The first page of Dart’s letter is a full sheet of typing paper containing 17 neatly typed words and his signature. It says “Dot, Darling, You didn’t forget how to write, did you? I love you very much. Your own Dart.”

He tells her in the second letter he’s enclosed that he’d intended to send just that page, but thought better of it.  The next letter begins with the news that he’s just decided to drop typing. He won’t be doing any more practice sessions, but he plans to do much of his personal correspondence using the “typing machine.”

Naturally, he is plagued by doubts about his decision, but he feels as though the time he spends on this one-hour course is putting his grades in the two academic subjects in jeopardy.

Now he’s feeling out of sorts and he feels like sleeping. He hopes he can recall at a later date what he’d intended to write in this one. He also hopes he’ll have a letter from Dot soon. Hold on, Dart, you should be getting some good ones soon, because your lovely lady has been writin’ ’em.

#          #          #

Dot has one subject on her mind tonight, and she needs to get it off her chest.  She has made her decision about college, she will not change her mind, and she’s tired of trying to make everyone happy. In fact, she feels she can’t seem to make anyone happy! “From now on, I’m going to do what I think is right, and if my judgment is poor, I am prepared to suffer the consequences.”

In answer to his mother’s comment, she must be of the belief that one can only get an education by going to college. What about her very own husband? He didn’t go to college, yet he’s one of the most intelligent men Dot has ever met. He reads countless books and magazines and can make interesting, intelligent conversation on a host of topics.

“I have never felt worthy of you, Dart, but I am interested in the same things you’re interested in and I’m eager to learn all I can about them. …The thing foremost in my mind is becoming your wife. You see, I happen to love you very much and every day we’re separated makes my longing for you so much more than the day before. …I become more dissatisfied with the situation every day. ”

She tells him that working every day not only gives her some much-needed money, but it helps to keep her mind off the subject that has her so upset tonight. “I am so sick of arguing with people about my age. ‘But, Dottie, you’re so young!’ Alright! I’m young. So what? …I’m young and very much in love and could be mighty happy if people would keep their opinions to themselves.”

She remarks that if it weren’t for El, she thinks she might give up trying to make plans for a future. “She has gone through hell and knows what it is not to be married to the person you love.”

She says no matter where she goes or what she does, she feels like a misfit, and has for three years. She can’t believe that everyone is out of step but her, so she must be the problem. “Oh my Darling, I need you so much. I keep remembering how sweet and understanding you were four weeks ago tonight. How come you’re such a wonderful guy? You’ve got to come here in September, Dart. I couldn’t stand it if you didn’t.”

Perhaps it was the blue funk that both Dot and Dart are in tonight that keeps either of them from writing tomorrow, but they’re both back in touch on the 11th. I’ll see you then.