120. Answer to the Above.
B——, September 23, 19—.
Dear Mabel:—
Your long, interesting letter was duly received. We are very glad to have a clear idea of your new life, and to know that everything opens up so pleasantly. Elizabeth seems to be a very lovely girl, of fine sensibility and womanly character, and I hope sometime we may all know her. She is evidently trying to make your first few days of college life happy ones, and in order to reciprocate her unselfish thought for you, you must have your eyes open to see her needs and wishes. I have regretted that you had no sister of your own age to share your room with you at home, for experience teaches one many lessons in the art of being an ideal room-mate—for it is an art. Perfect breeding, delicacy of perception that will keep one from ever being intrusive, adaptability in little things, orderly habits, responsiveness, sympathy, unselfishness, loyalty, are the qualities to be cultivated by one who desires to be at all times an entirely agreeable room-mate, and these you have, my child, all in more or less degree, I believe: but you are apt to be thoughtless, and you will need to exercise care and self-control. I believe that the friendships you form at college with your classmates and teachers are as important as the studies you are pursuing. This does not imply that you should ever neglect your lessons for social enjoyment. I am sure you have too much good sense to draw such a conclusion.
Your father and I are very anxious that you should derive much culture and good mental training from your college course. As far as you can command your own motives, study for the knowledge and the discipline to be derived, rather than for marks or class standing. The higher one's aim, the more permanent will be the result.
It is hard to become used to your being away, my precious child. The house is lonely without you. But it is for your good, and I am so thankful that we can give you this opportunity that I do not grumble. It is a comfort to us to be able to remember that you have always been a good daughter. We love to recall your pleasant ways, and the many proofs of your earnest purpose to do right.
Write to us freely, and tell us of your successes and your difficulties, for we shall want to know all that concerns you.
Gertrude has been to the house to inquire what we have heard from you. She will be delighted to have you write to her. You must not forget your old friends in making new ones. Aunt Mary, also, will appreciate a nice letter from you.
The baby wanted to write "Bebel," so I gave her paper and pencil, and she insists upon my enclosing her scrawl. Good-bye, my darling. God bless you. Father says: "Tell Mabel I love her."