Ellen Axson Wilson to Woodrow Wilson

This is the second letter today! — it is the only way I can manage to get one off tomorrow since I go to New York on the 9.05. I hope after this I won't have to make another trip for some little time. That will finish up the draperies and furniture and get some linen and muslin curtains to be working on. The china, glass and silver I wont get of course until I see exactly how much has been spent on other things.

Mr. Thompson and I had a conference at Prospect today and settled many things. The bath-room problem works out beautifully. The lovely little tower-room does not have to be sacrificed. Indeed it is a long way from the guest room, with the third story staircase in between. But the little room over the entrance, which is smaller than the tower room, can be cut in two and a bath room made connecting with the state room,— a door cut in the partition wall. It would be our bath room when there were no guests,– for there are, oddly enough, two halls doors already to this little room, so that it could be cut in two with the greatest ease. Does that suit you? We could have a good bath room without sacrificing any chamber, for the dressing room connecting with Paul's room has also a hall door and is just the right size and shape for a bath room, but it would be a Sabbath day's journey from the “State room”. Paul's is the room over the breakfast room. Tell me which of these two plans you prefer.

Mr. Thompson discouraged me by saying that we could not actually move into the house before the first of Oct.! It is the steam work that is going to take the time. But he thinks we will find it much easier in the long run to have it all done at once before we “settle.” If you think that is an impossible program for you now is the time to make your protest to him. All this work does not mean steam heat this winter but only empty pipes and radiators! But it would be a great thing not to be torn up with it later.

I am sorry, dearest, to fill a letter with business; it couldn't be helped. I won't do it often. Mrs. Fine came in and spent the evening so that I began writing at bedtime, and I am so tired I must go to bed now.

By the way, I wanted to get all bills together to settle, and in looking for them among the loose letters on your desk I came upon the enclosed, and wondered if you had thought of Wm. Garrott Brown in connection with them,—with the Charleston one especially of course. Did you reccommend anyone for them? How would you like to ask Mr. Brown to come out to Clifton to see you?— Mr. Osborn's mss. has come.—We are all perfectly well. Father seems very serene and cheerful. The weather is good,– nights perfect.

I love, love, love you, my darling, beyond all words, I am in every heart-throb.