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#50 Saturday 18 Nov 9:20 am Dearly Beloved, No mail from you in three days (except Kay’s letter) but it frequently comes in batches here because of irregular air service. Still haven’t answered your #46-54, plus a second #40 written Oct. 26th which arrived at the same time as #54, written Nov. 6. It was especially good to get the last-mentioned 2 letters, with a spread of 10 or 12 days between them. They were both thoughtful letters; the tone of the earlier were slightly on the sanguine side and that of the latter a little more sad. Though I would rather have had it the other way around, the two coming together served to remind [?] that one mustn't rely too strongly on the feelings of the moment at a time like this but must let them balance out somewhat after a period of time. Always there is a residue of emptiness but if you’re prepared for that you can keep it from getting you. There is with me, too, despite the fact that I've been busy all day and some evenings recently. Last night I welcomed the excuse of a good movie (“Conflict,” with Humphrey Bogart and Sidney Greenstreet: a technically excellent story of a man who murders his shrewish wife over infatuation with her younger sister, and how it caught up with him psychologically) to get away. Sure would like to see you in the bathing suit borrowed from Bev. Send me pictures soon, sweetie. And I'll try to think of things to send you from here for your scrapbook. Did I tell you there are four or five hibiscus bushes right here in the yard of this office? Also a number of other bushes and flowers - with many of them including hibiscus its possible to break off a sprig, plant it and have it grow, [pg 2] as long as it gets enough water (which it does naturally in the rainy season. This is supposed to be the dry season now, just about when I arrived here, but for the past two or three days there's been lots of rain and to go outside is to wade in a sea of muck.) I'll see if I can get some bamboo for Bev, sweetie. There is some on the island but not right near us and it's hard for me to get away - little things coming up all the time. I was so sorry to hear about Marge and Jeff's leaving. They were a boon to you and seem to have been companionship. That and Mrs. Price doubtless account for part of your tentative feelings lately about leaving Carmel. I won't offer any further advice now until I see what's up in your next few letters, especially if you've heard from Muz after I wrote her. Charley promised several days ago to convey your message to Helen. He didn't know of her having any Christmas plans yet and says she has not been working lately. Why don't you write her a note urging her to come visit you (8322 Century Blvd S., Playa del Rey, Cal.)? And have you heard from Margerita? I will write you about some child, or children, here. I've stopped in at the orphanage twice - there are several cute babies there - and some time soon I'll go over again and pay more attention. [pg 3] Do forgive me, darling, if I save some of the more detailed particulars of things going on here for the longer letters to Muz. I really feel as though I'm writing them to you, except here and there where I use a little stricter censorship. I just couldn't write a long letter like that every night; the evenings are short here and I used a little time to relax and do nothing in. Still like my new job and will doubtless continue to. Just discovered that Hy Kublin is out in this area and has been for some time, but I can't get to see him unless he should happen to come here. He might in time; meanwhile I've sent a verbal message to him. I will try to write a little story of Daddy's travels for Wendy. It is a swell idea and she’d enjoy it later on, as you say. Can’t promise now while we no day off After lunch Oh, darling. I was so glad to hear that Paula and Keeo (?-Kee-o?) had returned - it does make such a difference to have someone companionable around, doesn't it, and transportation besides. It was a big relief to me and I hope now that Memphis doesn't materialize for your sake. I’d really rather have you in Carmel just so long as you do have that indispensable modicum of friends, and life around you. Can't take the time now to read the other three letters which came at the same time - also one from Doug, and a check for $78.18 from the Nay for your trip East last March. I'm endorsing it over to Father and will send it to him tonight. I love you! W
