Grandview Feb. 3, 1914
Dear Bess:
I fear very much your letter is going to be a day late. I have a very excellent excuse though, been on the go steadily on account of certain litigation. I have an idea that I will perhaps have to go to the city early in the morning, in which case if I find I can't come over I'll mail it - then perhaps it'll get there on time. I went nigger chasing again on Monday. Right through Central Africa: Vine St. There was no trace of the Nelson nigger. She has as completely disappeared as old Tom Swope's good qualities. Pretty far gone, isn't she? I drove to Belton this morning to see Mr. Blair. It was very cold coming back, I am shaking yet. He is going to establish a new Masonic Lodge down at Archie in Cass County and wants me to be there. It's going to be tomorrow night and I doubt very much whether I can go, but I sure want to. Maybe I could cop some more of his jewelry. He seems to think that I'm the goat in the jewel deal and not himself. I am perfectly willing to be the goat as long as they unload real gold on me.
I got onto a new brand of pie down in Marshall the other day. I forgot to tell you about it Sunday. They called it transparent pie. Why I don't know because it looked like pumpkin and tasted like sugar and water with clay or something to give it body. It had a mussy top - one of the kind with a French name that goes on a "leming pie." The top was very good. I'd like very much to know what the balance of it contained and why it was transparent.
When the Marshall Central girl called me to say you'd be in at six o'clock, I like an idiot said, "Hello! Bess?" She said, "No, this isn't Bess. It's Myrtle, but the Bess you want will call at six." Then I told her to please cancel the call as I was leaving town at five-forty. She was an awful fresh Central. I have been entertaining my dear uncle at double dummy bridge. It's some game. He beats me so badly that it's not much fun for me. He gets lots of enjoyment out of it. Mrs. J. F. Blau has very kindly invited Mary and me to a Valentine party at her house on February 13. Mary has been kind enough to R.S.V.P. that we'll be there. I am going to take a red-headed woman who plays the "pannanno." I don't know what they'll do for entertainment - play rook, I guess, or some kissing game. I'd prefer the former as I'm not very strong on the other one. Rook is a kind of church member's bridge. The cards are numbered and different colors. It's a very good game. Tricks and fines are counted. Our Grandview outfit will have to switch if things get too warm.
The will case has been set again for next Monday. So I don't suppose I'll see you before Sunday unless I go to town Thursday as well as tomorrow. I bought some G.O. tickets. They are in the ninth row of the arena balcony on the west. Do you suppose we can see anything from there? I hope they'll be all right. Uncle Harry is crazy for more bridge and I've got to go. You owe me a letter anyway even if this is a bum one.
Most sincerely, Harry