Strong Hall
Dinner Table
June 6, 1895.

Our dear Alice,—

We are waiting for strawberries to be served so concluded
we would better write you a steamer letter to kelp us control our
impatience. We all shouted when Annie announced the fact In answer
to our inquiries. We wonder Miss Cornwall did not ring the bell on
us. The girls say you'll think it a fairy tale, but it is all true. The
girls around us are eagerly devouring them. "G." has taken your
place at my left and is now serving the berries so that I can write this
to you. And we are to have genuine cream and fancy cakes, don't you
wish you were here? We certainly do. They are such elegant berries,
they fairly make my mouth water.

The girls are making suggestions as to the contents of this
letter so you will please consider it as from the table, though I am
writing It. I must stop now to eat some of these delicious berries.

Central Falls, June 15. You wonder perhaps that this is so
long in reaching you, but I never could remember to take paper and pen
to the table so that we could finish it, so I concluded I should have to
complete it when I reached home, which I did Thursday evening. I have
done nothing but eat and sleep since for I have not slept well for some
time. I am sorry you missed this week at College, for it has been an Ideal one. The Baccalaureate service was very solemn and the girls
had all they could do to control themselves. The organ recital by
Professor Bowman was fine, tho' I had such a headache I couldn't
enjoy it. But the Class Day exercises were beautiful. They were
held back of the north main corridor, where it was cool and shady.
'95 sat on a large platform built for the purpose and over it was a
huge '95 in daisies on the green vines. Anne Crawford's history was
good, but not nearly as good as Leonora Howe's. Tha prophecy was
not very good. The burial service at the tree was sad and solemn,
ln the evening all the walks in front of the Main were lighted by
Japanese lanterns which looked very pretty. On the plat of grass at
the left of the entrance a platform was placed on which the Glee Club
gathered and gave a concert. Then later was Mrs. Taylor's reception
to which I went long enough to get some ice-cream. I did not attend
the Commencement exercises as I was busy packing. I had been unable
to pack any Tuesday for I helped decorate the tables for the Alumnae
luncheon all the morning besides attending tho afternoon and evening
festivities. Alice Wilcox came up Tuesday morning for the luncheon
and remained until Wednesday afternoon. She had engaged a room at the
"Windsor," but as she forgot to engage a carriage to take her there
Tuesday evening, she stayed In my room, while I went over to the Main.
Several '94 girls came back. Angle among them.Thursday morning we all left for home. Blanche, Clara
West, Clara Barnes, and Jessie Pierson came to New York by boat.
Miss Franklin took the 7.15 train as she wished to see Miss Smith
while 1 came on the 8.51 with Miss King. Blanche, Clara West and
Miss Franklin met me in the Grand Central and we took the one
o'clock home. Just before one, whom should I see but my brother
Arthur. He knew I was coming home then and planned to meet me. He
was as attentive and generous as usual, and made the journey much
pleasanter by supplying us with fans. Iced tea and Huyler's. He offered
me his seat In the parlor-car but I preferred to go with Miss Franklin
and the girls in the ordinary car. We were quite comfortable, tho' it
was rather warm. Miss Franklin, was pretty tired I guess for she
didn't sleep much the night before It was so hot on the fourth. I slept
in the Main where it was very cool.

I am very glad to be at home, tho' I hated to leave College, It
Is so beautiful there. I loafed from Friday to Monday morning when I
began to tear up. Saturday afternoon I went with Miss Franklin and her
friend Miss Lawton, whom I like very much, to Wappengi's Falls. I
enjoyed it hugely.

I believe you to sail Tuesday and I hope this will reach you before
you go. I ought to have written before but needless to say I have been verybusy. I am so sleepy now I can scarcely hold my head up, so I think
I shall have to let this go, uninteresting as It is, promising to try to
do better next time.

I suppose you received all the "flunk" notes I remailed. They
were so numerous I am afraid the mail-bag at Hope had to be enlarged.
I have heard nothing from any of my exams except Biology so I con-
clude that I passed in all. Miss King had my paper and "G." Smith's
but not yours. We both passed.

Arlie happened to see your letter from her brother In my hand
and was strongly tempted to open it. Have you heard from her? I hope
she got home safely and did not break down completely.

I suppose you have been very busy getting ready to go. I wish
I could go with you. As I cannot think of anything interesting to write
about I may as well close. Please give my love to your mother and
remember me to your father. With love and best wishes for a safe and
pleasant Journey,

I remain
Your friend,
Ruth M. Mann.
Ruth (Mann) Hollingworth, '96