"Jean sweetheart:
I just must steal time to answer your beautiful letter this noon. Tonight I've got to start packing.
Dearest, you'll never know how hard it was for me to stay here yesterday- especially after talking to you. You sounded so dear- and something in your voice told me you were lonesome too. I was glad, darling, for I was afraid that your brother being home and all would keep you from missing me.
I am sure I'll like your brother- he couldn't be your brother and be anything but likable.
And what, pray, is the joke about "Thinking" and what is the T.L.? Won't you tell me, please?
Has it seemed a long time? How can you ask. It seems years. The next two weeks will be an eternity. I promise that if there's even a wee chance to get away before the 26th I'll take it. Yesterday I wanted to throw up everything that keeps me away from you but, dearest, that would only take us farther apart. Because on my making good and doing a real job depends all of the happiness we've dreamed of.
Please send your answer to this in care of the company at Dubuque. I'm afraid I'll miss it if you send it here.
Yesterday was so terrible. I hope there need never be many like it. Jean, dear, I love you so much it hurts. But for that pain I am perfectly well today. Isn't the sunshine glorious?
With ALL my love
Bob."