Letter No. 20

Dear Heinz,

Without any news from you we learned to know from Alice your having crossed the channel. Judging from the state of things it may take some more days or perhaps weeks to perform your tasks, but in the meantime you'll have opportunity of improving yourself in French.[1]

Yesterday I gave my first lesson in German availing nyself of an offer of an acquaintance of ours. As it concerns a Spanish lady clerk wishing to perfect and exercise her knowledge, it hardly gives me any trouble, more pleasant than the job mother is doing. But she is afraid there will be soon an end, as in the case of novelties of any kind those jobs are only temporary, sometimes retaken according to season and demand.

Mother would have liked to last longer, but will look round to get another home work not easily to be found. i give lessons twice a week and got paid $1 1/2 for each lesson and I would be glad such an occasion would be offered once more, really a mere chance.

Last week I sent of Christmas parcel the contents of which Alice has got for you consisting of a pair of warm slippers, sardines , sweets; one wallet, a Christmas cake, writing paper, Next week we shall send one from our part we have delayed expecting to receive your new address, as, it may have altered. Should neither we nor Alice get a notice from you we shall send off the parcel being sure to be directed to whatever your residence, by the A.P.O.

I do not know have written that Wolfgang Apt[2] has been called to the Army and is somewhere in Texas.

Our evening walks at the river meeting friends have now been interrupted by the autumn. Last Saturday we have been with Proskauer's who send you their best regards.

As to the parcel, Alice has been looking out for a sweater in your suit case and package we have here in our care, but nothing could be found, Besides We are missing a reply to our inquiry, if you are in want of a warm pullover or have taken one with you.

Hoping to receive some news from you we are in love

[Handwritten] your father

[Handwritten] I hope the same in love, mother

Notes:

1. Love this! Wonder what Dad's reaction was!

2. Son of Dad's second cousin, Franz Apt.