Wed. Nov. 17, 1937
My sweet darling,
This morning I visited Peter and Linda at school. Peter is grown up all right. Miss Newton said she wanted to thank me for giving the world a boy like Peter- that he is a brilliant child and thrives wonderfully on organized work. She said it was all right for him to work ahead in his arithmetic book-to let him finish it if he wanted. This school is a fine one, especially in these low grades. I'll tell you in detail when you come. Writing is so cumbersome. I saw Linda's teacher too. Linda apparently has her own ideas and sits without paying attention ^ but just thinks doesn't disturb the others Mrs. Randall says [sic]. So that she is unable to repeat a story for example.
This afternoon you can't guess what we did Peter, Linda and I went with Mr. Castleman [?] all over the Kinneloa [?] Ranch. Oh it is wonderful! When you come we'll get him to take you. They'll sell acreage but want too much. $5000 per acre. Castleman took us home by way of the Wilcox point and we saw old Mr. Wilcox who is looking awfully feeble. I talked to him for awhile. Poor old fellow! He said he is completely broke and only expects to get $.35 on a $1.00 for his property. The Kinneloa people (Lack hart [sic]) are only asking a third of what they put in-they say. Well, you never never saw such California holly and Mr. Castleman picked a huge arm load for me.
[page 2]
He gave me a big bunch of Chrysanthemums on Monday. This holly looks well on the piano.
After we three returned Coryell came and talked with me and said he is to be married in three weeks! Imagine! I said he must be sure-that he shouldn't let this become a habit. I looked at him carefully and I'm sure he is a grand person. He looked so fine and spoke so well. He had to go back to stand by LuValle who is talking at the seminar. He likes LuValle and says he is getting along well.
Paddy, you bring some of that New York champagne (great western) and lets not have a great crowd Christmas-but just a few people we really want. I thought I'd plan a little party for Coryell when he comes back since he has been so awfully good. Perhaps a little shower party with people he knows best. You will be here then.
I have a strange wound-but a painful one, at the base of my spine. I realized a day or so ago that I was feeling very tender and remembered the previous occasion but I continued to feel discomfort and so looked tonight and found a raw
[page 3]
sore about like a quarter. I don't know when this happened or how. I hope I haven't picked up anything on the train. This is the coccyx area. I was careful in Chicago, etc.
I was happy to get your letter today. written Sunday [circled in AHP's handwriting, with an arrow inserting it after the word today] I've been at home a week today. The children are better off I think although they seem to have gotten along perfectly. The baby is in much better shape, though.
Coryell said he was going to write to the "Old Man" He said if you weren't well or worked too hard or weren't happy. I should go back with you. He doesn't know that you are glad to be rid of me.
I saw Miss Greenlaw, etc. They all rave about the children. Coryell too said they had been just perfect when he had them; that his mother couldn't believe three children could get along so well and behave so well. Coryell is a dear. I do hope this girl is worth something. She is Mrs. Longs cousin you remember. Good Lord! I'm certainly going along in great style
[page 4]
tonight. Soon this letter writing will be my only occupation. Coryell thinks Crellie is perfect, too, and says he has never heard him cry. Crellie laughs and sings so beautifully. Lola just worships that baby, too, you should see her.
I'm glad your wrist is better. You must be careful. You are the dearest love in the world and I love you. Still I do remember that whack on the nose! I'm going to ask the Wilcox's to come down to Atheneum to dinner next week. I feel so sorry for those poor old people. He looks quite horrid too with his misshapen nose-really repulsive. poor [sic] old thing. He said he ought to be dead. He gave me a long story. This is positively the end and I think I won't write tomorrow. You'll be flirting with Mrs. C anyway and wishing she were your wife!!
Good luck at Geneva! Ava Helen Pauling [written on side of paper]
November
17, 1937
