Sherborn, Mass.
Dec. 27, 1917.Lady dear,
Your note came to me here written before the tragedy of Williston. I was indeed shocked to see an account of the fire on the front page of the Sunday Globe. It was an accident of course? The building wasn't heated much of any over a week end in the holiday season, I shouldn't think. So hot pipes could hardly be a cause. Did you have much explosive stuff on hand downstairs - ether, chloroform etc? I ask because it seems peculiar that the Science Hall at both Wellesley & Mt. Holyoke should be selected for fire without some predisposing cause. I dread to ask how much of your material & apparatus is gone. Especially the microscopes! Still more terrible to me is the thought of what extra work will fall on you - the continuance of courses - where & how to be the subject of days & nights[.] Too I fear of anxious thought & perplexity.
I notice by the papers that Dr. Hayes lost the results of 12 yrs' work on color blindness. Strange I had quite a chat with him Fri. night (Dec. 21st) when we were both waiting for the 11.15 at the Grand Central. Well, there must be some good reason why it all happened, though it hardly seems there could be a worse time for colleges to raise money than just now when everybody is about strapped giving money to the war. Poor Dr. Clapp will feel this terribly I'm afraid. Williston was her home for 40 yrs. in spite of all her realization of its imperfections.
I have been at home here since Dec. 22nd. The first four days were occupied with a cold which always awaits me coming north in winter. The stay has been delightful. The weather is clear & cold but pleasant. The house is paradise without mother. Papa looks better than I've seen him for years. His blood pressure is only 130 which is remarkable for a man of 68. He is busy & happy about his farm work. Mary takes the best care of him. We had a fine Christmas. Augustus & family came Sunday night & left Tues. night. This fall we got a victrola for father, & he certainly takes comfort with it. As for me it's lucky my furlough is up Jan. 2nd or I'd never leave the nest. As it is I leave here Jan. 1st, spending that night with Ruby Burritt in Brigeport. [sic] I'm afraid the tragedy has ruined your Boston plans, & if it had not I wouldn't think of adding to your confusion at this time.
My love to your mother.
Yours with all the old love