ee-year-old baby sister all over curls, and a medium-sized brother
who always forgets to wipe his feet, and a big, good-looking brother
named Jimmie, who is a junior at Princeton.

We have the jolliest times at the table--everybody laughs and jokes and
talks at once, and we don't have to say grace beforehand. It's a
relief not having to thank Somebody for every mouthful you eat. (I
dare say I'm blasphemous; but you'd be, too, if you'd offered as much
obligatory thanks as I have.)

Such a lot of things we've done--I can't begin to tell you about them.
Mr. McBride owns a factory and Christmas eve he had a tree for the
employees' children. It was in the long packing-room which was
decorated with evergreens and holly. Jimmie McBride was dressed as
Santa Claus and Sallie and I helped him distribute the presents.

Dear me, Daddy, but it was a funny sensation! I felt as benevolent as
a Trustee of the John Grier home. I kissed one sweet, sticky little
boy--but I don't think I patted any of them on the head!

And two days after Christmas, they gave a dance at their own house for
ME.

It was the first really true ball I ever attended--college doesn't
count where we dance with girls. I had a new white evening gown (your
Christmas present--many thanks) and long white gloves and white satin
slippers. The only drawback to my perfect, utter, absolute happiness
was the fact that Mrs. Lippett couldn't see me leading the cotillion
with Jimmie McBride. Tell her about it, please, the next time you
visit the J. G. H.

Yours ever,
Judy Abbott

PS. Would you be terribly displeased, Daddy, if I didn't turn out to
be a Great Author after all, but just a Plain Girl?

6.30, Saturday

Dear Daddy,

We started to walk to town today, but mercy! how it poured. I like
winter to be winter with snow instead of rain.

Julia's desirable uncle called again this afternoon--and brought a
five-pound box of chocolates. There are advantages, you see, about
rooming with Julia.

Our innocent prattle appeared to amuse him and he waited for a later
train in order to take tea in the study. We had an awful lot of
trouble getting permission. It's hard enough entertaining fathers and
grandfathers, but uncles are a step worse; and as for brothers and
cousins, they are next to impossible. Julia had to swear that he was
her uncle before a