Katy Cabot: However, I have only landed in a quagmire.
Dear Onkel, September 7th, 1941
I am very worried, because I may be facing deportation to America, early in November, due to the expiration of my passport and the unwillingness of the Zurich American Consul to renew it.
There is no point, really, in my going back to America, as neither Janey nor my mother wishes to go.
My mother has been allowed to stay by the consul in Geneva, so that to return would be a sacrifice without a reason.
It seems that I must have a doctor’s certificate, saying that I am unable to make such a trip.
I have already written to Doctor Fingerhuth, asking him to give me one when the time comes, but it might not be enough, and so I am writing to you to ask you to
give me one, should it be necessary. I don’t mind being thought ‘too nervous’ to make the trip, which I am quite sure would be the case, if I had to leave all that I hold most dear in life.
I was most awfully disappointed not to have had you and Mrs. Jung here at the house, during your stay.
It is a real house, and Janey and I have been happy in it.
It has a realness that I suppose only a house which has been lived in by people for four hundred years can have.
I have taken unto myself very seriously all that you said, in our last (for me) very painful interview, and I am trying hard to remedy things, because I know that you are right, but it is very hard for me to be honest, open, frank and real!
I did not take your advice, as to not doing ‘missionary work,’ and when Mrs. Rufenacht appealed to me, I gave out, what I thought was my best effort.
However, I have only landed in a quagmire.
She came down here and gave me a good hard kick in the pants.
Nevertheless, even though I got badly bruised by her powerful hoof, I don’t regret what I did, because from that experience, I learned what a presumptuous ass I was.
To be absolutely honest with you, this whole letter has been caused by the awful kick she gave me, as I would probably have waited until I got back to Zurich on October 15th to ask you for the certificate, my passport not expiring until November 15th.
I got quite ‘knocked out’ by her and am running home crying to you.
I hope you and Mrs. Jung are having nice holidays and good weather; here, the weather is wonderful and has been so for the last ten days.
Tomorrow we are going over to Muzzano (near Lugano) to spend a night with Mr. *’s bride.
She takes in paying guests and * is there now and has been most anxious for us to come.
He seems pretty real, compared to the people here in Ascona now.
With very best wishes to you and Mrs. Jung,
Very affectionately yours,
Catharine Cabot ~Katy Cabot, Jung My Mother and I, Pages 382-383
