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Tuesday evening Jan 28/96 My darling Grace, - All went well with my "shop" work to day and read on my way in Irving's, "My wife," from his sketch book. It so greatly pleased me and all the more so, when I think of how you found it first and recommended to me as in many respects your ideal. This so took me entirely out of myself that I never thought to mail your letter, until late this afternoon as I finished my last late eye class. - When I took from my pocket my eye receipt to be certified, out dropped your letter, I was so ashamed & could have cried. But just scribbled a note on the corner of the envelope and then carelessly rubbed it and put it gently in my pocket as I went out at 6 oclock. Yes, several times when spotters were around
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among us and I heard fellows useing stage whispers to try for pointers, - I was sure you were praying for me and my old fountain pen did its best and my brain was very clear as I went ahead and answered all the twenty five questions. But of course it would only be human to have mistakes occur, and believe I shall redeem myself in my own eyes when the results are known. - By all odds, it was considered by all our class as the most difficult written examination we have ever had. As we came out in the hall, from the large amphitheater following the examination, the boys came with terror in their eyes and voice and chips on their shoulders, all asking every down hearted looking fellow, - "Are you any relation to Ingals?" With an accent that meant, - "If you are, come along and meet your punishment for such an affliction." - When Mr Harvey asked me at lunch how I
enjoyed Prof Ingals examination, I said, - "Oh! it might be worse," - But he thought not. Well, my dear, it is all over now and so is the first half of my senior year at Rush Medical College, and tonight I feel as if certain burdens were overthrown and breathing is easier. So much so that I want you to make out a list of friends to whom I shall plan to send my graduation announcements and invitations for commencement. The committee is already wanting to know how many we shall each require, - they are to be very fine. - This will be a pleasing way, when the time comes, of letting friends and acquaintances know that soon they can know who to regard as a medical friend and adviser. Does it not sound odd to read those
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Yes, your new friends are sure to appreciate your most excellent talents, as do few of the home people. - You let go and be your own whole self, too! I so recently have experienced it too, - for one becomes acquainted with herself under such circumstances in a way nothing else will bring it out. I must say it was a [constraint ?] to my grand European expansion to come here where so little is done to bring out what is living concealed waiting for you! But, you have brought out of me this last Fall and Winter all that is good in me. My "Pillow" will resign at the right moment and is only playing just the part your little note which was pinned to it [intact, instead ?] Please forgive my carelessness in mailing your letter today and am sure they were written
last few lines! When tomorrow night, Wednesday, all are at prayer meeting, your father is at your grandma's and Elsie is in Law College, I will quietly slip across and ask Laura to loan me your copy of Lowell in which is "Auf wieder Sehen," - my collection of Lowell's poems does not contain it, but will soon find it and read it to you. I am sure Mae Van Schnick must appreciate your consul and am sorry she so suffered from typhoid. Your advice was certainly excellent. Who do you think I saw coming out on the Lake St. L. - "Dr. Mayhew". He said, - "W a l how are you?" and tried to jolly me up as he shook hands like an old friend, but did not have nerve enough to ask for you, and was as too short for me to get around to telling him you had never mentioned his name since we parted at choir rehearsal. But I knew he had not heard from your pen!
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poorly.- You might have delayed those proofs or shown them had you thought best, my idea was a hasty one. The prints will be finished so one will greet you as an early "Valentine" in about ten or twelve days. Sleep! Do not try to do too much, for the strength of your voice and entire energy is no greater in an Eastern Atmosphere than western. Ward off those headaches if possible, but sleep them off when ever they come on. I do sympathize with you, my own dear love, and trust they will not often occur. Good night, - tomorrow night we will be together at the time you stated. Your own ever trusting, Clarence Edmonds Hemingway waiting for car Wed 8 AM Sunshine today very brilliant and clear Your own, Claire
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Miss Grace Ernestine Hall, New York City. N. Y. # 169 East 63rd St.
Jan 28th 96.
