Contents

Inez to Pater, Middle Fragment, October 1899 [?] 1

Inez to Pater, March 24, 1900. 1

Inez to Pater, April 23, 1900. 2

Inez to Pater, May 16, 1900. 2

Inez to Pater, May 29, 1900. 3

Inez to Mater, January 23, 1901. 3

Inez to Pater, February 2, 1901. 4

Inez to Pater, May 25, 1902. 5

Inez to Pater, October 1, 1901. 5

Inez to Pater, November 10, 1901. 6

Inez to Pater, November 23, 1901. 6

Inez to Pater, September 1902 [?] 7

Inez to Pater, November 15, 1902. 7

Inez to Pater, November 30, 1902. 8

Inez to Pater, December 24, 1902. 9

Inez to Pater, January 31, 1903. 9

Inez to Pater, December 6, 1903. 10

Inez to Pater, November 21, 1903. 11

Inez to Pater, November 7, 1903. 11

Inez to Pater, October 24, 1903. 12

Inez to Pater, May 30, 1903. 13

Inez to Pater, May 16, 1903. 14

Inez to Pater, May 9, 1903. 14

Inez to Pater February 21, 1903. 15

Inez to Pater, Celtic, September 1901 [?] 15

Inez to Pater, January 10, 1903. 16

Inez to Pater, Caronia, September 1905 [?] 16

Inez to Pater January 24, 1903. 17

Mater to Pater, January 24, 1903. 17

Inez to Pater December 1904. 18

Inez to Pater November 1904. 19

Inez to Mater December 1904. 21

Inez to Mater, October 1904. 22

Inez to Mater February 14, 1905. 24

Inez to Mater, February 19, 1905. 25

Inez to Mater, January 1905. 27

Inez to Mater January 1905. 28

Inez to Pater February 2, 1905. 30

Inez to Pater and Mater, May 1905. 31

Inez to Mater, End Fragment 32

Inez to Mater, December 1904 [?] 33

Inez to Jock, December 1904 [?] 33

Inez to Mater [Winter] 34

Inez to V. M. February 1905. 35

Inez to Mater February 5, 1905. 35

Inez to Mater November 1904

Inez to Pater, Middle Fragment, October 1899 [?]

[no date, but appears to be early in the first year of Inez’s London days]

…jolly news, so mind you pay attention.  The first week at school[1] I got (listen well, now) I got 98% out of 100%.  Isn’t that fine?  It is the highest Vida or I have ever got, and to get in honors you only have to get 75%, so I’m quite pleased with meself.  This week it wasn’t so good, but Miss Horne was very pleased because I had had more lessons to study, my percentage was 70% & Vida’s was 71%.

Mater has hired a lady housekeeper, Mrs. Zimmerman, to arrange things and do the trading, and yesterday she arranged all your books putting the poetry in one place, reading books in another, etc.  She is very clever and refined and interesting, and has lived in Russia a very great deal. 

All the others are at church, but I could not go because I have a … 

Inez to Pater, March 24, 1900

6, Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington W. [London]

March 24^th, 1900 [at end of letter]

Dear Pop,

Well, I never!  Here you are preaching to me to write a long letter, and you sending a little, skinny, funny thing, without a scrap of news in it, still I was glad to hear from you, so as to know that you are alive. 

We have given up the bazaar here, but we are not sure but what we may have it at another house.  It is just as dark as ever in “Lunnon town”.

Johnny’s face looks like a balloon. 

Vida and I go to the park almost every day and feed the ducks, birds (crows, pigeons, and sparrows), and dogs; to-day though we are going to take some sugar for the two ponies that pick up twigs in the park.  One is a brown pony named Tom, and the other is a pure white one named Molly, and the guard told us that if we had sugar in our pocket they follow us until we gave it to them.

Then, beside them we have about 14 peacocks and several guinea hens.  The peacocks spread their tales [sic] and strut about.  Then there is a white one, and when it spreads its tale it looks exactly like a feather fan.

We went to Twelfth Night this afternoon and it was fine, Mr. Benson took Malvolio’s part, and he was not very good. 

General Woodgate died today of his wounds, it is such a pity.

I want to know if you are any good at riddles, if so guess this: “If you get up one side of a donkey, where do you get down from?”  Now try and answer that.[3]

Now you must write me a longer letter next time, or there’ll be war, comprenez vous?

Well, good-bye from your loving daughter Inez

PS  The “dear children” who are in the room and to whom I have read this letter want me to send their love, at this moment Vida is teasing Jean.[4] 

Inez to Pater, April 23, 1900

[Plain stationery]

April 23rd, 1900 [at end of letter]

Dear Dad,

Now, which do like best: Pop, Popper, or Dad, for a name?

Our holidays are almost over now and we have had lots of fun, but we had the most at Letcherhead, where we cycled almost all the time, from there we went to Brighton, which is very hot, from there back to London and we hope to go to Stratford-on-Avon for the last few days as it is Shakespeare week.  These last few days it has been baking over here.  Has it been very hot over there?

School begins a week from tomorrow.  Over in the pond there are lots of little tiny ducklings, they are as cute as they can be.

We have been shopping all day buying our “Spring Clo’se”.  We had lunch at Fullers, and a great big lump of chocolate cake as big as your fist.

When you come over (and I hope that will be soon) if you can, bring a lot of Pucks, fudges, Lifes, etc.?

John and Jean are playing Checkers now and John is growling because he is being beaten. 

I don’t play checkers anymore.  I’m saving up my strength to beat you with twelve men when you come home.

We hope to go to Windsor Castle to-morrow and if we do I’ll tell you all about it in my next letter.  Until then I’ll send lots of love and say good-bye from

Inez

PS.  Don’t forget to grow a “go tea”

Inez to Pater, May 16, 1900

6, Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W. [London]

May 16th, 1900 [at end of letter]

Dear Pop,

I haven’t had a letter for a long time so I s’pose you are awfully busy.  We had the prize giving on Thursday and the Princess of Wales gave the prizes.  It was an awfully pretty sight to see 1700 girls all in white. 

There was a special choir of the girls of each school who sang the best, and Vida and I are both in it.  The Prince of Wales was there and had to bob his head into each one of the many girls that past him.

I wrote to the President thanking him for the flowers that he sent us, and Vida wrote to Mrs. McKinley. 

It has been so cold here the last few days, especially Sunday that we had to wear furs.  I hope you would do what I said before about coming home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins came to dinner the other night and Mrs. Hopkins laughed almost all the time, he told us about your landing in America and how strong and healthy you did not look.

Hoping you will be home soon I am your loving daughter

Inez

P.S.  Don’t forget Pucks etc.

Inez to Pater, May 29, 1900

6, Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington W. [London]

May 29, 1900 [Date at end]

Dear Pop –

I am glad to hear that you are coming home at last, for I thought [you] never meant to.

We are going to have a Trend Play at school and we are all studying for it.  The races begin tomorrow and almost everybody is going to see them.  Mamma is going to have a dinner to-night for fourteen people and Mr. & Mrs. Hopkins, and Mr. Bachellar[6] are coming.  The menu’s are going to be little Viking ships and the dinner is going to be written on the sails, the name cards are going to be fishes swimming along, won’t that be pretty?

Jean is in the speed room now and doing very well. 

I haven’t had a letter for a long time now and I want one pretty soon.  Why was Ladysmith like a hard boiled egg?  Let’s see if you can answer that riddle.

Well, good-bye with lots of love from Inez 

Inez to Mater, January 23, 1901

6, Prince of Wales Terrace[7]

Kensington. W. [London]

Jan. 23^rd 1901 [date at end of letter]

Dear Mamma,

I hope you have recieved [sic] the other letter that I sent to you and Pater.  Everybody pretty near is in black to-day on account of the Queen[8] and it’s only some “arrieti”[9] that got a bunch of red or anything like that on.  But it’s only on the street for in the house hardly anybody does.  We had such a nice time at Mrs. Chamberlain’s tea yesterday.  Mrs. Ford and her daughter are awfully nice thoroughly American but nice and refined, Mrs. Ford is a small thin little woman, stylish and quiet. 

By the way you have made another conquest, Mrs. Chamberlain had your pictures stuck up in the most conspicuous place in the Drawing Room and Miss Wheeler said she thought you were lovely and that she thought your pose so graceful.  Mrs. Chamberlain told me to give you her love.  Are you coming home by Paris? 

Mr. Pauline[10] was awfully nice this time.  He talked to us and fooled with Jock[11] and was real pleasant.  We are going to riding to-morrow.  I have had to borrow a good bit of money from Mrs. Beecher because we had some small school fees like needlework, drawing materials, etc. 

This maid is no good the great fat thing and it does not seem to me that she does anything at all, although I only see very, very little of her, but I advise you to get one if you can for I don’t think she’ll do.  Miss Moore left yesterday.  I also hope that if you see a good violin that you will get it.  The King came to London to-day and was recieved [sic] silently but with uncovered heads.  He was very pale and was very quiet.

Well, come home soon but enjoy yourself now for we all are all right.  With love from Inez 

Inez to Pater, February 2, 1901

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington W. [London]

Saturday, Feb. 2 [1901] [Day matches date in 1901.]

Dear Pater,

            Well, I haven’t much to say except about school, & I am rather pleased with myself this week, because it seems to me I have learned something.  My Latin & arithmetic seem to be improving & altogether I am in a most beatificic [sic] state of mind.  But that’s just what maddens me. 

Bah!  What nonsense I am writing.  Everything to-day is fine. 

We thought of going to Brighton, but the weather is so forbidding we are not going to attempt it, & will spend the half-term holiday in town.  Mater said a little while ago “What if Pater should come home to-day?”  And I wish you would, you know we want a surprise.

            I went to see old Joho play a match on Wednesday, but took the wrong train & missed him.  But they beat in the match, & on Monday I am going to see him play another.  I hope you come home in time for the boxing contest, & our sports.  You must give a cap at John’s sports for one of the races.

            Ta-ta with love, Inez

Inez to Pater, May 25, 1902

[Blank stationery]

Sunday, May 25 [1902] [Day and date match]

Dearest Pop,

            Oh you ought to be in London now, it is just beautiful.  The gardens are green & full of birds, & flowers, people are going to Richmond, Bushy Park, Kew on bicycles, on top of buses & everything they can get hold of, & all look so happy.  This fine weather has just begun for we have had a month of the most awful weather you can think of.

