Dart received three letters from Dot today – a short on and two long ones. He says he’s equally thrilled by any length, but the thrill of longer letters takes more time to unfold. Unfortunately, he’s spent most of his time writing a long response to Fred and now he must write to his neglected parents, so his letter to her today must be shorter than he’d like.
He asks that she convey her congratulations to Don for placing top in his pre-med class. He hopes that El and Don are thoroughly enjoying their leave time together.
He has more ideas about his house plans, which he’ll sketch and send to her from time to time. He’d given little thought to the front door when he did that first drawing, but says he prefers solid doors with long wrought-iron hinges. That statement surprised me a little because the man I remember had a preference for more modern or contemporary design. Of course, our tastes and sensibilities tend to change as we age and are exposed to more possibilities.
With a vow to not do it again, he apologizes for alarming both Dot and his parents with his prediction of an imminent departure. He’ll say nothing more of the kind until he has actual orders.
Referring to the date he turned down, he assures Dot that he’s not missing out on any fun. His preference is and always will be to spend time with Dot, either in person, through letters, or just thinking about her. He’s not missing anything as long as he has her. Of other girls, he writes, “I talk to them. I notice them. But always in my mind is the picture of you and no other girl can compare with that picture.”
Dart recalls his precious memories of their last Thursday night together in Cleveland. “We have so few actual minutes of being together to cling to, that each one bears great importance. But Thursday night, our embraces, our kisses, our whispers, are the most important and significant of all. If only we could always be like we were Thursday night – happily, completely in love. We will be, Dot, always.”
As he closes, the “Hit Parade” is playing Together, a song he loves, but not nearly so much as he loves Dot.
