Ellen Axson Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

I find myself again reduced to a pencil, as the desk is in use. I hope it is not illegible when it reaches you.

We have had a visitor —all the morning,– Mrs Hidden. It has been a threatening day and we have been quietly drawing and chatting; but now it shows signs of clearing with interesting cloud and water effects. I must hasten out to walk on the beach so as not to miss them. It will be rather good fun to run away alone while Agnes is still busy with her dress-maker and to remain invisible until four o'clock! She somewhat mars ones enjoyment of “nature” by her incessant flow of “languidge”. I do well to write such spiteful things with a pencil if I must write them at all, eh? They will perish the sooner.

I am excessively disappointed about the chimneys! There is no denying it! What is to be done! I am very eager for tomorrow's letter. The curve you draw of the side-board is charming. I am sure I shall like it as well as any. I have been intending for several days to send you the enclosed cuttings, though doubtless you have seen one of them,—Andover's “Answer” (save the mark.) Won't Stockton be furious when he sees it! Did you ever see anything so utterly damning as the “inside view” of Andover given in the letter? I also saw “Princeton's Answer” to this, but did not secure the paper; but of course you saw that.

By the way, I have only $3.00 instead of seven! I had forgotten that curtain purchases were on Agnes bill and not yet settled!I am so glad you are well and getting on well with the speech. How is Father? Give my dear love to him & the girls, and keep for yourself all you want, darling;— more than I dare express now even if I could.

With passionate love,