page_0001

Chicago Oct. 14, '54

Dearest Bell,

Forgive me this time
and teach me by your example how
to do better in future

Ah, you rogue! and so, as soon
as you heard or "suspected" that I
was going to get married you take the
liberty to avail yourself of my implied
permission and proceed instanter to give away
what is none of yours to give - your
heart and hand. Have you forgotten
that I have your willing promise duly
recorded that name but me - your "Dearest[underlined]
Dear Uncle" shall have the bestowal of
these precious gifts, and[underlined] that[underlined] they[underlined] shall[underlined]
not[underlined] be[underlined] bestowed[underlined] upon[underlined] a[underlined] Southerner[underlined]?
Oh, you wished girl! do you ever ex-
pect that your Dear Uncle will forgive
you. or have any confidence in you
or ever again put my trust in the word
of a woman? Yes you hussy you do