CEHBates_1922-1923_024b

615 E. Ocean
Sept 28, 1923

Dear Edwardus,

Under difficulties I launch this letter. Between
the fragrance of eucalyptus oil which I am breathing in steam
generated in my canned heat stove to cure a bronchial irritation
and the less desired fragrance of tobacco smoke indulged
in to counteract a veritable gas attack from the
interior — well — the air is fairly surcharged
I am afraid. Then every minute I may expect Dick and if
he should bring anyone with him and get one whiff of
the local conditions. I am afraid I will be socially
ruined, not to say visibly embarrassed beyond redemption.

You see Dick needs feminine influences, like all of us, and Gladys
and Ida (you never met her) and he & I may go to the Fairbanks
studio tomorrow, also Clover Field, also some cafe, maybe.
If I don't develop a cold in the meantime, as I seem on the
verge of doing. — this will be the order. Wish you were here
to take my place, as I don't care to take so long a trip
with girls — as there are no comfort stations on the road.
Besides, this girl business grows wearisome for it gets you