Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
Sept. 14, 1897.My very dear Susie
Your invitation to visit you at Thanksgiving time. set me thinking how long it is since we met, more than two years; and yet, during our separation the regularity of our correspondence has been sufficient to prove that what we called friendship was not a passing fancy. When we parted I had no idea that so long a time would elapse before we should meet again; I am sure I should have been in despair if such a thought had entered my mind. I am aware that my side of our correspondence has been irregular this summer, as well as yours, but I am sure it will recover its usual regularity when I return to Drew. It is certainly very much more difficult to adhere to a regularly arranged programme of duties or correspondence at home than at school.
Now, sweetheart, as to your very kind invitation to visit the college in November. It is perfectly charming of you to ask me; you must know that for several reasons the visit would give me great pleasure; but really I cannot at present positively decide about accepting or declining your invitation. My action must depend entirely on my expenses for the fall term. If they are moderate, perhaps I can afford a little excursion; if not I shall have to deny myself the pleasure. If for any reason you would like a decided answer from me soon on this subject please let me know. I know very well that sometimes one is much inconvenienced by not knowing whether an invitation is to be accepted or not, so will you please tell me if you would prefer to know very soon? Please be perfectly frank with me.
The last three weeks have been as full as possible with company, visiting, and sewing. My sewing is not as well on as it should be, but we have a dress maker engaged to do most of it. You ask about new dresses. I have not a single new dress this fall. Two dresses, a black silk and a plum colored cloth are to be made over - by the way you may possibly remember both the gowns as I had them at Holyoke. The cloth dress I never liked much, and moreover, it went out of fashion on account of the sleeves, so I laid it aside soon after I came from college. Now it is to see the light of day again.
The black silk I have not worn very frequently and I think it will make over very well with a little new silk. I have a black cloth which is to have a new silk vest and be used for a common dress. A blue cashmere is to be freshened up for house wear. I forgot one new thing - a black skirt to wear with a red-and-black waist which I already have. My evening dress was made over last spring so will need nothing. Now you see that I am to have no new gown at all, no new coat or cape is to be bought either, and only a common hat for every day wear, my last winters best one was very nice and is good yet. It seems to me that making over dresses is much more trouble than making them out of new goods.
Last week Phebe and I went to visit a cousin at Peekskill for a short time. You know Peekskill is on the Hudson, - about ten miles from here, - and of course the scenery around the village is beautiful. The village, which has about twelve thousand inhabitants, lies in a ravine and on the heights bordering the river, and beyond the river are the mountains. Peekskill is just at the entrance to the Highlands of the Hudson, and a short drive brings one among the mountains. Although we have been so well acquainted with the place from childhood it never loses its interest for us, as a place in which to visit, because we are sure to get glimpses of such pretty scenery. This week we were to visit an aunt who lives near Peekskill, but we were prevented by the news that we are to have company. Mamma's only sister - my aunt Eliza Lane, - and her husband and grandson are coming tomorrow to spend the day. My uncle is in very poor health, we thought he could hardly live through last winter. This year they are to spend the winter in California and we think the warm climate will prevent much of the suffering which he would surely endure if he remained here. So this visit will be a farewell one for me, though the rest of the family may see my uncle and aunt again before they go.
Did I ever mention my cousin, David Franklin Lane? He is the grandson who is coming tomorrow. He is a lad of eighteen, rather handsome, and as nice as can be. I am very fond of boys of that age, and especially of him. He is going to California with his grandparents.
Do all the public schools in Connecticut begin as early as your sister's? Miss Varney returned Saturday and began teaching yesterday. I am glad I do not have to begin so soon; I dread teaching this year. Laziness seems to increase with me.
Last Saturday afternoon and evening, Phebe, Mr. and Mrs. Requa and I attended the fall Convention of our Local Union of Y.P.S.C.E. The program was fine. Dr. Pentecost spoke in the evening, and we were delighted with the opportunity to hear so famous a man.The drive home, - twelve miles, - by moonlight, was grand.
Last Tuesday I received an invitation to the marriage of Miss Clarke, which is to take place next Tuesday - the 21st - at her home in Ocean Grove, N.J. On the 29th she and her husband set sail for Europe. Of course I cannot attend the wedding. I would like to see the bride, she is so pretty, and is to be married in white brocaded silk.
It is bed-time, so goodby -
Lovingly,
Gertrude.