The Johns Hopkins Hospital April 3, 1921.
Lady, dear,
I held your dear unopened letter in my hand this A.M. while sitting in solemn conclave over my first oral exam. for the Ph.D. The chief was away & I had to take his place in giving the exam. I did not dream its contents.
I wish that I could have been with you during the week, or at least had known of the approaching end. It was not hard for you to have her, & yet you will miss the care more than you realize. Each year she has leaned on you more, and your bearing of it has been numbered in my mind with one of the graces of life. I am grateful that you were spared any other closing of it all except the natural falling asleep. That was so fitting to the quiet life she led.
My thoughts are all of you. As soon as you are at ease for a bit, you will write me your plans for the summer. You must rest.
With a heart of love
from
Esther