Vida isn’t going in for anything except the Tug of War.  I am going in for 440 yds, 100 yds, long jump, high jump & Tug of War.  The King has asked that all the schools have a week’s holiday.  Isn’t he nice?  But I don’t know yet whether we will or not. 

At the meeting of the Debating Club, Friday, the subject discussed was whether Pro-Boers (English) were true patriots?  And I was surprised to see that a good many mistresses were Pro-Boers.  After the debate, we had one out in the play-ground, & the girls jumped on America.  I said in revenge that England was almost on the bottom-rung of the ladder.  They wanted to know why & I couldn’t tell them.  Why is it.

            The other night Mr. Mattox came & played Ping-Pong, but he beat us (inside) all hollow.  But next time he came I gave him 5 points out of 20 & beat him!

            Many happy returns on the 30^th[12] & tons of love and kisses from

            Inez

Inez to Pater, October 1, 1901

Cunard, R.M.S. “Lucania” [on board]

October 1, 1901 [date at end]

Dear Pop,

I thought I would drop you a line to say that (so far) all looks like “plain sailing”.  No one has conceived a violent affection for their cabin (so far).  All are parading the decks in a fine healthy wind (so far).  Mamma looks and I think feels splendid (so far).  Don’t eat too many candies and don’t stay up late like a good little boysie.  I won’t write any more for fear of seeing too much of my state-room.  I am wearing one of the roses and it’s just lovely.  Well ta-ta with piles of love and oceans of kisses from every body and Inez

Inez to Pater, November 10, 1901

4, Prince of Wales Terrace,

Kensington, W.  London

Dear Pop -

I suppose you think I’ve forgotten all about you, because I don’t write.  But I haven’t.  Not a bit of it.  But you see we have been pretty busy these first two weeks, although last Monday was the half-term holiday, but then we spent it at Brighton and there was everything to see & do, out-of-doors, so I think you understand how it was.  Now I’ve got some bad cold in my “chist” and cannot go out.  First Vida had the cold, then mamma and now me.  Mater was telling us about your imagining us looking at the moon over Kensington Gardens, but it happened that night that there was such a dense fog that you could not see two yards ahead.  What a royal sell for you.  We had a fine trip over, and one of the officers took me to see [how] the Marconi[13] telegraph thing works, and oh, it was so interesting.  And I like the Lucania better than the Campania.

Well, good-bye piles of love from Inez

Inez to Pater, November 23, 1901

4 Prince of Wales Terrace,

Kensington, W, London

Nov. 23 ’01 [at end of letter]

Dear Pater,

You said something about my not writing in one of your letters, and here I’ve been and gone and done and write you two, I don’t know whether you got them just the same. 

Now about marks[,] last week[’]s were fairly good 74, 1 below honours, and this week I got 85 mks.  Is’nt [sic] that royal?  It shows I’ve improved for when I first went there and last term too, I only got 61, 62, 55, 67, etc.  We have had 4 hockey matches this term and Kensington has won everyone except one and that was Notting Hill.  We heard that you were going to sail to-day and surprise us, but aren’t sure.  However I hope when you do come you’ll not let us know & surprise us. 

John goes to school on Saturday’s [sic] and seems to like very much.  Every Wednesday and Saturday he has foot-ball, on Tues. and Thurs. gymnasium, and Monday and Friday just lessons (this is after-noons I mean).  We hear nothing but “Dormer does this,” Mayer “Minor” does that” etc.  Miss Thorpe has come to stop with us and help housekeep.  Miss McClellan is to be married to-day, so now you have all the gossip I know.  Our room is just as pretty as can be all pale blue, so hurry up and come & see it.

With piles of love and kisses from Inez

Inez to Pater, September 1902 [?]

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W [London]

[Sunday] September [1902?]

Dearest Pop,

            Here we are safe & sound, with everything going exactly as last year.  We went to Church, took a walk, went to Sunday school, took another walk & had supper.  We didn’t know the Catechism[14] (being on ship-board), but will learn it for next Sunday.

Monday we all went to school & were very busy settling our colledge course.  We are preparing for Vassar.  I wish if you have time you would take a look at it.  Monday afternoon I went to a science class for I have to have extra chemistry in colledge.  Mr. Mattox called Sunday afternoon, and says he is going to America about next week.  Mr. Milne, and Mrs. Griffin with Leslie called this after-noon.

Ping Pong!  “Play?”  “Ready” is going on just now, and Mater & John are trying hard to beat Vida & Jean.  Do hurry up across and do try to come on the “Campania”.  We had such a jolly time, for everybody was so nice to us.  We had discussions with Mr. Dow (1^st Officer) & the Purser, worried the life out of Mr. Dunning (chief officer) & “Dusty” Rhodes, saluted the “Juniors,” and teased the Chief Engineer.  We promised Mr. Dow some apples and honey but never gave them to him, so when you bring our apple over (& bring piles they taste so good in London) give Mr. Dow some.

            Hurry up and bring Hob [?] to yours, with oceans of love, Inez

Inez to Pater, November 15, 1902

4, Prince of Wales Terrace,

Kensington, W [London]

Saturday, Nov. 15 [1902 - date and day match]

Dear Pater,

            It’s getting pretty near Christmas you know, & not a word of coming over.  You had better hurry up, & do bring Hob.  The other day we picked up a little fox terrier in the park and sent Johnson up to the police station with him, but they said we had no right to pick up dogs in the park, & kept him, so we are dogless.

            Hockey is fine.  We have had two matches so far & beat Highbury 10 – 0, while with Notting Hill it was a draw 3 all.  The 2^nd XI[15] have a match Wednesday against S. Hampstead.  Tub[16] plays center half back in 2^nd XI.  I play “backs” in 1^st XI. 

John & I had a boxing match the other night, & we were about even, for I am tall[er] & he has “style”.  He goes to boxing today and is awfully keen on it.  He is in the 1^st XI now, although Mr. Syms hesitated a long time before deciding for he said John “didn’t take the game seriously enough!”

            Mrs. Lynch was here to lunch the other day, & she bears up very well, and seems fairly cheerful.  Mr. Lynch is still in prison, & is writing a book, which gives an easier way to do Euclid’s problems, I wish he would hurry up and finish it!  Isn’t it shame?  He has been in prison about six months now.

            I must practise now so ta, ta with piles of love  Inez

Inez to Pater, November 30, 1902

Dear Pater,

            I wrote a letter last Saturday, but did not finish it before mail time, so I am writing another to-day.  Doleful news, for hockey, we had a match against Notting Hill last Friday week, & were beaten 3 – 1, but there were heaps of things against us.  First of all I was ill & couldn’t play, & they had to have a 2^nd XI substitute.  Vida would have been subs, but she did not play either back or forward so she couldn’t.  Then Notting Hill turned up ½ hour late, & it was dark almost long before we had finished & some of our girls who are short-sighted could not see, then 1 of their goals was off side, but the umpire did not see it, so it was not counted.  They were very ungenerous victors, & made nasty remarks.  Mr. Evan Thomas took 14 of the S.K.P.S. boys to the London V. Corinthian Foot-ball match yesterday.  The boys were delight and had a splendid time.

            Johnson is getting along very well, Mater and Vida went to see him Friday, & he looked fine.  He tried to touch his Fore-lock, but could not manage it.

We had a big turkey and lots of fun Thanksgiving night, but the company were not all American.  Mr. Sterne was host, but did not carve the turkey.  There was Miss Orsnesby, American singer who has had quite a success at St. James, two Italian Musicians, one violoncellist to Queen Margherita, young Mr. & Mrs. Stead, who are both lovely, Miss Stead & a Mr. Shearer, an American whom Mr. Milne introduced to Jean.  John keeps saying: “get our, I no” so I suppose I must stop so ta ta piles of love.

            Inez

P.S.  I want you to know that I have sent you a letter every week since we have been home, but one.   J.

Inez to Pater, December 24, 1902

THE INTERNATIONAL SUNSHINE SOCIETY

Kensington Sunshine Branch No. 1

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

London

Dear Pater,

            As long as you haven’t come over I suppose I might as well write.  But let me tell you we expected you would “surprise” us up to the last moment.  Then too, we have had exams, which were awful.

I beat Vida in Algebra, for I had 64% and she had 42%, but in Literature she had 68% & I had 58%, & in Scripture she had 79% & I had 77%.

            John did awfully well in his exams, & had a spiffing report and now he is swallowing a mandarin, and bothering me, telling me that Mr. Syms told him that an English man turns his back to a fire or a friend, but never to a Foe.  The play went off fine and we made £16.  We played it Monday & Tuesday, & so it rather interfered with exams.

            Everybody is Christmas shopping.  We have been out all morning.  John went up the High Street, Monday morning, came back in about 10 or 15 minutes saying he had done all his, besides getting Vida’s and Mater’s birthday presents.  I must stop now & take Eucalyptus for I have a cold & sore throat.  So Merry Christmas with tons of love.

            From Inez

Inez to Pater, January 31, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W [London]

Saturday, January 31, 1903

Dear Pater,

            I have just been arranging your books & my hands are as black as the ace of spade.  When are you coming home?  I wish you would hurry up.  Things have quieted down since the holidays & school is the ‘hull thing’ now nothing exciting seems to happen excepting a play, which comes of next Friday for the benefit of the school library called “The Ghost of High Buildings”, it is awfully fine.  We are all as we were in the Easter holidays at Haslemere.

            One of the girls dresses up as a Ghost and scares all of us, especially the one who boasted she never could be afraid.  We are going to have a rehearsal to-night.  Mr. White came back on Monday, bringing a huge box of sweets, which are already most gone.

            The Countess of Warwick is going to speak at a meeting of the Salvation Army to-morrow & Col. Lamb has sent us tickets.  Mamma, Vida, Jean & John are going & I am going to take Jean’s Sunday school class.  She has boys this year & some of them are awfully naughty.

            Everything begins to seem like spring already, the air, Americans appearing, & Tally Hots.  Also the flowers are sprouting in the floral walk.  We go there regularly each Sunday.  We regularly meet Mr. Stone.  We come home, have dinner, go to Sunday school, come back have tea, receive Mr. McNovikoff (who kisses Mater regularly) & asks “when you husban’ wass coming home?”  Then have supper, service & to bed.  By the bye next Sunday is the anniversary of the burglary.  I hope the watch-man will keeps sharp look out.

            Well, ta-ta heaps of love

            Inez

Inez to Pater, December 6, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W [London]

Dear Pater,

            When are you coming over?  I am about tired of telling every lady of my acquaintance: “about Christmas, I think”, & I have been asked the sane question by one member of the female sex I have been asked by twenty. 

