Charles E. H. Bates Family Correspondence, 1899-1930 - 6

Wednesday Eve. [underlined]

My dear Edward –

Back from a eventful trip to France, and some reminiscing. (I don't believe there's such a word but you know what I mean.)

Anyway this afternoon I went with Mother to the Shakespeare Club; because, besides reading a new play of Shaw's – "Heartbreak – House" – showing conditions in Europe previous to and during the war, Mrs. van Brunt, Miss Dyer (guest) and Gladys Emmons

gave short talks on their work in France.

Many came up to me afterwards to say they thot [thought] and hoped I was going to speak. Just as if!

Extemporaneous speaking – so to speak – before a lot of people isn't in my line. I marvelled [marveled] at Gladys rambling on the way she did "Yes", said she, "and you could have told them a lot more interesting things in the entertainment line than I." It was all most interesting and made you wish for the moment that

you were back living it again. Such as you – know the feeling. Delicious. "Garbage", as you so characteristicly [characteristically]term it, was served so that Gladys and I just fell to and decided to eat dinner then and there. Now I have to make a sad admission (but truthful) concerning the cigarette holder which isn't French. I know you heard I brought some home but not too many and they all went to relatives and Gene Kim, and Russell. Incidentally why should I bring you anything from France – you didn't send me any perfume!! No – it came from the Palace when I was getting one for Montie who lost his charming one from the rue de Rivoli.

I know you don't smoke much and I don't wish to encourage it either. Montie went to the Mardi Gras last night. The costumes "or lack of such" [inserted] were described thus – "It was a terrible strain on the eyes all evening." I came in the other evening before dinner to hear Robe telling Montie about the box of candy. "Isn't the society losing out?" asks Montie.

[top left corner:] 2).

"Oh no. She hasn't broken any of the rules yet. She can let him come around as much as he wants but when she gets excited like this (I had made mere remark) and if she's slipping – good night!" And now you think I am a Goodess! don't be too sure please.

The Yosemite trip has been called off because of the lack of snow. Much to my joy. This violinist I have [illegible] so anxious to hear returns for an extra concert Sunday and I'm going.

Mother & I and we had an extra ticket for Roberta Howell but as yet I don't know if she's going. Now I'm due to go next door for a short visit.

The best ever Doris.