弗吉尔汤姆森致姐姐 （鲁比格利森）

　　cambridge
　　august 26，1920
　　dear sister，
　　the news of the stork's visit is the most excitement i have had yet.it is exactly what i had hoped would happen for a long time，because i think a child in the family will do us all good.of course it's difficult and expensive and dangerous，but we mustn't be afraid of things like that.a family that doesn't go through them and risk things is decayed.there is no way of protecting ourselves from life that isn't stupid，and the only way to be somebody is to do all the important things and do them with gusto.to get married without having children is rather begging thequestion ，i think，side-stepping the main issue.i am glad the family isn't delaying，and i hope whenyou can afford it there will be one or two more.i hope it is a squalling lusty boy with dark red hairand freckles.
　　if the others weren't pleased at the prospect，it was clumsy not to say so.but i suppose we arenothing if not frank in the family.mother hasalways had the idea that there was something a bitvulgar about having a baby，as if the best peopledidn't do it，whereas the“best people”are exactlythe ones who still have families of eight and ten，while the middle classes nowadays are gettingselfish and timorous and either have no children atall or else devote themselves to one spoiled baby.i'll bet roy is glad.
　　by the way，you must not let the family in，besure and go out every day to exercise，clear up tillthe confinement ，and go in the motor all you can.also please don't economize.i insist on your goingto a hospital and having a nurse for the first fewmonths.anything else is not safe.

　　please tell the family they deserve a goodspanking for not wanting to tell me（which wouldhave been outrageous ）and for being selfish andstupid in their attitude.
　　if you are not too busy with sewing and things，i'd love the luster china.and i'd like it assoon as i can have it.i'd like some cups and platesand a tea set with a thick，squatty pot.if you haveto buy any of the china，i'll pay for it.a little bowlor so would be useful if you have one around.
　　i just came down this morning.the boat tripyesterday afternoon was very lovely.sunny andcool and a brilliant，mediterranean blue，as wecame through all the islands and thoroughfares on the coast.i had a great vacation and i've gainedmany pounds.
　　lots of love and be careful，
　　virgil