That reminds me, I wish you wd have the “Journal” sent us, there are some splendid articles in it, especially the evening addition.

            Well, the exams begin this week, & then holidays for three weeks, & freedom!  Oh, I am longing for it, & have already been invited to a dance, & have accepted, though Tub has refused with scorn.  We are going to have service now, so ta ta with love.

            Inez

Inez to Pater, November 21, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W., London

Saturday, November 21 [1903 – day matches date]

Dear Pater -    

I’ve got to dash off to a rehearsal, & I don’t know my part, & I’m Petruchio now, & am in a complete funk.  It has been a gay week, for the King of Italy was here & there have been processions, & Royalties & things.

This after-noon when we have done our lessons, Tub & I are going to see John box, he seems to be getting along finely, & he just loves boxing. 

We had hoped you w[oul]d be here for Thanksgiving, but we know you will be here for Christmas, or there will be ’ructions.  We have a turkey at home on Thursday, & Friday we have another at the Stanton-Coits who celebrate Thanksgiving on Friday, so that the young folks may stay up later & have no lessons on Saturday.  Lessons are getting along slowly & surely, I can’t say they are racing, but then nothing does race except the “buses”.

            I enjoy the Literature classes immensely, especially the one on [Edmund] Burke, at King’s College.  I admire Eddie tremendously, & if you think of it, his politics apply equally well to the present day, especially his views on the colonies & Ireland.

            Well, ta-ta with tons of love, in haste   Inez

Inez to Pater, November 7, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W. [London]

Saturday,[18] November 7 [1903 – day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            Well, the fogs have begun, & seem likely to stay, for although we have had rain, so far we have had no fogs.  But I don’t mind them a bit, in fact, I rather like them & find London interesting at all times.

            I had a letter from Marconi from Gibraltar, saying his experiments were getting along nicely, & telling of the jolly times he had on board the battleship, & Tub had one saying he was sailing for England, would arrive on Saturday for a week-end visit, & hoped to call Sunday.  I also had a letter from Mr. Pavy.  Wasn’t it good of him to bother to write?  I wish he would write again & would not call me Miss Milholland, but “Inez”

Inez to Pater, October 24, 1903

The International Sunshine Society

4 Prince of Wales Terrace, London

October 24^th, 1903

Dear Pater,

            Well, we are fairly started now, and I am working so hard at Latin that I’ll soon turn into a walking encyclopedia of grammar rules.  I am not getting as many mathematics, especially Algebra, as I could wish, but am trying to get extra lessons.  Of course I have plenty of time because I am not taking any extra studies that I do not need for Vassar, such as English History, French translation, German & Arithmetic.  Generally in these h ours I take Latin, Chemistry or Algebra.  I am also having a Chemistry class, & two Literature classes at King’s College, which are very interesting, especially the literature.  I love it!  And after I get into college I am going to take only literature, history & languages.  I have been reading a fair amount lately, from some books, which you have in your library called “Library of the World’s best Literature”, & I find them intensely interesting.  I have read the biographies of Byron, Swinburne & Carmen Sylva, & some of their works, also several of Rossettis’ poems of Taine’s Ancien Regime, which I like tremendously.  Of course, none of these are required for Vassar, but I am going to begin those later, so as not to forget them by examination time, also when once I am started in one of the “Library etc” books I cannot stop, so it is yourself to blame & not I, for having such interesting books.

There!  I thought I had forgotten ‘ego’ for 5 minutes at least, but you see how I return to the subject again, so you must put up with it.

            I have my Sunday school class again, which I am glad to say has increased some, although the whole school seems to be about the same.  You know Mr. Milne is leaving, I presume?  I wonder if he will come to America.

            Well, I have got to practice so ta-ta with tons of love.

                        Inez

P.S. Tell Jean to get me a 25¢ white leather belt at Wanamakers, & you bring it over with you.  I. M.

Inez to Pater, May 30, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington W. [London]

Saturday, May 30, 1903 [day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            I have been working so hard late at night, and early in the morning this week that this morning with no work to do, I over slept myself, and did not get up in time to get off your letter, so I suppose you won’t get this interesting epistle until Wednesday week.

            We have Monday and Tuesday holidays because of the Whitsun & half term.  But we have been given so much extra work that it doesn’t seem like holidays at all. 

            We saw Pitt’s famous picture & the windows of stained glass had pictures of the Kings of England.  Every member has his crest on the wall and there are hundreds. 

Mater and Vida just off to the Royal Academy, & John (who also has his half term holiday) is at home, reading, fussing about, & waiting for a friend to come to tea.

            It is a roasting day, which makes one feel so slack.  I am just off to enquire the reason of the absence of some of my Sunday school scholars last Sunday, so ta-ta with lots of love from

            Inez

Inez to Pater, May 16, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington W. [London]

Saturday, May 16, 1903 [day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            I am just going to scribble off a note before I practice, & then go to play the Tennis ties for the championship.  There is not much news as we have not done anything this week, except work, which ought to be spelt with a big W.  I have been writing essays on how to ascertain the date of a Shakespeare play, working up my French & arithmetic until my head is spinning.

            Today I must write an essay about Simon de Montfort, what to say I don’t know.  This afternoon we go to John’s sports, and of course are tremendously excited.  So in the next letter I write there will be 2 interesting bits of news, i c how many races John won, & whether ‘yours truly’ is tennis champion.

            You complain of our not writing, may hap with reason, still when we write, we WRITE, I don’t scribble off 6 words, but double the necessary amount of stamps on, direct it & then have the ‘blasted himpudence’ to call it a letter.  I received that poetry!  &  I should die tonight, and think is fine.  I took it to school and the girls giggled over it all morning &       me some more classical gems if you discover any.  It was so funny!

            The other day I was discussing the Manchurian question with young Mr. Stead (not that horrid Jack) & I quoted some facts, which I had read in the Express, he smiled queerly for some time & said at last: “I think you have read the Express” I said yes & then something occurred to me & I asked him did he write for that paper?  He said he did, & I discovered it was his article I had been writing to him!!!  I did feel sold.

            Love from I. M.

Inez to Pater, May 9, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W. [London]

Saturday, May 9, 1903 [day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            I haven’t written for ever so long, but then it has been holidays, & you know what holidays are!  And they were such jolly ones.  You remember Mr. Calloway at Freshwater?  Well, he was there with 2 friends, this year.  Lieut. Pragnelt, & a Mr. Atkinson, & Murielle & Mr. Gaffney were down, & we all had lots of fun canoeing, boating, bicycling, cliff climbing, walking, golfing and playing tennis.  It was deluscious!  You can well imagine we aren’t ready for work, although we’ve got to buckle down now.

We went to Haslemire for a few days, & met all the girls who had left school & gone to Cambridge, as well as our present school friends.  We had ghosts, cake, walk, fire works, discussions, romps, & play to give the school children a summer outing.

            My ankle is practically all right now, & I can do everything but dance.  How are the tubes booming?  I get no news of them and a-would-be director must know what he, she or it is to direct.

            At present I am engrossed with the land-bill, Manchurian question, & the proper care of my nails, still I might spare you some time upon considerations.

            Faithfully yours I .M

Inez to Pater February 21, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace

Kensington, W [London]

February 21, 1903

Dear Pater,

            I hear you are not coming back yet.  Well, that is disappointing, each Saturday for some time we have expected to see you.  I have been in bed since Tuesday, but am up now & longing to be out.  So I have not much news.  Yesterday the play came off, & I hear it was fine in spite of the absence of my illustrious self-strange!  Tub is going to play in the 1^st XI to-day against Sutton but somebody is taking my place, & the doctor said I may not even go and watch it.  But Mater is going down to Wimbledon Park & watch old “Joho” who is having a match too.

            I got your tintypes all right, & they are good but I would rather have the original.  Last Saturday we went to see “”Scrooge” at the Vandville, it was a Charity performance & was awfully nice.  John went to a party, & after the conjuror they danced.  Poor old Jock was out of it, & he was so cross, because Vida & I had begged him to let us teach him, but he wouldn’t have it, & how he wants to learn dreadfully.  Am going back to school on Monday, in the after-noon there is a debate that “Life” should be taken seriously!  I am against it if 28 I might say something different, but I’m not, so cheer up.

            Take a brace, love

                        Inez

Inez to Pater, Celtic, September 1901 [?]

S. S. Celtic

Tuesday [September 1901?  Not earliest voyage, because Inez preferred Cunard.  Traveled with rest of family.  Probably end of summer.  When did JJ Astor go on the S.S. Celtic?]

Dear dad,

            I thought I would scribble a line or two as I am feeling quite fine, and tell you how we have been getting on.

            The rooms are lovely being so large and comfortable, and in fact the ship is delightfully comfortable altogether, though in every other way I like the Cunard better.  None of us have been the least bit ill so far, and have taken every meal.  We have a bath each morning, get up about ten, read a bit, walk a bit, talk a bit, and eat a bit, - a good bit the last one.

            Oh, and thanks so much for the flowers and sweets, they are lovely, and we can quite appreciate them.

            I say we grumbled a good bit coming on board, and I’m very much ashamed, but we didn’t mean it, any of us, it’s just a habit.  That’s rather a poor excuse isn’t it?  But I want you to “comprennez” that we’re thoroughly sorry.

            Lots of love, Inez

Inez to Pater, January 10, 1903

Saturday, January 10, 1903 [Day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            The holidays are almost over, & I am so sorry.  You know that I am going right ahead to prepare for Vassar, because I don’t want to go to English College, they are rotten!  I went there and then to American afterwards, I would be 100 before I came out at all.  And then the methods are so different – I would have to unlearn all I have learned. Miss Horne wrote to Vassar to see if the higher certificate would admit me, but they would not accept it.  So she said I should drop everything but Vassar studies.

            We went down to Boscombe, but only staid two days, for it was so rainy and there was nothing to do but play ping-pong, & as we could do that in London, we came back.  One day was fairly nice, so drove over the cliffs to Bournemouth & saw a game of foot-ball.  One day I took John down to watch us play hockey, & as there weren’t full numbers the girls let John play, (although brothers aren’t usually allowed), & he soon bossed the entire show almost, & played so well that he was asked to play in the match with men and grown girls, & a “County” player too.  Vida and I were asked but I could not play because I had a cold.

            Oh dear!  I’m sorry school opens so soon.  Well, do hurry up back.  Lots of love.

