March 13, 1944

No letter from Dart today, but Dot was able to tear herself away from a good book – Jamaica Inn to write him a chatty letter.

She chastises Dart for cruelly starting a letter to Jeanne with “Dearest Dot.” Then she adds “If you had me on your mind while writing to her, then I’m flattered. But if you were thinking of an old maid school teacher or a maiden aunt, well – I’ll settle with you later!”

She writes that she has kept her brother Gordon informed about Dart’s luck at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. He sends his best wishes for a speedy recovery, as do all the Chamberlains and all the seniors at Andrews School. Then she wonders if the “speedy recovery” sentiment is getting a little humorous. After more than 15 weeks in a hospital, I’d say so.

She says her report card was not too bad, but nothing like the grades Dart received in high school. She reports that Willoughby had a nice spring day, but she was not going to be fooled again, after putting her winter duds away, only to have to bring them back out again.

She drew a funny little picture of a sort of weeping cloud, saying that it depicts the deep mourning she is in at the loss of his beard. Hmmm…is that more of her sarcasm, or was she truly hoping to see the curly, red masterpiece of facial hair?

Her plans for going to Andy’s house over Easter may not work out. Since school is over three weeks later, it seems silly to go to the trouble and expense of a trip to Michigan. She’s planning to go into Cleveland over this coming weekend, and asks Dart if there is any news he’d like her to give his folks when she calls them.

She signs off with “All the love I have to give is yours.”

031344ad031344bd031344cd By the way, check out the new photos of the handsome young sailor. Thanks to my sister Nancy for sending these treasures along.

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