Dart counts eight unanswered letters from Dot; two of them were to remind him of something, so he can defer them, the one he got today needs an entire evening of work to answer it properly, leaving five for him to respond to tonight. Here he goes…

Dec. 2 included a nice press clipping about her choral concert. He’s so glad it went so well. Then he comments that’s it’s too bad the little heater of hers is not the “Armstrong” variety, or she would be warm, through and through. Apparently her third-floor bedroom is still frigid at night.

It would appear the issue of their silver pattern is settled – “Candelight” it is, to the delight of all concerned.

Yes, she can certainly be his best girl at the same time she’s acting as his social secretary. If she is his secretary, she’ll be obliged to sit on his lap occasionally, which suits him fine! “This mutual admiration society we have for each other better last. I’m staking my life on it.” He tells her of a story he read recently of a couple who arrived separately at an event. When the girl arrived, the guy was so happy to see her that everyone in the room could feel his joy. In fact, the girl was equally happy to greet him. At last he turned to a woman and introduced the newcomer as his wife. Said the old biddy, “If she’s your wife, why do you seem so happy to see each other?” The young woman replied, “Well, we’re not only married, but we like each other!” Dart hopes they will always be that kind of couple.

He’s still curious about the 2-1/2 month time frame Dot mentioned a while ago. What does it mean? Is she planning something? She’s had time to answer his letter inquiry, but she hasn’t told him anything new. What gives?, he wants to know.

Which brings us to the letter of Dec. 5. Dart reports it was short, but sweet. He thinks it must have been fun for all hands when the gas went off.

Yes, he misses her, too. Does she mind awfully if he gives her a big squeeze?

The Dec. 6 letter brought the confirmation that she needs a dental bridge. He’s awfully sorry to hear that in one so young. His brother needs a couple, but has no funds to pay for them, so he’s doing without.

Dot claims that she still can’t write a decent passionate letter, but Dart assures her that her letters work for him. They may not burn his fingers, but they please him very much. “In many cases, the high-pressure letters I write are mostly touched off by some particularly natural and endearing thing you say which reminds me of some dearly loved moment with you. Thanks for being so nice, Dot. I miss you.”

Dec. 8 (written on white paper) – He wishes he could see her window dressing handiwork. He asks of she’s like the rest of the country in that she’s getting tired of “psycho” movies. He hasn’t been to a movie in so long, he can’t remember what they’re like. “They’re just a fad. Can’t last.”

Dec. 8 brings a second letter, written on green paper. Most of his response is directed at Nancy, with whom Dot is spending the night. It looks like Nancy absconded with Dot’s letter and added a few lines of her own. Dart playfully warns this psychiatric nurse not to try any strange treatments on Dot because he likes her to be a little crazy. Otherwise, why would she want to be with him? Nancy made some comments about Dot’s ‘Rogues Gallery’ in her bedroom and Dart asks Nancy if she’s ever seen a rogues gallery with only one rogue in it. Many of his photos that she displays so proudly in her room were acquired at the post office, he claims.

He switches back to answering Dot’s portion of the letter, saying he’s happy that she and Nancy have been talking about psych issues, especially as they relate to juveniles. He tells her of a story in the paper this week about a police raid on a house where the cops found a group of teens who were reported to have been “tipsy, partially clad, and in ‘compromising’ positions.” The whole gang was at a home where one of the girls was supposed to be baby-sitting. Dart blames the parents for the teens’ behavior.

Today while he was paying bills at Higbee’s, he stopped by to see Dot’s gal pals from Andrews to see if they had any news for her. They didn’t, but they sent their regards anyway.

His cold prompted him to stay home from American lit class today. He figures the extra sleep did him more good than another class would. Also, he was not too happy about the industry test today, but declines to elaborate.

He certainly hopes that she and her Dad don’t think that anyone who votes for the Democrats is stupid. Dart thinks it is every citizen’s duty to think for themselves and vote for who they think the best candidate would be. He’s glad that he and her father agree on some topics so there will be less for them to argue about. Besides, Dart says he does his best arguing with a pen.

He’s awfully glad that she’s proud of him when he “pops off” with one opinion or another. Sometimes he knows his opinions border on senile, but knowing that she’s proud of him for having, and expressing opinions makes him happy. “You’re a great one for my morale!”

There was a notice in the newspaper today about a telephone company strike in Washington, DC. Golly, he hopes it doesn’t spread to her neck of the woods.

How he wishes he could be talking with her tonight, instead of writing. He misses their talks terribly.

Yes, he agrees it would be wise to cool it a bit on their *** letters. “My Darling, I miss you and love you tonight as much as I’ve ever missed you and loved you. I am forever your own.”