                        Inez

Inez to Pater, Caronia, September 1905 [?]

R. M. S. Caronia

[September 1905][19]

Dad Dear, you are so overwhelmingly unselfish, that you make me feel a selfish jug—wanted to write you this when I got home from N.Y. last week-end, but I did not know your address so I guess I’ll write it now.

            Last week-end I went home with the most delightful sense of comradeship with you that I have ever had, and I was immensely happy.  I don’t want you to think Dad, that it’s only when you give me things that I can be pleasant – I hate that just as much as when you ask things of me if you have done something for me.  You hate an unfair deal and so do I, and if we are ever to work together it must be in a basis of give and take – I will give you all I can, and you have given me everything – I don’t know if I make myself clear because this is necessarily hurried, but          what mean to do away with, is the idea of either “working” the other.

            Good-bye Pater, do take care of yourself, and come to us soon and remember I am trying to be what you would like me to be.

            I love you heaps and heaps.  Inez

Inez to Pater January 24, 1903

Saturday, January 24, 1903 [Day and date match]

Dear Pater,

            I wonder if this will cross you on the ocean?  Of course we are expecting you to surprise us every Wednesday & Saturday.  We are back at school working at lessons & hockey.  Perhaps I had better put hockey first, for I am afraid I think most of it.  I devote two afternoons a week to hockey, two to Science, & 1 to music, while Saturday is just as it happens.  Last Saturday Vida had a fancy dress dance – it was lots of fun.  We had a dispute whether Sunday began at 12 or 12:31, & consequently split the difference & stopped at 12:15.  Instead of Cicero I am doing Livy this term – it doesn’t sound half as nice as Caesar, and I am trying to do Virgil instead as I have to have Virgil for Vassar.  Old Jock is playing forward now, & you must come home in time for Boys v. Fathers match, also the boxing competition is at the end if this term.  Won’t it be nice down at Freshwater, with Tennyson, Downs, Astronomy, Bicycles, etc.

            We will take Sr. Davids this year, won’t we?  Of course we ought to go to Paris & get up some French for college, for I, for one, am sadly in need of it.  But Freshwater is so very attractive.  Isn’t it a shame about Col. Lynch?  Every one sympathizes calls him foolish.  Says it’s a puzzle to know what to do - & that’s about all!  Of course the judge wants to make an example, & stamp out treason.  But it’s a pity he must be the victim.  Mrs. Lynch was here to lunch Tuesday and seemed fairly cheerful.

            Well, ta-ta hurry up back.  Tons of love

                        Inez

Mater to Pater, January 24, 1903

4 Prince of Wales Terrace,

Kensington, W. [London]

Saturday January 24, 1903

Dear Johnnie,

            When do you sail or have you sailed?  Instead of you asking me to come, you better “trace up”[20] yourself and get here.  We are all waiting your advent and with so much interest that it seems I cannot find anything to say.  In fact I am too pleased forwards – how’s that -      along and we could talk it!

            Yours ever Jean

Inez to Pater December 1904

27 Luitpoldstrasse

Berlin, W.

December 1904

Dear Daddy,

            I suppose you wonder why I haven’t written, but really, and truly I have not had a minute of time since I came.  Shall I give you any weekly programme?  Well, on Monday I am called at 7, take ice cold bath, breakfast 7:45, prayers 8:15, make beds & arrange rooms, school 8:45-1, Latin lesson 2-3, preparation 3:30-5:30, dress for dinner at 6, lessons 7:30-9:30, bed at 10.

            Tuesday is exactly [the] same.  Wednesday after lunch I take the daily walk with the rest of the girls, home by 3, study till 4:30, Algebra till 5:30, then the usual thing.  Thursday is same as Monday & Tuesday, only that once in a while, I have a walk after my Latin lesson, though not always.  Friday have no lessons in afternoon so that after the walk I study and dine, study and go to bed, as usual.  Saturday the rest go to the Museum to see illustrated the art lectures they have during the week, and I study all morning, and in the afternoon have algebra lesson, and afterwards am supposed to mend and darn if I have time, but I never do, as I never finish my lessons.

            Sat. night is hot bath night and then we have more or less of a rag sometimes, but not often as it is concert night and the girls almost always go.  Sun. we go to Church, dine at 2, then the others write letters, but I go for a walk as I have so little exercise during the week, return in time for tea at 5:30 after which Miss Luce reads sermons, essays, or poems until supper at 7, after which we are free and I generally write to Mater.  That is the life here, and you can see it is not particularly exciting, though I am used to it now.  All fun must be got between times with the exception of the Opera on Friday night, though I have not been for the least four weeks.  The girls, however, go out a great deal to Opera concerts, theatres, etc., especially those that are taking music.

You will be surprised to hear that I actually like Cicero, and am getting on well in Latin, as I have a splendid mistress & am in a class alone.  This Mistress was in Bryn Mawr a year with a Latin scholarship, and when offered a Greek Scholarship she refused to take it, as she despised the place.  She begs me not to go there as she says the girls do not work when once they are in, there is no esprit de corps, no high moral standard, only social life, extravagance, fads, fastness, & a blasé indifference.  The girls, she says, are from a fast set in New York, or the West, and that the whole tone of the college is against work.  She advises me to investigate it thoroughly.  She also says Miss Thernas is a brilliant businesswoman & talker, but that’s about all.  She apes the English, lauds [?] Bryn Mawr, runs down every other college, is ridiculed by the girls, & does not fulfill the         stated in the curriculum, so that I have practically decided on Vassar, as I suppose you will not want me to go the other, and I know Miss Clough knows what she’s talking about.

            Oh, I wish you were going to be home for Christmas, it would be so jolly to all be together!  And I am going home on Friday.  Oh, I have been counting the days until then.  I am going to work some in the holidays, & I thought if you came we might do a bit of Latin together.  Do write soon again, and don’t forget the 5c glass of soda, but you will know, if I don’t answer that I am working, for I am actually getting a little less frivolous, and maybe some day I will be, as you want me to be.  Who knows?  My eyes hurt so, I guess I will have to stop, with heaps of love, & a Merry Christmas, but I hope to say this to you.

            Your grownup (almost) daughter, Inez

Inez to Pater November 1904

27 Luitpoldstrasse

Berlin W.

[Inez writes separately to Pater because he is in the United States]

November[21]

My goodness, it fells joyful to have a holiday, even though it raineth.  It has, by the way, done practically nothing else but rain since I came to Berlin.  Talk about London!  There is no difference except in fog there and cold here. 

            We went to Don Juan last night & it was splendid.  The music was so pretty, though of course not as nice as ‘Carmen’.  The opera is by Mozart & I like his style much better than Beethoven, which I heard typified in “Fidelio”.  D’andrade got a splendid reception and really is an ideal Don Juan, though he never made me forget that he was acting perfect, and he is also very handsome.

            There! That will do for one day, I’ll tell you about the others some other time.

Oh, by the way, are you coming here Christmas?  You can stay at the school if you do, Miss Luce said, as a good many of the girls will be in Russia, but you would enjoy meeting those that are here, & we could “do” some Operas.  But if you don’t come, I will come home a few days before Christmas, for the holidays, & see what things are like again.  I could travel alone in a compartment “Für Frauen” & should enjoy it tremendously.  However that is for you to decide, and I am sure you would have a good time here.  The girls are most anxious to see you, as I have told them about you & read your letters.

            I did not go to Miss Mason’s on Monday as I was laid up though not as badly by half as last time.  They were all so nice to me & Miss Luce gave me some medicine & hot water & whiskey & went to sleep & woke up & went in to         but did not eat, though after that I had to go to bed again, & in the evening I had a reception, & the girls paid me visits during the afternoon.  I didn’t think in the morning I was going to be bad so I got up & went to the German lessons that [but?] after the second I “sought me couch”.  That reminds me, as soon as possible will you send me [from] Ginn downtown, the following books: Bennett’s grammar, ‘Cicero’, & ‘Virgil’ & Wentworth’s ‘Complete Algebra’ & also my own Allen or Kennedy?  Hurry up & mind you put on enough stamps, as I had to pay 65 p on the last parcel.  I have to have caught the class up in German so must have Algebra & Latin in the afternoon & Saturday morning!!  Wouldn’t it fear you?

            I heard from Margaret Maxwell & blessed her for writing & also Mai Robinson, but nobody else.  Tell Margaret I will write as soon as possible but I never have a single minute to myself, & haven’t had a chance to write to anybody but you & Mater.  I must get along now as I have to charm before going to the Consulate.  So ta-ta & write soon

            Inez

P.S. They call me “the cuss” here now, & “die leuplin”, which in polite language means “the little devil”.  I. M.

Inez to Mater December 1904

27 Luitpold Strasse

Berlin, W.  [Mater is in London with Vida and Jock]

Sunday, December 1904

            Well, little mothery, since you seem so upset that I write in pencil, I suppose I must write in ink to please you, tyrant!  I hope you notice that this letter is carefully dated “Sunday”, but whether I shall have time to finish it today, or not, is the question, as this after-noon I am to go for a long walk with Fraülein, as I have had such little exercise during the week.  Doesn’t it sound attractive?  However I think perhaps I shall call on Mrs. Mason.  I have just come from church & am waiting impatiently for dinner.

            I saw Ruth Osborn this morning, & Dr. Dickie made enquiries for you and Dad wondering if you were coming here Christmas?  I am doing the same, as I am wild to know, & to find out if I am coming home then, or not.  I could easily travel alone after being tucked in an apartment ‘Für Frauen’, if I got a cabin on the boat, if the girl coming over could do it – otherwise it will be awfully dull here, unless you all come over for Christmas day, as most of the girls are going somewhere you know, I could do holidays tasks in Latin & Algebra, if I had a certain amount set me to do each day, couldn’t I?  School closes on the 22^nd & begins again on the 9^th Jan., such a proper amount of time for a holiday.

            Dear me! I suppose you find my letters fearfully dull, but I never know what to tell you about.  It would take too long, & require too much thought, to describe the school life & people in detail, I shall have to wait till I see you for that, & explain more fully my impressions of things in general, as yet are merely impressions, & not very clear ones at that.  Let me see, what have we done since last I wrote?  Nothing very much except study.  Oh I forgot! After my Latin lesson on Thursday Miss Luce sent me downtown for exercise with Fraülein, & I bought some Christmas things for Vida & John, garnets thing specialties (with ivory and amber) from Germany, I got Tub an awfully pretty old fashioned looking bracelet, & John a leather pocket-book, with the Berlin eagle on the cover – but I have not got anything for Dad yet.  I also have to give the girls small presents, & the maids & Fraülein too.

