Sister and I were among several guests at Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe’s box party last night and Robert managed to have the chair next mine, and when “the lights were dim and low” he found my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze and said, “I want to have a long talk with you soon, without fear of interruption, and I know of no way this can be had unless you meet me down town and take dinner with me.” I asked him if he thought it was right, and he said, “You know I would not ask you to do anything I thought was wrong.” So I have promised to go. I wonder what in the world he is going to tell me. MARCH 27. We had dinner at Rector’s at four o’clock today. Robert told me that he loved me. I was dumbfounded and must have shown it plainly. I asked him if he was in the habit of making love to young women. His lips quivered and he said, “I don’t blame you for being offended, but I swear to you that this is the first time I ever told a woman I loved her when I had not the right to do so. I am sorry, so sorry, I have told you, for I might have gone on suffering alone, and you would have never been the wiser, while now I have made you unhappy, too. Can you forgive me?” He leaned over toward me and looked into my eyes so eagerly for an affirmative answer that—well, how could I refuse forgiveness, and then, you know, my work must be considered. APRIL 2. Nell had an “All Fool’s” party last night, and such pranks as we played! Of course Robert was not there, because only the young people were there, and it seemed rather strange; in fact, I know I missed him, but this is only for you to know, my faithful. Mr. Ford was there and he is awfully nice, knows just what to do to make a girl comfortable. I am going to the opera with him tonight. I shall enjoy it immensely with him, I know. APRIL 14. O dear! Robert is jealous of Mr. Ford. He happened to be at the opera that night and saw us. He says he did not mean to be too observing, but that he loved me so well that he couldn’t keep his eyes off me, and that Mr. Ford must be in love with me, too, from the attention he bestowed upon me. APRIL 26. Florence has been here since the 15th on a shopping expedition and we have had no end of fun. She insists on my returning with her and so I think we will go, you and I. MAY 15. Have been here two weeks and had a wire today from Robert. He will be here the 17th, to remain a few days. I am just wondering what I can do with Mr. Ford while he is here, for I shall have to devote every minute to Robert, and that won’t please Mr. Ford very well. Oh, dear! I’m always getting my wires crossed. MAY 17. I met Robert at the train today and before I could say a word he had put his arm around me and kissed me, right on the lips. His first kiss, May 17th. MAY 20.