May 4
Dear Daddy Longlegs,
The college had a Field Day last Saturday.
First, the classes paraded across the campus.
All the girls wore white dresses.
Our class—the sophomores—carried red balloons.
They looked very festive when they got loose and floated away!
Sallie and I weren't in the parade because we were competing.
We each won an event!
Sallie won the pole vault, and I won the fifty-yard dash.
Between events, about a dozen clowns entertained the spectators.
Julia dressed up as an old gentleman with a long coat and whiskers.
She made everyone laugh.
I never dreamed that a Pendleton could be so funny.
(I hope that doesn't offend Jervie. I don't consider him a true Pendleton anyway.)
I haven't mentioned my classes lately, but we're still having them every day.
It's a relief though, to stop studying and discuss life with you.
Not that you ever respond!
But that's your own fault.
You're welcome to reply to my letters anytime.
Good night,
Judy
June 2
Dear Daddy Longlegs,
The nicest thing has happened.
The McBrides have asked me to spend the summer at their house in the Adirondack Mountains!
I just received a letter from Mrs. McBride inviting me.
"You really must come!
We'll have so much fun!" Sallie said, when I showed her the letter.
"Our summer house is on a lovely little lake in the middle of the woods.
And you'll never guess what the house is made of."
I laughed. "I won't even try."
"Logs! All the houses in that area are made of logs."
I didn't want to admit that I'd never been to a summer house—never mind a log house.
Instead I asked, "What's there to do?"
"Oh, lots of things!" Sallie's eyes sparkled with delight.
"We go canoeing on the lake and take long walks on the trails to the other houses.
Our neighbors are so friendly, it's as if we're all in a club.
There's even a clubhouse, where we have dances once a week."
"Dances!" I said.
"That sounds like fun, but who will we dance with?"
"Don't worry about that.
My brother Jimmy is having a college friend visit for part of the summer.
So we'll have plenty of men to dance with."
"That does sound like fun," I said.
"It's so nice of your mother to ask me."
"She really liked you when you visited us at Christmas.
Oh, Judy, say that you'll come!"
"Of course I will!" I gave her a hug.
So, Daddy Longlegs, this isn't much of a letter.
I just wanted you to know that I'm busy this summer.
And I'm also very happy!
Yours,
Judy
June 5
Dear Daddy Longlegs,
Your secretary has written that you want me to decline Mrs. McBride's invitation.
Instead you want me to spend the summer at Lock Willow Farm.
Why, why, WHY?
You don't understand at all.
Mrs. McBride really does want me to come.
I won't be the least bit of trouble.
In fact, I can probably help out.
The McBrides won't be bringing many servants, and Sallie and I can do lots of useful things.
It'll be a good chance for me to learn about housekeeping.
Every woman ought to know how to keep house, and I only know orphanage-keeping.
Besides, there aren't any girls our age at the lake, so Mrs. McBride wants me to stay as a friend for Sallie.
We're planning to read all our books for next year's sociology class.
The professor said it would be helpful if we finished our reading over the summer.
I know I'll remember things better if Sallie and I read the books together and then discuss them.
Just to live in the same house as Mrs. McBride will be educational.
She's the most interesting and charming woman in the world.
She knows everything!
Think of how many summers I've spent with Mrs. Lippett and how I'll appreciate the contrast.
You don't have to worry that I'll take up too much room.
When the McBrides have a lot of company, they pitch tents in the woods.
Then all the boys sleep out there.
It's going to be such a nice, healthy summer.
We'll be exercising outside almost every day.
Jimmy McBride is going to teach me to ride a horse and paddle a canoe.
It will be the fun, carefree vacation that I've never had.
I think every girl deserves that at least once in her life.
Of course, I'll follow whatever instructions you give me.
But please, PLEASE let me go.
I've never wanted anything so much.
Yours,
Judy
June 9
Dear Mr. Smith,
Your secretary has sent me your instructions.
I leave on Friday to spend the summer at Lock Willow Farm.
Sincerely,
Miss Jerusha Abbott