Dear Auntie,

As I am sure Mother has told you, the most unbelievable thing happened to me on the train only a few days prior. I was sitting in my seat while Father left to smoke one of his cigarettes when the conductor tried to make me move to the second-class car. At first I thought he had to be mistaken for I was acting like a proper lady like my mother had instructed me to do, but he refused to leave me alone. It wasn't until Father returned that the conductor left, but I was still shocked by his abrasive manner.

Auntie, how could he behave towards me in such a manner? I asked Father why that man had treated me so, but he didn't respond. He just shook his head and sighed, saying something about how he never wanted me to deal with such a thing. I am so perplexed by his attitude for I did nothing wrong. My only crime is being a female of a darker complexion than him. I have spent my entire life striving to be a proper lady and make my parents proud of my of my actions. This is the kind of hypocrisy I just cannot stand. But I must take a moment to collect myself before I say anything I may regret. Please give dear Uncle William my love and I shall see you soon.

Love,
Mary