            As Miss Luce is awfully fond of old lace the girls bought for her Christmas present a beautiful Brussels lace handkerchief, costing £4, to which we all contributed.  Rather swagger, eh!  Christmas is fairly in the air now with weather, trees etc., & this very minute Fraülein is chanting (to put it politely) old German hymns – while we have two to learn for tomorrow – I worked all yesterday till 4:30 & even yet haven’t got my lessons done, as last night when I should have been at them again, I ‘carried on’ in one of the rooms with 9 others, all the rest having gone out, or to ‘Faust’.  After my bath I amused myself doing exercises & throwing wet sponges at the others, by going out on the balcony of Emma’s room (one of the girls) & tapping on the window to scare her.  I succeeded, & all this is my night & dressing gown.  I hope the people across the street enjoyed it.  As a rule however, I am not quite so childish as this, & am supposed to be rather steady!!  But I have done one or two blowing ups from “Fraülein Doctor”, which I will tell you about some time – mayhap.

            I think you people might write more often, & when you do, not to write five lines of disapproval on the back of an old letter.  Aren’t you ashamed?  This afternoon (for it is 8:30 now), we have been listening to Miss Luce read Whistler’s lecture on “Art” (Oh-h-h), Emerson’s Essay on Manners (Hum-m-m), & Tennyson’s poem on the “Palace of Art” (so-so).  I thought of Freshwater & felt rather magnified.

            I am getting so wise that you will have to be introduced; I don’t mean by actual learning, but I have such heaps of new & strange thoughts.  Thoughts and me in the same breath, rather funny isn’t it?

            Well, how go things in “Lunnon Town?”  I had a ripping letter from George Maxwell, & will answer if I get a minute’s time, but if not tell him to write again.  I suppose there isn’t a chance of my being home for their dance anyway?  if I do come home, Marie will have her hands full, as I never have a minute to do a bit of mending & my clothes are in a fearful state.

            This after-noon I went for a long walk with Fraülein, the Canadian, & English girl (whom by the way, I like tremendously better than all the rest, she is such a character), & we promenade for an hour and a half, then called on Mrs. Mason, but she wasn’t at home.  In consequence of so much exercise, I am rather tired so if this letter is rather sleepy & incoherent, you will know why.

            Your black sheep, write all soon.  Inez

Inez to Mater, October 1904

27 Luitpold Strasse

October 1904 [Probably Sunday; before Fidelio]

Ma Chère Maman,

            It is just nine o’clock now and everybody has gone to their rooms to write letters, so I am doing the same.  As I have not quiet settled down to work yet, I will just tell you what we have been doing in the way of fun.  But first about my room you saw how pretty it was done in blue, and now that I have got my desk and the pictures up it is really one of the prettiest in the house.  I wish I had few more pictures, and if you get time you might send me some.  On Friday after you left I had my French and German lesson, had luncheon and then went for a walk with Fraülein.  Returning we ragged till half past three and ate sweets, then studied till 5:30 and dressed for dinner, which was at six.  After dinner we had music and sang choruses till 8:30, then we went to our rooms, and studied till ten, when lights had to be out.  Next morning I was late for breakfast about 2 minutes because the silly maid never called me; I had been awake but did not get up for I wanted to see Frida, the maid, who is a curiosity and can say nothing in English but “I love you, you betcher life I do, down it”.  After breakfast we made our beds, and at 9:30 started out with Fraülein to the new Museum, and there we met Dr. Babcock, who escorted us around and lectured on the old masters and different bits of sculpture – I was fearfully bored.  However, the tram ride there and back was fun, the people looked at us as if we were the objects of curiosity in the museum.  We got home for luncheon after which the girls studied and practiced and I went for a walk to buy some books with Fraülein and another girl.  Later on a lot of us paid a visit to one of the girls’ room and ragged there for a bit, then dressed for dinner after which most of the girls went to a concert to hear d’Albert play, but I stayed home with 3 others and made fudge.  This morning we did not have breakfast till nine and we do not have to make our beds on Sunday, though I made mine.

After tea Miss Luce read the “Conception of Human Life” and some of Jean Ingelow’s poems till supper, then after a short time in the salon we came to our rooms and “ere & are!

            The girls are all very jolly and full of fun, kind-hearted and always talking about boys, even before Miss Luce.  They are mostly very extravagant, and not quite good form!  The English girl is nice and “comme il faut” but rather jovial.  At first we were inclined to disagree, but now we get along and I think I shall like her.

            German is spoken always at table, excepting on Sunday, and already I can say one or two sentences.  The Opera, which most of us are going to this week is Beethoven’s “Fidelio” on Friday night, and nobody is going more than once this week, though they are going to the concert of the Philharmonic society to-morrow night.  The society has a series of concerts every Monday night, and the girls belong.  As I am not vitally interested I shan’t do so.

Did you tell the Savoy Hotel man to forward my letters here?  And do tell everybody to write, as it is so jolly to get letters, and papers.  Don’t forget about the “Tatler” or “Sketch” or some weekly paper for I can give it to the American church when I have done with it.  Tell Tub to write and send me the signed photo of Lewis Waller, I have promised it to one of the girls.  Tell the Terraces to write, I will write to them sometimes, but I have only one scrap[23] now & besides, Fraülein is coming to tell me to get to bed so I must close.

Ta-ta with beaucoup d’amour à tout le monde, et plus pour vous même que j’ai a donné à tout le monde.

P.S. They call me Nan here.   Inez

Inez to Mater February 14, 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luitpold Strasse

Tuesday, February 14, 1905  [day and date match]

            Well, I received the red blouse, etc, etc, to-day with many thanks.  I fancy & shall look an awful toff in it, when I have time to try it on.  The picture of Mater was also received with “joy and enthusiasm”, & was greatly admired even more so than the one I already have.  My white boa looks rather mangy, so I am going to take it to Spindler - the wonderful Spindler – tomorrow and see if anything can be done to it.  I was disappointed not to see my gym-suit there in, but hope you will send it as I bust all my clothes playing basketball, also Bonnets exercises I hope will be forth coming as Vassar has stated, these must be used for Freshmen work, & now that Miss Luce has expressed a desire to read, ‘Merchant’s Letters’ I hope they too will appear. 

I asked her some riddles at table tonight, and, which the whole table did, & were highly amused.  After trying to explain (in German) I said in an eager tone “Don’t you see?” and she rapped out “No, I don’t”. It was awfully cheerful, & I groaned inwardly, while the whole table was busting with silent mirth (though I didn’t know it at the time, & you can imagine my despair).  I essayed again, & finally made her comprehend, though she pretended the wording was wrong, or something silly.  After the meal I swore a nightly oath that “never again would I repeat the performance” and I never will.

            The girls went skating to-day, & say the ice is fine; I did not go on account of Latin, & also because I was in bed yesterday (about 5 days too early), so did not attempt any exercise today.  I have been told today that I look green, white, yellow & a ‘sight’ so if this epistle is a trifle ‘loosey’ you’ll know why.

Daisy’s Mater & Pater arrive here, the 4^th March, so that Daisy is fearfully excited naturally.  They are going to the Bristol, so I see a dinner there, in the near future.  The school starts for Italy on the 16^th March I believe, for a week’s jaunt; we are having the holidays then, in spite of the fact that Easter is not till the 26^th April, because that date is too far off, & would only leave a month of school for the summer term.  Fancy a month from Thursday holidays begin, I wonder what will happen?  But I suppose Dad will decide that when he comes I should rather like to go to Paris to get more French, for by the end of this year.  I want to understand it thoroughly, not only to speak a few sentences (incorrectly) but to understand it perfectly when spoken in churches, theatres and assemblies of any kind, & this you can only get by going to France.  Also I want to see the plays acted that I am studying for Freshman year French, such as “Cyrano de Bergerac” Mselle de la Seigliere” “Gringoure.  In fact, I want the moon, nothing less.

            Well, give everybody my love, & tell them to write, & tell Mater & John to write oftener & do so yourself.

                        Inez

Inez to Mater, February 19, 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luipoldstrasse

Berlin, W.

Sunday, the nineteenth day of February A.D., Nineteen hundred and five[24]

Liebes Miutterchen,

            A nice sort of person you are to talk about dates, when you date your own letters once a decade.  However I have complied with your wishes, and I hope you will be pleased there at.  Have just come home from church, where I listened to a ripping sermon by Dr. Dickie, on Savanarola.  This is for benefit of those people in the American Colony who are going to Italy, at Easter, & wish to know something of the religious history of that country before they start.

            I have a sad, sad tale to tell about a mistake.  I didn’t realize it was a sad tale, until I was made the heroine.  This is the story:

I staid home with two others who were not going, made fudge, put sugar, & breadcrumbs, into the beds of the rest, sewed up their night-gowns, enjoyed ourselves and retired for the night.  Next day I worked in the morning – per usual, and in the after-noon Virginia had a marsh-mallow roast in honor of her friend who is staying here, and I couldn’t go except for 15 minutes, because I had so much work, to prepare, & also an algebra lesson.

            Well, this added to my new reputation and for the few minutes I was there, I was treated royally.  In the evening we all (13) started for “Faust”, arrived after a collision between our cab, & another, but without any excitement except oaths from the drivers, at the Opera.  With so many the seats were not altogether, so Peg and myself, & I salve Miss Luce, were separated.  We started to go in, & the man told us our tickets were for last Sunday, and were no good, and nothing cold be done, as the man at the box-office had given us 4 among the thirteen, the porter had not noticed it, money mistakes could not be remedied after the person left the box-office, and we were stuck.  Not another seat to be had in the house except in the 3^rd gallery at 6/, but we did not feel like paying any more money, so had to go home.  Miss Luce stayed in the gallery to chaperon the rest, and told them how unselfishly we had behaved, especially me, if you please.

            Where as I had done nothing more than be polite.  It was not her fault at all, and she needn’t have worried so, for she was almost crying.  This morning I have heard nothing but my unselfishness dunned into my ears, for Miss Luce has told all the girls, and I feel absolutely ridiculous.  Wouldn’t it give you the willies?  If they don’t shut up I shall go crazy, such nonsense.  All I minded was losing my money, but maybe we shall have some reparation somehow – Miss Luce is trying to arrange it, & has interviewed all the high officials at the Opera.  As a matter of fact, instead of going home, we called on Peg’s aunt for an hour, played cards, sang and were escorted home in a motor.  There was a rather nice man there, but I haven’t seen one of this species to speak to, for so long that I had almost forgotten how – not quite though – I enjoyed myself.

