19th June, 1894

F—

F for furious, for that is what I am at the assertion that my penmanship is anything short of flawless. Or at least legible. Besides, Aunt Marcella says my letters have character, and I should much rather have character and be brilliant than have evenly crossed Ts at the expense of all other education.

And on the matter of such education, in all seriousness—do not allow the teas and the dancing to detract from what is truly important to you. I am (mostly) sure your mother would understand if you told her you would prefer to focus on more intellectual pursuits.