second time.

Do you recall my telling you about my six-foot engineer assistant? I was and still am very fond of him tho I knew he had at one time applied for expatriation and then later became less bitter and decided he couldn't be anything but American. He was the lad who volunteered for the army, but didn't make it because of his eyes so he thought. Well, his having asked for expatriation was the reason for his being denied that dubious privilege, and last week it looked as if it were also going to prevent his being granted leave clearance. He was given a hearing but

evidently the examining committee didn't feel quite satisfied. At least, the kid came to me last Saturday and told me the whole affair tho I knew it – had gotten the information from other sources – and asked if I'd write him a character reference. He was almost on the verge of tears then and on Monday he looked like a rain cloud until I told him I'd talked to the committee and had asked six other school people to recommend him also. He is still teaching but not with me this time. Since then when I've seen Hayasaka he has not mentioned his troubles but

he fairly beams at me. I hope he can be cleared and get a job on the outside but whether he does or not remains to be seen.

Several days last week were really chilly. If that keeps up – it has already moderated[?] but if we should have more cold my coat might not be warm enuf[sic]. I don't want to buy new if I can help it. When [illegible] is home would you have her get out my brown coat, try it on and see what it looks like. If shortening would do the trick have her decide the length – not too short – put in a couple of safety pins and put it back. If I do need

it Mrs. Y. probably could do the repairs and the coat then could be sent on.

Did you get the check I sent in [illegible] name? Be sure that it is cashed.

Still raining and still mighty dark. When I told Dad this a.m. that it wasn't yet light I guess I was a bit inaccurate. The sun comes up about 9 or 9:10 but I'd gone to the telephone office at 8:25 and it then looked like night. When I got out it was the dawn of a grey day.

Oh, yes a friend of Alice's sent her holly[?] from Portland. I wish you could see it. It is ever so much richer in color, larger and waxier[?] than the Maryland variety.

For now –
F.E.H.

P.S. You think I reacted to the "Moon is Down[?]." What would you call this? One of the appointed personal secretaries saw it and next day discontinued payment on a fur coat to put the money in [illegible]. She lost her $40 deposit.

How is [illegible] baby?