            This friend (American) who is staying with Virginia, came from Dresden, where she is living with her family.  Her name is Eleanor Murdock, and she is delightful.  She looks speaks, thinks, & dresses exactly like an English girl, though she has never been in England, nor has she any English relatives, & she has charming manners.  I didn’t know there were such people in America, but they seem to be old families who live just out of New York on the Hudson, not awfully rich, but well-lived.  Virginia is that type too, and that is why I know you would like her.  I want to bring her to London most awfully, and I’m sure she could go home with us, if we don’t go too late.  Of course you would have to write to her mother and Miss Luce about it, but I do hope you will, as Miss Luce is very keen to have her go to England, but will not let her visit or travel with people, not exactly “comme il faut” because her mother does not desire it.  So if she doesn’t stay with Daisy & us, & travel home to America with us, she will not be allowed to come to England at all – and o want to do something for her, as she has promised all sorts of good times, when I go to stay with her.  However as you say you can settle it when Pater comes.

            I wore my red blouse last night, & found that I look ripping in it – modest maiden am’t I?  The question that is puzzling me at the present moment is, what I am going to wear at the reception on Wed. at 11 o’c in the morning.  It’s going to be a small affair, and the whole of the embassy is coming – so I’ll see some more secretaries – rather nice.  I got that cutting about the big dance in America, and it makes my mouth water.  Not that I care so much for such extravagance & luxury, but I want to be in a position to refuse, and to condemn, without having ‘sour grapes’ said to you.  Never mind if find a hopeful diplomat, who knows?  I don’t think I am very keen to go to college for I have seen a No. of pecimens here and although they are more or less learned they are narrow & provincial.  No, what I want is to study literature, history & languages backwards, in a place of culture.  And I like Latin awfully too.  Did I tell you that my German Composition was the best in the class?  That sounds like a four-year-old, doesn’t it?

            Ta-ta, heaps of love

                        Inez

Inez to Mater, January 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luitpold Strasse

Berlin, W

Sunday, January 1905

Dear Mummy,

            Well, here goes for another weekly jaw, but I don’t know where to begin.  Of course, the week, as a rule has been the same as ever, except on Tuesday, when I went skating.  Oh, it was ripping!  And I found I could skate quite decently.  The rink was a huge yard in Hollenday Platz, and we had a band as well.  The girls have been every day since, but on Wed. I was unable to go, & Thursday took to my bed.  I did not have any particular dreadful pain, but I had a slight one, and a weak feeling all morning, though in the afternoon I felt better and was able to have my Latin lesson.

            On Friday night we went to the new opera “Roland von Berlin” and it was awfully good.  At least, I didn’t understand much of the story, but the music was exquisite, and that’s because an Italian wrote it!  For although the story is entirely German and the music must necessarily be so, nevertheless there is an Italian tinge, a mere hint of “Carmen” & “Caballeria Rusticara”, which makes it perfect.  We promenaded of course, and after the opera, Daisy, Virginia, Constance, & myself, missed the others and finally lost them all together, and I may tell you, quite privately, of course, that I did not take any pains either not to miss them, or to find them again.  However any pains or my lack of pains, were all for nothing, as no excitement whatever happened.  We nearly froze waiting on the corner, and finally took a cab home, where we found the others patiently awaiting us. 

            I’m going to give up the hope of excitement for the next five months. Next Friday is the Kaiser’s birthday and he is going to the opera then, we had planned to go too, and had prepared to sport our décolleté gown, & do the thing up in style, when loo and behold!  The hog wants the whole opera for his court, so yours truly stays at home this week though the others are going to the “Fliegender Hollanders” to-morrow night, & Sarasote’s concert on Thursday night.  I asked Miss Luce to go to this latter as it was Thursday night & had an afternoon lesson on Friday, but, oh no! I must have my Latin lesson till 9:15, I must walk after that, I must prepare my lesson for the next day, and I would have no time.  Besides you had put it down in black & white that I was only to go out on Friday or Saturday nights.  I was preparing for college & it was impossible altogether; naturally, I subsided but I felt it pretty sharply, & it was enough home rather severely, that I am truly under restrictions.  I hate it when I think of it like that, but it is only for 5 months. 

            What I annoys me most is, that on Sunday afternoons, the after-noon, when I am really free, I can not go and call on Mrs. Mason or from Witiz, without first asking Miss Luce.  I will no ask, so there I am.  I have not seen Mrs. Mason yet, & if there is one thing that is dull it is that Sunday walk with Fraulein. You see these beastly German enjoying themselves most hugely, and you don’t know a single zone, & you would like to kick everyone.  Pater asks me if I want to know the Towers, & if the Posadowskys ask me anywhere I am going, because when I get a chance to meet that sort of people I am going to take it, Miss Luce, or no Miss Luce, and besides, when I am in Berlin for 7 months I want to get some benefit from foreign life & a foreign city, besides the actual language.  Why I might as well be in a German village.  But I know what Miss Luce is driving at.  She wants me to stay another year.  Not on your tin-type.  But she said the other day that if I did that, I would not have to work so hard either this year or next & that I would see & profit, by the operas, concert, art treasures, life, etc., of Berlin, that I could then enter as a Sophomore, that I could go in with all honours, & flying colours, as I deserved to do since I was not lacking in ability, but that it was the fault of my teachers, that I would have acquired that which college girls take two years to acquire after they come out.  That I would acquire that, if you please, that annoys me.  Doesn’t the woman see I have acquired it, that I am not what she calls a “college girl”, nor will I be.  I’m hanged if I’ll be what the term “College girl” implies.  I may go to college, but I can’t be one of them if I try!  And I am not going to try.  Miss Luce’s term ‘college girl’ produces such women as herself, and oh ye gods!

            One good job is that we are going to have a basket-ball team & consequently I would like my bloomers to be forwarded, little!  Also the other things I have requested, as well as some snap shots of the farm, Freshwater, & interesting ones of horses, dogs, slip-board, etc., if you don’t mind.  I want to show them the to girls, as they have shown me theirs, and then I will stick them up in my room, please do.  You can’t think haw jolly it is to get things of familiar people & places, or about them.

            Dad sent me one of “Kaiser” at Meadowmount, & it was topping.  And do you mind sending me the “Rapid Review” as I can then know briefly what is going on in the outside world.  I had heard about Marconi’s engagement, but with glad to know details.  My heart is not broken about him or Cornyn Platt.  Although Vie seems to think so, no, no it’s not worth while.

            Did Stuart send the ‘Chigago News’ invitation to Con & myself?  Did Tub gets the sweets Con sent her?  Do write often, send snap-shots of freshie, my camera, & tell John & everybody to write.  Feel rather sort of restless tonight.

            Good night mummy dear fearful hurry, tons of love

                        Inez

Inez to Mater January 1905

27 Luitpold Strasse

Berlin W

Dear Mummy,

            Well, here we are having begun work directly, and I feel as if I had never been away at all.  We had a splendid journey & although the channel was fairly rough, we were both quite comfortable.  We had a cabin downstairs, which we did not have to pay for, though why, I don’t know.  We also had a compartment alone, but we had no excitement all the way, and I was able to do all the French and Latin I had not done.  We arrived at 8 o’clock, and though Miss Luce was not very cordial then, she has been most awfully nice since yesterday she called me in, and we had a gas about my work, which she said was both satisfactory & not so.  She said my Latin exam had not been at all up to the standard, and that though I knew facts, when it actually came to put them on paper, I failed.  She knew I had ability, and a great deal more than the average college girl.  By the way, I had picked up German, which she actually said was wonderful!  She said the fault was not mine, but my training, that I had never been taught how to work, and that she had not the least doubt I could do the work in time.  She did not want me to get discouraged, as I was passing through the most difficult period now, and that if the work seemed beyond me, I must go at it in the right way, that I am naturally a scholar & have a talent for languages.  She also said she was pleased with my work last term, & hoped I would do as well this.  All this from Miss Luce if you please!  I was never so dumb founded in my life, and naturally have determined to be good, which is easier, now, as everything has begun so pleasantly.

            After this gas I gave her the check & money, & sit next her at table, & have had a smooth time so far.  But let me also say that although she and Miss Clough are not pleased with my Latin paper, t is the best I have ever done, and that 3 months ago I could not possibly have done it.  The actual translation itself from Cicero only had about 4 faults, but the grammar, construction & composition I did not know.  However it is very comforting to actually realize the progress made.  As I am giving you such a large dose of ‘ego’ I might as well give you all at once.  The class has been divided into an upper & lower division, the upper for those who have had German before and are especially good, and the lower for those who have only had it since they have been here, and I am glad to say I am in the upper.  Also Fraulein says I am the only one that has not forgotten my German in the holidays. There!  I think that will do for one letter.  One letter – one month rather!  I don’t mind it half as much as I thought I was going to, and miss Luce says I must get exercise every day, so yesterday & do-day after my Latin lessons I went for a walk with Fraulein.  I have been doing the same sort of thing the rest of the time, and to-night am working on a French composition as all the rest have gone to the concert, & Fraulein & I are alone.

            The English girl is still the nicest & we are great friends – I like her tremendously.  She and all the girls are very disappointed that Tubey did not come back with me.

            I was wrathy today when I did not get any letters, but I suppose I hope they are coming.  Tell everybody to write.  The people at Freshwater, John, the Terrace, etc., as I am pining for news.  Do tell Stuartie to write to Constance, but don’t say I said so.  Tell him to write her because she wants so much to hear from someone in London, as anything you like, only make him write.  It would be such a joke as a matter of fact, she liked River’s Blanco – White the best!

            Now for commissions, when you send any red blouse & white skirt (which I hope will be soon) you might also send a package of pins, two side combs, two big hair pins, ‘cartes de visites’, a bath towel, scissors & some serviettes for monthly use.[25]  Willst du?  I must get to work now, so good night mummy, send me some news of Cornyn-Platt, forgive me for being a selfish wretch, give my love to Sir Thomas Gordon, Leddy Maxwell, & Mr. Stead, tell them all to write & do so yourself quick, and be good.

            Heaps of love from your baddest of daughters

                        Inez

PS. Pity I’m not always an angel when I’m home isn’t it?  But I’ll do better next time.  Mr. Mason is leaving Berlin as he is appointed at Paris now, I’m sorry.  Get Sir Thomas to give you an introduction to Sir Frank Lascalles.

