Viewing page 3 of 69

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

April 28, 1901

My dear Parents -

My present dwelling place is just the thing for Bess. It is an apartment.  We three American men are at present the only boarders.  We sleep on the lower floor.  Above is the dining-room the sitting-room.  And Madame's room, also the [[?1d]] bed chambre that Sis should occupy.  This is the only kind of an institution to improve ones french in.  Nothing but French is spoken, although Madame Leque speaks good English.  Having had a Scotch mother.  Each Evening we talk in the sitting room for an hour or two.  

Last Wednesday evening, Daniels, Madame, and myself called on a friend of hers who has staying with her two English girls who are studying music.  Enjoyed some good music.  Both young ladies were from London.  I am going to study French under Madame Leque.  Shall take a number at fifty cents a lesson.  At table we are constantly being reminded of our failings in accent.  The Doctor from Baltimore speaks well and has a fine choice of words.  But a disagreeable American twange.  Friday night Madames neice was asked to dinner.  She may have said many nice things to me, but so rapidly did she speak that I lost most of the meaning. Sunday for dinner a young nephew of Madames entertained us with stories of his soldier life.  He had a large appetite and a huge thirst.  Send Bess over.  She would like Madame Leque I am sure.  Madame has a nice manner, a kind face, and from her nose down reminds me a bit of mother.  Such reminders in a strange land are comforting.  Sunday afternoon played my violin for the first time with a piano in France.  Madame played the piano, and in that line she is nothing like mother. Next Wednesday, we are all going to a musical in the evening.  I have given you some little idea of the