Nothing but description, commentary. No real story or point, and nothing as fascinating as Thomas Wolfe (no plot there, either, but who needs one!). I'm difficult to please, tho you've succeeded smashingly, darling! Love you (better hurry up & get here - my love is overflowing). - Lots of kisses.
Love,
Lar