Last Sunday I accepted Edith's
invitation to spend the day with her. She lives about thirty miles
from Des Moines, and I enjoyed the drive over the country roads. I'm
sure I'll never lose my love for the farm.

I must tell you, too, about Edith's brother, a lieutenant, who got his
commission at the same time John did. He is personally acquainted with
John's captain and knew several other men in that company. I was very
much interested in his account of his army experiences.

I appreciated the check you enclosed in your last letter, for I needed
some money for my new dress. I never realized before this year how much
it costs to clothe a girl. I wish you were here to advise me what kind
of material to get. I miss your judgment when I try to go shopping
alone. Aunt Lucy's voile dress has given her a great deal of service,
and so I think I'll decide on that material for my best summer dress.

Remember me to the boys when you write, and give my love to
Grandmother. I do hope her rheumatism is better.

Affectionately,

HELEN.

LETTER NO. 2

This letter should be dictated in two sections. The first exercise
extends to the end of the first paragraph, including the heading and
salutation, and should be written in 12 minutes. The second exercise
completes the letter and should be written in 7 minutes.

October 18, 1920.

Iowa Land and Loan Company,
706-712 Commerce Building,
Des Moines, Iowa.

GENTLEMEN,

We take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
17th inst., and sincerely appreciate the interest which you have shown
in our association. We must find a permanent location for our
Chautauqua, and believe that we have found lots which will be
satisfactory, especially since they are in a really pleasant locality,
convenient to the college. Since it will be necessary to investigate
this business opportunity immediately, we are referring the matter to
a committee and we feel the analysis of the situation will be
complete. The committee to which this matter is referred will probably
recommend giving a mortgage but quite certainly will receive advice on
this point from representative citizens. The money to carry on the
investigation is in the First National Bank, the certificate of
deposit being in the hands of the treasurer of the association.

If possible the m