Inez to Pater February 2, 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luitpold Straase

Berlin W

Thursday February 2^nd

Dear Dad,

            Well, at last having got a few spare minutes, (although, I really ought to be doing German), I will scribble a line or two.

            First I want to thank you for the pictures of yourself & Kaiser, which I think are splendid!  Kaiser, (the name seems quite natural, now), looks a bit fat, and, for that matter, so do you.  But otherwise it is ripping.  When I first saw that one of you, I thought you were just going to laugh, but after looking at it for a minute, you looked as you do when somebody (generally me), says the Negroes are an inferior race, or when I say I am going to be presented at court some day – quite stern.  But for all that, the laughing look first impresses one, so – I am going to be presented after all – I suppose you will say that is what Germany is doing for me, but you are wrong.  Germany is doing for me what “Billy Hobenzollern” o’ army is doing for the soldiers in it – making me more socialisticly inclined.  But that socialistic tendency has nothing to do with presentation at court – oh dear no.

            Well, another thing I want to thank for, are the articles on topics of the day that you send, I find them most awfully interesting.  Send more, please, if you have time.  You ask me in your letters if there is anything I want, I can only say that Huylers has no branch in Berlin, as well as ‘yours truly’ has a particularly sweet tooth – ahem.

            Did I tell you about the Christmas holidays?  They were delightful, and everybody tried to make things as jolly as possible – I never knew London could be so attractive before, and I just love the place.  We left sadly on a Saturday night, two weeks after Christmas, and part of the terrace came down to see us off.  The chief thing that I remember as the train steamed off, was Tub’s grin, which I could dimly see over a huge bunch of violets, that some youth – Nick Macaskie I believe – had given me.

            We arrived in Germany, quite safely, and have been at work since.  I have been once to the opera, the new one, Roland von Berlin, which the Kaiser commanded to be written, and which I enjoyed tremendously.  The music was charming because Leon Cavallo, an Italian, composed it, and one can feel the Italian influence running though all the motives, which are supposed to be German, and the combination of both is delightful.

            The other pleasures ahead are ‘Carmen’ tomorrow night, a Marser-Mallere “Roast” on two weeks from tomorrow night, and a celebration of George Washington birthday, here when Ambassador Lower, Professor Früller, General Mason & Hen Dickie are going to be here & are going to speak.  Now I really do want you to do something for me, for I would like to know somebody in the diplomatic circle in Berlin, and if you do get it from Roosevelt or somebody do send it before the 23^rd of February, will you?  But please don’t go to any extra trouble to get it, though if you can do it without, I should like it so much.  Must get to work now for I have a Latin exam tomorrow.  I am getting to like Latin so much.

            Heaps of love, Inez

Inez to Pater and Mater, May 1905

Sunday, May 1905

            This is the last letter but one, dear people, before I put in an appearance, for we start on the Monday or Tuesday after school closes.

            This week has been one of toil and trouble for besides having an algebra lesson every day, we have had rehearsals for 2 German & 1 French play.  The first event of importance was a ½ hr walk on Monday, after which we did not take advantage of the lovely weather till Friday. 

2^nd event, the arrival of Tub’s letter on Wednesday, & a rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon and evening after lessons, on account of which I stayed up till twelve & got up at down to prepare the next day’s work.  However it was satisfactory as my mistress informed me, much to my delight. 

3^rd event, a general sort on Friday afternoon to buy flowers for the mistresses in view of the event of the evening. 

4^th event, the purchase of a bottle of cleaning stuff, for cleaning gloves, belts, white shoes, etc., which broke in the street, and I sauntered on leaving a dreadful smell behind. 

5^th event: the plays.  Very successful, before an appreciative audience, I was afterwards told in serious earnest by many well wishers, that I must go on the stage, that I was robbing the world of talent, that I was a born actress, etc., etc., with the usual compliments.  Really, though, it was quite a success for I was quite in my element. 

6^th event: Latin exam of 2 hrs, the result of which I do not yet know. 

7^th event: “Romeo & Juliet”.  Sounds delightful opera, delightfully rendered, with the young Duke of Saxe-Golwig Gotera in the Royal box, who seemed quite impervious to the charms of a certain damsel in white and pink roses, who was rather pleased with herself and the world in general, after the success of the previous evening.  It just needed such a little incident      [part of the letter missing]  .next, & have dinner at 1:30, as she wants to go to Westminster service at 3, I think it would be very nice.  Will you?  Mr. Stuart or Mr. B. could take her to Westminster, for I am sure both would like her, and bring her back to tea.

            My exam comes off on the 19^th?  Well, until then I shall have to do some work every day in Latin, for Miss Clough considers it necessary with a tutor, and certainly must have a coach in mathematics as I have not yet covered the ground, and unfortunately my mistress has been called to America by the illness of her father, so next week will be lost.  I am not quite sure for what purpose I am taking these exams, as I have not the least desire to go to college, but have made up my mind to study law, whether I practice it or not, & that in foreign cities, for I see that almost every one, that has done anything in a literary way, unless born with a natural genius, has been trained by the study of this profession.  So law for me!  And in foreign cities I will have time for other things too, as that study does not take all one’s time.

            But anyway, for the months of July, August & September, I am done with work, and intend to amuse myself, read books, and observe people.  To begin with them, Daisy and I have decided to start on Monday arriving on Tuesday morning.  Daisy can only stay till Thursday, and I wish that for the time there, she could have the red or green room. But as this is impossible, we will manage beautifully upstairs, and I am going to take you at your word to give her a jovial time for the two days of her stay.

            Nothing much can be done on Tuesday morning but in the afternoon couldn’t we hire a motor down to see Mrs. Turnbull, have tea there, and home again.  In the evening, we could have a young people’s dinner party of Mr. & Mrs. Wilkins’ (who will tell us all about the bazaar), Vie, Margaret, George, Guy Pierce, Colin Kemp, & several others, an equal number, so that we could a jovial dance afterwards.

            On Wednesday morning, we can shop, or do something, and in the afternoon of your ‘at home’ which could be specially large could help, and be useful, or go calling.  But on Wednesday night you could arrange a theatre party to see perhaps, John Chilcote invite Mr. Stern & a couple of men.  Then in all probability Mr. Stern would suggest going behind, and perhaps a supper party.  Daisy will have her hair up, and so will I.  Anyway I know you will make it jolly, so that will be all serene.

            Arthur Mander has made a mistake and procured me a ticket for 9 balls Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & as the one on Monday is only given once in 2 years I want to go, & have accepted for it, besides the other 2, which I previously accepted.

            But now is the trouble about the dress.  The new white one for the big ball on Monday, the present white one for Tuesday, and a blue, or pale green tulle made simply by Mrs. Walton for Wednesday???

            I am sending the enclosed cutting for you to take a look at some of these places encas!  I received your check and letter yesterday little mum, and many thanks.  Must hustle to bed now – prepare your friends for my arrival, so that they may have a chance to help entertain Daisy.

            Tons of love  Inez

PS Two weeks from now, Hip!  Hip!

Inez to Mater, End Fragment

…sports women of the world, and ‘Gott sei dank’ I was brought up like an English girl.  Well, I think I can say lessons are progressing favorably, and I feel quite cheery about them.  I worked and ate all day yesterday, and I don’t think I enjoyed one more than the other.

            During my Latin however, I thought of a splendid idea for a novel (a historical one) and several scenes most of the characters, and a ripping plot, but how to write one is the difficulty, and one which I don’t know if I shall ever overcome or not.  But anyway maybe I could collaborate with someone and let him or her do the writing & myself finish ideas, pipe dreams, all!

            By the way, as a gentle reminder will you please send white shirt red blouse, while feather boa besides the other things I mentioned in my last letter, as soon as possible?  Oh, and also my grass-cloth summer dress, and I can wear that too for evenings, as I am knitted to my green waist, since my white one I am saving for the skirt, & my green dress is too nice for every evening.  And thanks so much for the post cards, Fraulein was delighted with them, and she’s such an old dear.  I’m fearfully sorry you were so upset about L. C. Platt as I wasn’t in the least, I have quite forgotten about him.  Still you mustn’t think I’m such a blooming idiot, I’m quite enough so in other ways as it is.

            Heaps of love & write soon

                        Inez

Inez to Mater, December 1904 [?]

…at this opportunity she is 26 & can go about alone.  I hope after I have written to Dad to go & see Mrs. Mason, & that friend of Vi’s this afternoon, as I must take my weekly outing of any length, & also expect to see the Osborne in church this morning.  Write & tell me about everything, & tell Tub to make arrangements for Constance & myself to play hockey, as often as possible, as I must get some exercise, & get thin – a week from today I’ll be there!  Whoop!  Give my love to the Terrace, & suggest writing, and be cheerful, & wish me luck in the exams, and tell me you feel better & tell John to write & heaps of things.

            I think I’ll get ready for church as it is time, though I don’t feel much like going as I think I am going to be ill, though it’s a week over time.

            Best love Inez

PS If I don’t go North with the ring I think Constance will, as Daisy wants her to visit her (Daisy’s) people for a time.

Inez to Jock, December 1904 [?]

            Well, John you like, since you won’t write to me, I suppose I must waste a sheet of paper on you, but remember, I expect an answer.  How goes school and foot-ball botany and incidentally lessons?  (The word school does not include these)?  Are you still captain of the foot-ball team?  Have you seen any big matches?  Is Tub behaving all serene?  You might, by the way, tell that mother of mine, to try and write two letters at least in the same handwriting. I have to guess who the letter is from, all though breakfast, as two addresses are never in the same script.

            I say, if you want to have good eating you want to come here.  It is ripping!  Allow me to bore you with a detailed account of our Sunday dinner.  Clear soup, chicken croquettes, pheasant, two vegetables, ice cream, iced cakes, apples and pears, nuts & raisins, salted almonds and coffee.  It is almost always good as this.  But my word, just wager we don’t have to be punctual at meals, not ½ minute late, and also when we go walking, we must be on time to the minute, or they go without us.  You get up the minute you are called, and have your light out at 10, although this last is the only rule that is sometimes broken.  You mayn’t put your nose out the door without a chaperone.  Little Inez is quite a good’un

            Give my love to Mr. Barton & write soon.  Inez

Inez to Mater [Winter]

The Willard School for Girl

27 Luitpold Straase

Berlin W.

