Wednesday
May 4, 1921
Dearest Dad,
Just a note for explanation. Nothing would pain me more than to fall a few pegs in your estimation. In as much as I made a promise which I have, up to the present date, but unable to keep I feel that I owe you a
detailed explanation. I was just as sincere as anyone ever could be when I thought I would have money right after Easter and could just borrow some till after then to tide me over Heap of things that all seemed to come at once at Easter, silk dress, suit, hat, shoes, trip and all the rest. I've been back six weeks and had three checks ($172.89) And so that you'll see that I haven't been “throwing” It away here's what's happened to it.
Board and room $73.00
Dr. bill $6.00
Check to myself for 1st week $2.00
“ 2nd week $5.00
“ 3rd week $5.00
“ 4th week $5.00
“ store lady for dress goods $3.00
“ take to Philad. Sat $25.00
For 5-6 weeks
Total checks paid out according to checkbook $124.00
Balance according to check book $47.83
_________
$171.83
Making $1.03 unaccounted for.
Bought half of a 10 trip ticket to Philadelphia birthday present, theatre and meals etc. with Philad. check and still have some of that.
I think you can see I haven’t been spending it foolishly and as a result not having any left to pay what I said I would. I would pay it back out of the balance I now have but that d--- ortho Dr. is still “figuring out” her bill and “just about to send it” and I have to keep that much in reserve all the time.
Honest it wouldn’t hurt me terribly if I thot you thot I asked for some money saying I’d pay it back right away and wasn’t sincere about it. You know I was and I know you’ll accept this explanation. I’ll pay it but it won’t be when I thot I would.
I never did appreciate before what an expensive luxury I was and how much it did cost you to keep me. Gee ain’t life hard! Am glad Mother’s Day is next Sunday but when does poor old Father’s Day come. Please forgive me and think as much of me as you used to.
Lovingly,
Marion
Editor's notes
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John has excellent handwriting. However, in some instances, I cant decipher it. If I can't, I simply mark the spot with "xxx"s to signify thank the word isn't decipherable.
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