On train to Balto.
Monday 5 P.M.Excuse paper
Lady dear,
I'm sorry I didn't see you before I left College. There were a number of things I wanted to tell you. Among them is the fact that I think seriously of going abroad for Aug. & Sept. with Miss Cross [therefore] not doing much but Wales, & a week in London. I must relax a bit, & I am tired. My heart has taken to skipping beats lately, & I'll respect the warning.
I had such a good time at reunion with 1910, 1909 & 1908. It was a real joy to see the old (? glass house stuff) familiar faces in the familiar settings of trees & conifers and mountain range. Mount Holyoke is beautiful.
Miss Ball was dear to me, & took me on a wonderful drive Amherst [arrow] Deerfield [arrow] Ashfield [arrow] Buckland [arrow] Old Hadley. We had a quiet visit together.
I saw Dr. Clapp twice. Once in front of Porter. Dr. C. - "Well's here's Esther Richards coming in all her glory." I congratulate her on looking so well etc. 2nd occasion, outside Mary Lyon - Helen Tarr & I sitting on steps waiting for Vespers[.] She & Helen converse. Says Helen to me, "Is this the first time you've seen Dr. Clapp?" "No." "Did she say anything more to you the first time?" "No." Queer, isn't it? She sure does act as if it was hard for her to change her mind.
Such a funny thing happened Sunday night. Helen & I were sitting at the end table in Adaggio's when a man & woman came in. He bowed to me pleasantly. Said I to Helen, "I'll bet he takes me for Mignon Talbot." Well, he circled around & finding no table empty, stopped at ours, removed his hat, & proffered his hand, saluting me as "Miss Mignon Talbot." "No, I'm afraid you've made a mistake." Man. "Pardon me, I mean Miss Ellen Talbot." "Wrong again," said I as Helen showed startling signs of apoplexy.
Man. "Well, you are a member of our faculty, aren't you."
It was Mr. Hammond's brother!
I went back to Judson & reacted the scene.
Writed me when you get to Woods Hole.
Much love,
Esther