Dear Mummy,

            Well, this is the 2^nd letter (I lost the first one) I have written you to-day, and as it is very late, I’m afraid this will be a feeble attempt.  Doings of the week:

Monday – work, but as the others went out in the evening & Fraulein as well, I made an attempt to do the same in order to buy some sweets, but was ‘miserably foiled à la villain’ in the play.  Tried the front door & found it locked!  Tried the back door, found it also locked!  Despair lack of sweets – Latin. There’s a tragedy for you.

On Tuesday after my Latin lesson I asked for an 1½ hr & found myself fairly good at it.  Wednesday, walk and work.  Thursday, same.

Friday was Kaiser’s birthday, some had a holiday, worked in the morning & in the afternoon skated at a large rink in the zoological gardens, band, restaurant, excitement and – officiers.  Yes, I quite approve of that place.  We had a rather special dinner on returning home, as Dr. & Mrs. Dickie were our guests.  Each of us had a name card with a motto more or less appropriate thereon.  Mine is rather amusing so I’ll send it along.  Daisy Manders got “England expects every man to do his duty” and was highly indignant that she should be considered the “duty” instead of the pleasure of any man English or otherwise.  She was too funny.  After dinner and some ‘parlor tricks’ we set out in 3 cabs to see the illuminations, which were gorgeous.  But as the 2^nd Prince (my favorite) is ill, the Kaiser did not go to the Opera, or parade through the streets, so the show was not as magnificent as it would otherwise have been.  However we saw what was to be seen, drank chocolate at a restaurant, felt decidedly rowdy, & returned home.

Saturday I had a Latin exam.  Worked all day, & read with joy the Rapid Review – blessing on you for sending it!!!  We had some more excitement last night, however the girls had been to receptions in the afternoon, & last night went to the American Club (I did not go, because I don’t care for the type of American one meets here).  But a few of those who had come home late from a reception remained at home as well, & as it was bath night, they all decided to bathe in the bath-tub on this side of the house, wh has been newly furnished.

            Well, Alice Stanckfield got in, noticed the white film on the sponge, but applied it vigorously to her face, then tried to move & found she had stuck!  She shucked for help, but they couldn’t get in & she couldn’t open the door.  At last, by dint of much exertion she choke loose, but simply plastered with this white stuff in unmentionable places, & howling with the smart.  The girls all rubbed her with turpentine, & finally after another bath, she got the stuff off, but the whole thing was screamingly funny, and she found much difficulty in sitting down today.  Fraulein has gone home for the day, so I did not go for my regular ……

Inez to V. M. February 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luitpold Strasse

Tuesday, February 1905

            I looked for a letter from some of you this morning, but received none; if none arrives by tomorrow there’ll be trouble in the camp.  However I got the ‘Bystander’ & the ‘King’ & was most awfully pleased.  I think Marconi’s picture is topping, but oh, ye Gods, the girl[26] looks a dinky-doo, I somehow fancy that really she is better looking than her picture, as I imagine she must have nice hair and a pretty complexion.  Heaven help her (& him) if she be not.

            Of course, personally, I have not news since Sunday night, but as Tuesday is the only day, I ever get a ghost of a chance to write, it must be then, or never.

            I had a letter from Ray, which I would like to answer, if I get an opportunity, but up till now, this last has not appeared.  Tell her, however that I think is awfully good of her to write, as I know she too is busy, and that she did a good deal, for once in her life. 

I also got a letter from Nick Macaskie, in answer to one I wrote congratulating him.  It was just the kind Mr. Stone or a man 50 years ago might write, very formal, & full of delicate compliments.  I was very glad to get it nevertheless.

            I am making arrangements to visit most of the girls in the summer & expect to have some fun.  Especially, I am going to Peg Burns at her country home near Pittsburg, in July or August, and she has promised me lots of fun, in shape of a house party, for my benefit, a dance, garden-party, tally-ho party by moonlight, and a good time.  I am naturally awfully keen to see this side of American country life.  She is coming to London in June to see the town, & more especially to go to the May week dances at Cambridge, to which Daisy has invited her in the name of her brothers at Trinity.  She intends to have school 2 weeks before it closes & travel a bit with her aunt, who is in Berlin too, & sail in the middle of June for America.  I don’t like her aunt much who is slightly coarse, but they have money, & Peg is quite an heiress, as she will inherit her father’s & grandfather’s wealth when she is 21.  She is jolly, & I think you will like her.

            We are going to have a big affair here in Washington’s birth-day with all the Johnnies, like Lower, etc., gassing, & I wish Mater & Pater were going to be here.  I should like, however to know Mr. Lower, before then, as they say he is rather nice.  I wish Mater would get me an introduction.  I would be quite easy to write Mr. Choate, & say your little daughter was alone in Berlin, & you would much like to have her under the care of the American Minister.

Inez to Mater February 5, 1905

The Willard School for Girls

27 Luitpoldst.

Berlin W

Sunday February 5, 1905

Dear Mater,

            Well, of course the most important thing this week was Carmen, which we saw on Friday night.  It was perfect.  Of course Gatze was not as good as Calve, but all the rest were as good as those who sang in Covent Garden, and the staging was better.  Fraulein Halm, one of the German Mistresses, who is most awfully nice, went with us, & have enjoyed it all thoroughly as the Kaiser, Kronprinz, Prince and Princess Henry of Pless, their son and some other Johnnies were there, quite informally, so we did not have to wear bow neck.  I have not yet seen an opera I like as well as Carmen, and I never expect to.  Next week our opera is ‘Undine’, though of course, the others are going to concerts etc, during the week.

            Yesterday I had an exam in Latin in the morning & an algebra lesson in the afternoon, but after that, one of the girls had some friends in, & we had tea & some fun.  Heard Dr. Dickie again this morning, at dinner has Mr. & Mrs. Lowns (the singer and his wife we met at Mrs. Mason’s) for guests as Mr. Lowns is now teaching one of the girls (Peg Burns) to sing, & we had quite a jolly time.  Mr. Lowns asked to be remembered to you, & after dinner, he sang & Mrs. L. played, & she played through the score of Carmen to our huge delight.  They left at 5 & we had tea & our usual reading, supper, & letter writing now.

            I am sending a picture post card we had taken on the ice during the skating season, & am wondering what you will think of it.  If we look rather worried, & uncertain, you must put it down to the fact that we were posing on ice, & in front of a large and admiring board.  Unfortunately the skating is over now.

            Having no more news to give you, I will ‘discuss briefly’ (as the Minister puts it when he is beginning on 1½ hr sermon) the smoking question.  It seems to me, a mountain has been made out of a mole-hill.  However I am not disturbed, as I know none of the details as to what I am supposed to have done.  I only know that coming up in a tram-car Virginia & I were arguing the question of smoking with Fraulein, more in pain than in anything else, I asked her if I could smoke.  She said “no” & I said “why not?”….

Inez to Mater November 1904

27 Luitpold Strasse

Tuesday, November 1904

Ma chère Mamma,

            I haven’t had a minute to myself since last Thursday when I began Latin.  I have my usual lessons in the morning till 1 o’c, then directly after luncheon Latin till 3:15, then prep till 5:30, dinner and prep till 10, though I am never through by then u have never worked so hard in my life, & never on Saturday I had to do Latin all morning and algebra in the afternoon.  This is the same every day, except Wednesday & Friday.   On Wednesday I have algebra after I have taken a walk & on Friday I have only prep in the afternoon.  After all this I had to get up at six on Monday morning, & am also going to have lessons on thanksgiving, although it is a holiday for the rest.

            Oh you need not worry about my not working honey, but if I don’t get fat I shan’t mind.  As for my mending & darning, I never have a minute to do it so it goes to the wall, and as for reading – impossible!!!  I went to the American church on Sunday, & went to see Mrs. Mason Sunday afternoon (by special invitation).  She wanted me to dine & go to a British & American concert with her to night only I had to refuse on account of work.  However, I went to the ‘Prelude of the Nibelengen King it’ ‘the Rheingold’ on Saturday night, and enjoyed it tremendously, I am very glad to say that I can understand & appreciate Wagner.  Last night the whole school went to “Die Walküre’ the 2^nd part of the King, & as the King is only given once or three a year, I wanted to go too, but I couldn’t so they all trotted off, & I stayed ‘ere’.  However, I had a lark on my own account, for I stole out & bought some patisserie, which I ate.  But Fraulein caught me coming back, though she didn’t scold much, and I had a good ‘tuck in’.

            Tomorrow night is the 3^rd day of the ‘King’ & as Thursday is a holiday, I am going too.  It is ‘Sigfried’ & I am fearfully keen to hear it.

Wednesday: I could not finish this letter last night as I had to get at my French, but will try a fit it in now after my walk & before my algebra lesson, & do my prep for Friday, tomorrow.  This morning I read yours, John’s and Vida’s letters.  Yours annoyed me because of what you said Miss Luce has told you.  When she insinuates that I do not work, she is wrong, for I do.  I did not work even during the exams ½ as I hard as I do now, & as for my French grammar I know that it’s bad, though goodness knows I am doing all I can to correct it.  However she wrote that letter before I began Latin & algebra.  After all, grammar is not all that is reqd in learning French, though I grant it is useful in our exam.  Madame told me on Monday that my grammar was not good, but that I spoke better than anyone in the school, & at Mrs. Mason’s the other day there were French & Austrians there & I had to speak French, which I did & was told I had a ‘beautiful accent’, I know this is not all that is reqd but then, toute faul, one learns French to be able to speak, nicht wahr?

            I almost had hysterics over the other two letters & so did the girls.  Tell the kids to write again soon, & tell Tub that I will write as soon as I have time.

            Thursday: we went to ‘Sigfried’ last night, & I enjoyed it all tremendously, Kraus sang & recd a tremendous ovation.  This morning we all work till 11:30, but I go on until 1 o’c, then after luncheon, the others are going (if it does not rain) into the country, but I am to have a Latin lesson and cannot.  If it does rain we are to have dinner about 5 & have a long evening in honor of the day.  It rains or is gloomy, here, most of the time, though of course there is not fog.

            I am sending back the Cicero as it has no notes or vocal & is not use.  Please send the same edition (but a cuter one, if possible) with these notes etc, in the back, & also Wentworth’s complete algebra and do send that photo of L. Waller & my blue dress (for I have nothing but the red one to wear to the Opera), & the belt with it, & a night dress case if you don’t mind, also.

            The other day after consulting the girls and discussing & proposing the question, I plucked up courage & with two others went to Miss Luce & suggested that we might have our seats higher up in the opera, as it is pretty expensive……