And he knew all the time that I was with the McBrides, for Julia told him so! You men ought to leave intrigue to women; you have n’t a light enough touch.
Julia has a trunkful of the most ravishing new clothes—an evening gown of rainbow Liberty crêpe that would be fitting raiment for the angels in Paradise. And I thought that my own clothes this year were unprecedentedly (is there such a word?) beautiful. I copied Mrs. Paterson’s wardrobe with the aid of a cheap dressmaker, and though the gowns did n’t turn out quite twins of the originals, I was entirely happy until Julia unpacked. But now—I live to see Paris!
Dear Daddy, are n’t you glad you ’re not a girl? I suppose you think that the fuss we make over clothes is too absolutely silly? It is. No doubt about it. But it ’s entirely your fault.
Did you ever hear about the learned Herr Professor who regarded unnecessary adornment with contempt, and favored sensible, utilitarian clothes for women? His wife, who was an obliging creature, adopted “dress reform.” And what do you think he did? He eloped with a chorus girl.
Yours ever,
Judy.
P. S. The chamber-maid on our corridor wears blue checked gingham aprons. I am going to get her some brown ones instead, and sink the blue ones in the bottom of the lake. I have a reminiscent chill every time I look at them.
November 17th.
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
Such a blight has fallen over my literary career. I don’t know whether to tell you or not, but I would like some sympathy—silent sympathy, please; don’t reopen the wound by referring to it in your next letter.