Letters from Lida - 34

March 3, 1926

Dear Olia!

I received your last letter from February 8. I don’t have much news. I am waiting for 15^th <of March?>. I study French. This week I was studying with mama. I played < piano> rather badly because I have not played for very long time, but, imagine, at the end of the lesson she said, “Meschl, do you want to play Andalusian?’ I responded that I would love to but not sure that I’m able to. But she said “Just try,” and gave me sheet music with the piece. <Note: the language used M. shows that “mama” is not his mother. Most likely he is talking about Olia’s mother, therefore they are not a brother and sister>. How do you like this surprise?  Tonight Tania and Dodick  are leaving to stay with Elia. He got a job in a town near Belostock. A party <or concert?> that mama postponed until Purim did not happen again. She is planning to make it at Passover time in the Edison <cinema>.

<same page>

Dear Olenka!

I wrote you the day before yesterday. Yesterday I received from you 2 letters. Forgive me for sending you a letter like this – I could not write a better one. As a matter of fact, yesterday I received “parry povelenia” <Polish? Apparently, a draft order>. If nothing can be done, I’ll join the army on the 15^th. I am ordered <to go> to Suvalki. Since yesterday I have not eaten, drunk, or slept. Now you know why I cannot write. As soon as I have any news about it I will let you know. Be healthy. I wish you all the very-very best.  Meischl.

In few days I will go to the doctor and will tell you right away <probably to get a note about poor state of health to avoid the service>.

Mama will write you Polonsky’s address and also a letter to the Rabbi.