T2020.102.486

2600 First Street San Diego, Calif.

April 8 1922

My dear girl:

I have just this minute received your letter and am so thankful for it and its contents. Helen dear, I really am so happy, so very, very happy you have broken. I tried to be a true friend and take the news as a good sport when you told me the situation. Christmas, for I know then that as conditions then stood, it would be absolutely futile for me to say anything so I threw you together as much

possible hoping, in that way, to finally make you wear each other out, and praying for the best. I didn't see how it could possibly last, any more than Harper and I could so I just waited and prayed. Roy and Harper are both mighty fine upstanding boys, trying to do the right thing (you see my viewpoint of Harper has changed and become finer & fairer since Christmas). But they are not the type we ought to have for "steadies." They are mentally too far below par and, when we are thru, we will be far superior in breeding, culture, education and mentality than

either of them and I am not at all egotistical when I say it either. I think you really now, [know], that his education and family is far below yours, notwithstanding, that he is a good boy, don't you dear? Confidentially, in fact, this is all confidential. There isn't a boy at home there now that I would give a snap of my finger for. They're all right, in their way, but they don't weigh much, at least unless there are some new ones; and that's not because I'm in San Diego either. I'll tell you this much now that you and Roy are broken up and you are sane again. I have come to the decision that I'm going

to be friends with all and not specialize, at least so there will ever be anything to break, get me? I'm having a much finer time since I've started putting it in to practice too and I think that, until I'm considerably older, I shall continue so.

By the way, you remember our decision at Fresno, not, [Ljo?], recruit. Well, I've broken it after much careful consideration and prayer and talk with our pastor here, S.S. teacher, Int Supt., two or three nurses who know supt. of hospital, high school nurse, etc. and girls who do

and girls who don't and I have decided I am going to in small parties etc., of course, with reservation, you understand. This is a secret. Don't let it out and I'll tell you more, Easter, especially after talking to daddy and mother about it.

I have a grand surprise for you too, maybe, I hope so, quien sabe? I certainly hope it works out.

Honey bunch, our vacation comes the week after yours but, I can visit you at school, play tennis, and take a a hike to Fern Lodge, Sat?