Dearest Mary, It was very nice in you to write me about Bessie and your note would have received a speedier answer did not a pile of unanswered letters hour inches high reproach me whenever I feel like writing at all and quench all desires. You know that I care most of all for BessieGÇÖs health - after that Sunday when I sent her out to you I scarcely expected to see her at Bryn Mawr. I had begged her to come directly to me from Blue Ridge. It seems to me very rash for Bessie to stay even a day in Baltimore until she has laid in a stick of strength. After the great disappointment of finding her no better at the end of summer than at the beginning no minor disappointment - even that of not seeing her - matters very much. I am very glad you had a visit from her; it is the first in a long time and I am sure you both enjoyed it. Bessie writes me the doctor orders her South GÇ£as soon as possibleGÇ¥. Now if this means what it says I feel a little afraid of not certainly seeing her. I canGÇÖt come home next week because we have offered the Collegiate Alumnae our hall to meet in and a luncheon afterwards. There are so many teachers, who have never seen the college, among them, that it seemed best. We have no further responsibility; but I should scarely like to be absent. The next week the 5th 6th and 7th I might come, but it is Yearly Meeting week, and our house would not hold me, nor could I endure the crowd with philosophy. If I should find there was any danger of BessieGÇÖs going before the 14th of November could I stay with you? I should go in all Saturday to spend it with Bessie and leave as usual Sunday afternoon - of course it would be very nice to see you also, and there would be no risk of MotherGÇÖs minding my being away from her as she to speak would not be there. If this would be in the least inconvenient or if you would not be alone so that I could break the solitude of your meals let me know, and I will stay with Mamie. I felt a little hesitation because Mamie has been away from home so much lately; but that I could overcome. I have begun Spanish under Dr. Slurzinger and our new German professor is the most attractive of the Faculty; as yet I am his only means of communication with the outside world, as he does not speak English. Our new students are cleverer than our old were this time last year. I am charmed to be approaching the Elizabethan period in my lectures - all the work is now con amore. There are many dark sides however - one the lack of autumn coloring this year. I hope Montebello is as gorgeous as it was last autumn. Yours lovingly, Minnie C. Th
