5001 Lake Avenue
Chicago, Ill
Dec 8th
Dearest Father
I have just received Chill's [her younger sister] letter saying the idea of sending me a cheque for $100 did not seem to have impressed you sufficiently.
It is a matter of life and death that I have a cheque at once. I have ordered my dress, the dress maker furnished the goods and all the material and here I am with nothing to pay for the dress, I also want and need a set of furs. I tho't about a seal-skin coat, but you gave so little encouragement, I was forced to give it up.
You know I got very few clothes this fall. Just wait 'til I reap the harvest of all these golden promises, I'll not trouble you, but in the meantime as I cannot clothe myself like the lilies, you will have to help me keep up appearances, and I know you will only be too happy! My dress - if I can even raise enough money to get it - is blue broad-cloth just the kind of a dress you like.
Mrs S. paid me my first money last night $3.00 but she had to have it to pay the grocer this morning, so I returned it.
My health is miserable.
What do you think of the position I mentioned in the note I enclosed to Lida?
How do you think I had better dispose of myself X'mas vacation?
It is time for the mail-man and I must borrow a postage stamp to mail this letter.
Your loving daughter
Gertrude