With only 34 days until they see each other, Dart is beginning to stew a little about registration for fall classes. In his heart, his highest priority is to have the longest vacation possible with Dot. But his head is reminding him that he must get signed up for appropriate classes, even if it means cutting his vacation short by a couple of days. It would be terrible if he had a spot reserved for him at Cleveland College, but missed out on a spot in his necessary classes.

He and Tom Reilly went to a movie at the 105th street cinema tonight, and then took a long walk home when it was over. Tom is a good influence on Dart because he’s always reluctant to part with a penny. Dart would love to learn  how to be that frugal. Anyway, they saw a British thriller with an obvious and jerky plot, atrocious sound quality, mediocre acting and the homeliest heroine Dart had ever seen. Even so, Dart enjoyed the film, in spite of it being a war movie.

He made great progress on his train layout today and announces that the whole thing is really starting to come together.

He’s trying not to get his hopes  up to high that Dot may be able to come to Cleveland with him after vacation, but it’s about all he can think about while he’s alone. When he wishes her good night, he asks that she not work so hard that she can’t enjoy her vacation when it comes.

#          #          #

Dot begins her letter with shocking news. Her father’s car was stolen! If it isn’t recovered, they will have to take the train to Sunapee, which is less than ideal. Her dad really depends on that car for his business. Why couldn’t the thief have taken Pegasus instead?

She’s babysitting for the Miller boys tonight, with El filling in for her at the Pecsok’s. As soon as Mr. and Mrs. Miller return, she’ll head back to the Pecsok house.  Although Gib is feeling better and moving around some, Dot will be staying there until Mrs. Pecsok gets home on Tuesday. Dot has big plans for getting the house sparkling clean and the ironing caught up so that Mrs. P. won’t regret having taken a little vacation.

She finishes the letter early Sunday morning so she can mail it on her way to church. Still no sign of her father’s car.