May 8 Friday – At 21 Fifth Ave, N.Y. Sam wrote to Dorothy Quick.

(Joan of Arc’s Day.)

Your letter came last night, dear, & brought me such a disappointment. I am so sorry you have a cold, but glad you are taking proper care of it. It would not be wise for you to make a journey in the draughty cars at such a time.

“If you want me I can come next week.” If I want you! Can you imagine when I don’t want you? As far as my understanding of it goes, I want you all the time. I hope you will get entirely over your cold, dear heart, & will come to me to-morrow week sound & well.

The violets came promptly, & the reason I did not write you to that effect was, that I wanted to tell you, & show them to you unwithered; for Claude undertook to keep them fresh, & he has done it. You dear sweet child, to send them to me [MTP; MTAq 151]. Note: Claude Benchotte the butler.

Isabel Lyon’s journal: “Santa is never sure for 24 hours if she will be able to make this trip to London. The plans are all going forward. / My days are terrible—except for a few placid moments with the King” [MTP: IVL TS 52].

Zoheth S. Freeman for Merchants National Bank wrote to Lyon (though catalogued as to Clemens) [MTP].