Tuesday night as I sat alone in my room I pictured you at the _Miracle_. You must tell me how you like it, and what you did on New Year’s eve. Our party at Squarcialupi’s (what a name!) was a delight. I was sent out to get some more Victrola needles about midnight, and before I got back the whistles began to blow. Even though it was in an uncrowded neighborhood--people began throwing their arms around each other, dancing and singing. Whereat I went into such an ecstasy as only that moment of all the year affords me. I hugged my companion and started singing Gregorian chants or something of my own version approaching them, and I hope in good Latin. O New York is the place to celebrate New Year’s! There is such spirit in everyone, such cordiality! Your telegram came next morning before I was up (I didn’t retire until 6) and I trust you got my answer on my way to breakfast. I am very happy these days and the more so because I trust you are. --/--/ 198: TO HIS MOTHER [_New York City_] _Feb. 10th, ’25_ Dear Grace: I suppose you’ve been reading about the great unprecedented fog here, which still more-or-less continues. Well, it’s just been hell for me over at Columbia Heights. I haven’t had 6 hours of solid sleep for three nights, what with the bedlam of bells, grunts, whistles, screams and groans of all the river and harbor buoys, which have kept up an incessant grinding program as noisesome as the midnight passing into new year. Just like the mouth of hell, not being able to see six feet from the window and yet hearing all that weird jargon constantly. It does no good to go to bed early under such circumstances, yet I’m forced to do so, just because I’m too tired to do anything else. I hope tonight will be somewhat better. --/--/ I’m hoping to hear from you today or tomorrow. Please give my best to Charles [Curtis] which reminds me that I do not share your trepidations concerning him which you expressed in your last letter. I don’t think you ought to let such minor doubts annihilate the affection and devotion that he has proffered you so beautifully. I’m really planning on your marriage this spring, and I think you will be foolish to delay it until later. 199: TO HIS MOTHER [_Brooklyn_] _Monday_