To Bertha from Lila – December 1914 (Approx.)
1915 S. St. Washington
Saturday
Dearest Bertha,
Your know me too well for me to even try to apologize. As usual, my intentions were good but I simply haven’t been getting your letter answered.
There has not been much doing but I have been busy all the time and on the whole enjoying life. Nothing has happened to me nearly as exciting as having “cutie” call up. When you write, be sure to tell me all about it. It is almost as bad as a “continued in our next” story.
The fair Katharine Dickman is here. I have seen her once and she didn’t want to see me then. Sad to relate. She was accompanied by a perfectly good man however I guess he is old enough to take care of himself.
Our friend has arrived but I have not seen him to speak to. Maybe he saw me first. He is aide to the Chief of Staff now.
We went to the Army and Navy reception at the White House the other night. It was a very brilliant affair and awfully crowded. I saw lots of my friends, some of whom I hadn’t seen for years. Of course, it was my first White House reception and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Charles has taken his examination for the regular corps and while the findings of the board have not been made public yet, Dad was told by the President of the Board that he had passed very well so that means that he will be here next winter.
I was just interrupted here by Miss Andrews who came to call. She is quite attractive and I am glad to have met her.
I will murder you if you tell what I am going to tell you now. I haven’t told a soul, not even Reba. I heard from Manila on what I consider good authority that “Uncle Bill” will have a new brother or sister some of these days. Now what do you think of that?
Did you see that the Moros are raising Cain again? [Note: The Moros are the indigenous Muslims in the Philippines] The Mr. Cochran who was reported seriously wounded in the last big fight seems to be the one that I know. I certainly hope that he come out all right and that they get things quieted down without getting any more of our people.
Mary Martin is commuting north next week and is going to be with us a few days. She wants me to go back to Brooklyn with her but I am afraid that I can’t right now. A little later, I will probably go.
This is very much of a scrawl but as the whole family are here talking now, I think I will close and try to do better next time.
Write me when the spirit moves you.
As ever loving,
Lila
