Jan. 12, 1919.Dear Harold:-
I trust you arrived at college safely and didn't miss any classes. I didn't either for the prof was ill. That made it nice.
Life has gone on in the same old way since you left this noble place. Altho I had a big Physics quiz Wednesday morning, I went to hear Mable Garrison sing Tues. night and sat up to study when I got back. She was simply splendid. Her program was varied and she gave some dandy encores[.] One was "Dixie" and I wish you could have heard her!
Friday night the Orpheus club was here. We had to turn out in evening gown etcetera. I managed to rip mine good and proper. My luck! At the end of the concert we sang some songs composed for the occasion and to our surprise they had some made up for us. One they lead to the time of "Smiles" was just great! I sat up until almost 2 A.M. studying that night for I had a math quiz Saturday right after breakfast. The old toad of a prof wouldn't change it till next week so I was bound I'd go any how. Last night we had a mock wedding. Margaret and I were in the comb orchestra. Honestly if you could have seen us you'd never have known us in this world. I had on long black earrings, an inch of powder and rouge, black around my eyes, a curl down the middle of my noble brow and a boudoir cap perched coyly on the top of my noodle. The rest of my costume consisted of pink and green striped pajamas rolled up to me knees, one yellow and one red stocking and bed room slippers about 3 sizes too big. Margaret was ditto. Some pair!
Last night we nearly froze, or at least I did, so I rose and came in here and sat on the hot radiator between 3 and four o'clock and read "Le Cid." I've cut French so much I'm way behind.
Did you know the quarantine is off between here and Amherst? Well, it is. We have pretty good skating here on upper lake. Ahem! Margaret and I find it almost impossible to put our skates on. Heaven knows we tried yesterday. She skates wonderfully. I was wondering and so was she and we both do now, whether you are too busy to come over some evening and if your worthy colleagues cared to come they would be welcome. I speak not for myself but in behalf of my colleagues. I mean, to condense, if you, and any of your friends also, wanted to come over and skate why come ahead. You see we thot you might like some companions in misery.
By the way have you heard from Clinton? I got a New Years gift from someone with a Ludlow post mark on it and it said inside from guess who - printed. I think it was his writing, it was just like it anyway. I'd hate to thank him for it if he didn't send them though.
I wrote to dear M. Clark in church this A.M. I am wondering what she will say in answer. Usually her epistles are full of your praises. Ye gods, it is probably be [sic] the opposite this time!
That wrist watch is a perfect dandy and I can't thank you enough for it. It's too nice for such a nut as I. You ought not to have gotten it for me. It reminds me of how much you do for me and I never do anything nice for you. I wish I could.
Mon frère mon bout est très près de moi! [French: my brother, my butt is very ...] Exams begin a week from Thursday and I am scared pink, green, and purple as usual. What I know wouldn't cover a pin point. Gracious, but I'd hate to be sent home! It's awful to be a brainless creature like mule. [?]
I had a dandy letter from mother this week. I do wish she'd come up and spend a week end up here. Mrs White said she'd try to make her.
[...] Hale is home now, Payne wrote and Anna May is at Wellesley - I didn't know she started college this year.
I wrote down to Harry Hawes and they sent me a keep skate, I mean Kate skey, oh dear what I want to say is skate key. Honestly that was a natural slip of the pen.
Well, I guess I haven't anything more to say so I'll give your hourbrains (or I guess it doesn't take away to read this) a rest. Come over whenever you can, to skate or other wise. We can't go to movies yet but we can to theaters and hotels, isn't that hectic?
As ever your devoted sister
Ruth.P.S. Am sending you a slight token of my esteem for you and your services in the post and hopes of those in the future. R.M.
P.P.S. Don't work too hard. Remember your advice to me. R.M.