SUNDAY, JULY 11, 1943
Dear Kitty,
To get back to the subject of child-rearing (for the umpteenth time), let me tell you that Im doing my best to be helpful, friendly and kind and to do all I to keep the rain of rebukes down to a light drizzle. Its not easy trying to behave like a model child with people you t stand, especially when you dont mean a word of it. But I see that a little hypocrisy gets me a lot further than myoid method of sayily what I think (even though no one ever asks my opinion or cares one way or another). Of course, I often fet my role and find it impossible to curb my anger when theyre unfair, so that they spend the month saying the most imperti girl in the world. Dont you think Im to be pitied sometimes? Its a good thing Im not the grouchy type, because then I might bee sour and bad-tempered. I usually see the humorous side of their scoldings, but its easier when somebody else is being raked over the coals.
Further, Ive decided (after a great deal of thought) to drop the shorthand. First, so that I have more time for my other subjects, and sed, because of my eyes. Thats a sad story. Ive bee very nearsighted and should have had glasses ages ago.
(Ugh, wont I look like a dope!). But as you know, people in hiding t. . .
Yesterday all anyone here could talk about was Annes eyes, because Mother had suggested I go to the ophthalmologist with Mrs. Kleiman. Just hearing this made my
knees weak, sis no small matter. Going outside! Just think of it, walking dowreet! I t imagi. I etrified at first, and then glad. But its not as simple as all that; the various authorities who had to approve such a step were uo reach a quick decision. They first had to carefully weigh all the difficulties and risks, though Miep was ready to set off immediately with me in tow. In the meantime, Id taken my gray coat from the closet, but it was so small it looked as if it might have beloo my little sister. We lowered the hem, but I still couldnt button it.
Im really curious to see what they decide, only I dont think theyll ever work out a plan, because the British have landed in Sicily and Fathers all set for a "quick finish.」
Beps been giving Margot and me a lot of office work to do. It makes us both feel important, and its a big help to her. Anyone file letters and make entries in a sales book, but we do it with remarkable accuracy.
Miep has so much to carry she looks like a pack mule. She goes forth nearly every day te up vegetables, and then bicycles back with her purchases in large shopping bags. Shes also the one whs five library books with her every Saturday. We long for Saturdays because that means books. Were like a bunch of little kids with a present. Ordinary people dont know how much books mean to someone whos cooped up.
Our only diversions are reading, studying and listening to the radio.
Yours, Anne
TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1943
The Best Little Table Yesterday afternoon Father gave me permission to ask Mr. Dussel whether he would please be so good as to allow me (see how polite I am?) to use the table in our room two afternoons a week, from four to five-thirty. I already sit there every day from two-thirty to four while Dussel takes a nap, but the rest of the time the room and the table are off-limits to me. Its impossible to study door iernoon, because theres too much going on. Besides, Father sometimes likes to sit at the desk during the afternoon.