Open Writing

October 13. 1923

St John’s Academy

Jamestown

Dearest Sister Rosie,

I just received your letter today, but I'm answering so soon just to prove that there are some who appreciate your letters.

Ceal and I are just as much in the dark concerning what we're going to do as you are. It isn’t very comfortable suspense either because Ceal doesn't want to ask you to send her skirt that she left with you, for she is still planning on going back to stay with you and so between the two of us we have just one skirt and no warm dresses at all. Neither of us has a coat and it is getting mighty cold.

I wrote to Dad five weeks ago and I mentioned the fact that we were freezing but I guess my letter didn't make any more impression than yours did. I've neither seen nor heard from any of them since school started although I’ve written three times.

And yet you think we're not giving them a fair shake. Maybe I am being selfish but I think we're giving as much as we are getting.

You remember before Pa and the Mrs. were married if anyone said anything against it, they were "prejudiced". Now it’s our fault that they can't agree. What on earth are we going to do? I know what I'm going to do and I'll tell you a little later.

But I guess you really didn't realize the condition things were in. I don't think you can imagine anyplace less comfortable and homelike than home was last summer. However this isn't going to help matters unless we discuss it with the parties concerned and that would require more courage than I’ve got.

I hope you can get Ceal to come to stay with you when you move to Wisconsin. I know I'm going to miss her like everything but I know how much you need her and I know who won't be happy here when she would be with you, so it’s the majority that rules.

I know there's no one else that cares what we do or don't do so we might as well arrange things to suit ourselves. Don't you think? I want very much to see you and the babies but if it was left to a choice between us, I'd rather have Ceal go because I think you'd rather have her, and I don't blame you because everyone does like her better.

I’d rather not change schools in my last year. What's more, I really like to study here and I'm quite sure that's more than she can say.

Ceal told me that you told her once that you wouldn't be very much surprised if I became a nun. I can't imagine what made you think that but I'm rather glad because I wouldn't want to give you a too sudden surprise and, you see, that’s about what I’ve decided to do.

I don’t know when I’m going but it that is where I belong and I think I know I’ll get there. Now I’d better give you time to get your breath. I haven’t told anyone else, even Ann. I was going to tell Dad but I was waiting until I'd see him or heard from him.

Ann has promised to see that I can go to a business school here in town and I guess I really ought to take it because when I asked her to pay for my music, I promised to pay it back, and $25 a month and clothes and spending money for two of us this year is going to cost more than a little bit. Of course I know she won’t expect it but I feel that a promise is a promise. If it wasn’t for that I would go to the novitiate as soon as school closes. I don't know what Ann and Dad will think about it.

Would you mind telling me just your opinion? It has never occurred to you, I suppose, but a lot of people have been expecting this. I think I am making the offering of everything I do to God and I haven’t made a mistake. I won’t have to be anything but me.

Love from

Gertie (Your Georgiana is the only one who calls me Trudy)