Dear Enemy

When I started this letter, I had no intention of filling it with a

description of the recently excavated charms of Robin MacRae; it's just

by way of remorseful apology. He was so nice and companionable last

night that I have been going about today feeling conscience-smitten at

the thought of how mercilessly I made fun of him to you and Jervis. I

really didn't mean quite all of the impolite things that I said. About

once a month the man is sweet and tractable and engaging.

Punch has just been paying a social call, and during the course of it

he lost three little toadlings an inch long. Sadie Kate recovered one of

them from under the bookcase, but the other two hopped away; and I'm so

afraid they've taken sanctuary in my bed! I do wish that mice and snakes

and toads and angleworms were not so portable. You never know what is

going on in a perfectly respectable-looking child's pocket.

I had a beautiful visit in Casa Pendleton. Don't forget your promise to

return it soon.

Yours as ever,

SALLIE.

P.S. I left a pair of pale-blue bedroom slippers under the bed. Will

you please have Mary wrap them up and mail them to me? And hold her

hand while she writes the address. She spelt my name on the place cards

"Mackbird."

Tuesday.

Dear Enemy:

As I told you, I left an application for an accomplished nurse with the

employment bureau of New York.

Wanted! A nurse maid with an ample lap suitable for the accommodation of

seventeen babies at once.

She came this afternoon, and this is the fine figure of a woman that I

drew!

We couldn't keep a baby from sliding off her lap unless we fastened him

firmly with safety pins.

Please give Sadie Kate the magazine. I'll read it tonight and return it

tomorrow.

Was there ever a more docile and obedient pupil than

S. McBRIDE?

Thursday. My dear Judy:

I've been spending the last three days busily getting under way all

those latest innovations that we planned in New York. Your word is law.

A public cooky jar has been established.

Also, the eighty play boxes have been ordered. It is a wonderful

idea, having a private box for each child, where he can store up his

treasures. The ownership of a little personal property will help develop

them into responsible citizens. I ought to have thought of it myself,

but for some reason the idea didn't come. Poor Judy! You have inside

knowledge of the longings of their little hearts that I shall never be

able to achieve, not with all the sympathy I can muster.