Dart writes that he has a long list of things to write about tonight. He says it seems like ages since he’s written a good descriptive letter, and even longer since he’s even tried to write a funny one.
First of all, his poli sci test was as tough as he’d thought it would be. “The Doc’s tests are sure original. Only he could think of such diabolical situations. He gave us a little story, vague in some spots and specific in two or three. The story was of a bill’s progress through the houses of Congress to the President, of a veto, and of Congress’ overriding the veto. Some of the questions required a two or three word answer, others took half a page to answer.
He seems to be all atwitter about Cleveland’s new street cars, about to replace to outmoded versions currently in operation. They’re real beauties. Some of them are on exhibit in public places while others are being used to train the operators. With enough cars and trained drivers, they hope to convert the entire Superior Ave. line to the new cars on September 15. He assures Dot that she’ll be surprised when she sees them, and maybe even more so when she rides one.
“Speaking of riding streetcars, maybe we’ll be doing a great deal of that. I think the car’s at last given up. Needs a new battery, (the old one lasted two years longer than the 18-month guarantee!) which nobody has the inclination (or money?) to pay for. As a consequence, it rests in the garage. It costs a great deal, more than $35 a month, to keep a car in operation and to use it occasionally.”
He reports that Uncle Guy is in his third week at the hospital, but no one has been able to figure out what’s causing his fever spike and other ailments. They’ve ruled out typhoid. In the meantime, his wife and daughter have moved out to the lake house, as a surprise for him when he gets out. With the help of Jim and Guy, Jr. the house is pretty well straightened up and habitable now. They hope to have radiators by winter.
He had a letter from the mother of his late friend, Art Carle. She has invited Homer, Dart and Dot to dinner at her house on September 7 when she returns from vacation. Dart will have to let her know that he and Dot will not be available on that date, but he hopes they can arrange something when everyone is back in Cleveland.
The biggest news of the letter so far is that the city of East Cleveland has settled some of the questions about their living arrangements when they’re married. The use of the third floor as a “light housekeeping suite” has been outlawed. “You and I will be taking what may prove to be the most economical course, that of livings ‘as a family’ with Mom and Dad and sharing expenses. ”
He continues that by living with his folks they should be able to salt a lot of cash away in their first year. After talking it over with his folks, he’s convinced that the outlook for their future isn’t as bad as he’d been projecting. He and his folks believe Dot to be a “good manager” so he won’t have to worry about a money-wasting wife. He believes the best time for them to save money for the future is right at the beginning. “We can do it, Dot!” I can’t help but wonder how Dot will react to the joyful news that she’ll be living “as a family” with her new in-laws when she’s a blushing new bride.
It’s been a while since he counted pennies, but he will soon. With her agreement, he’d like to open a separate bank account for the pennies and any other cash they manage to save so that they can at least get the 3/4% interest, compounded semiannually.
Burke and his date, along with two other couples had a picnic yesterday at Guy’s lake property. They discovered that the “far lot” had a 30-foot private beach and the water was perfectly calm. Although only one of their party went swimming because of the polio scare, they all had a swell time. It made Dart even more lonely for Dot, thinking that they, too, ought to be having such fun times.
“Tonight again, I feel the ever-present urge to repeat all of lovely moments together and all of out personal caresses. Tonight the loneliness is even stronger than usual. I hope this month is easier for you, Dot.”