On March 1, 1898, Alice Ruth Moore in Brooklyn wrote to her fiancé Paul Laurence Dunbar in Washington, D. C., describing her extremely busy schedule. Alice spent her weekdays teaching school in Brooklyn, and her evenings and weekends volunteering at a mission. Still she managed to find time to dream about Paul, whom she referred to as her husband although they were not yet married.
Up this morning at 6:30 -- bath, clean room, dress, eat breakfast, put up lunch, leave home at 7:30. Arrive at school 8:30, and prepare work until 8:50 -- then steadily at tough "tousling" until 3:10. French lecture 4 to 5:15. Home by 5:30. Read letters, scrub some accumulated dust from my face, and eat dinner. Leave home 6:30 to the mission by 7:30. Class until 9, tough boys. Put up work and correct it, so as to leave at 9:30, arrive home at 10:30 -- and here I am. Coming home -- my first leisure moments I resolutely devoted to you. Settling myself snugly in a remote corner of the car I closed my eyes -- and being so tired, of course, imagined all sorts of naughty things. I was in my favorite attitude, wrapped closely in your arms -- not standing, or sitting, either. I could feel my heart beating on yours, throbbing in unison, your lips on mine -- not pressing or moving, or touching too strongly but just resting gently, tenderly in that way you have that makes me feel as though I was being enveloped in a warm flush of incense. I put my arms up closely about your neck, strained myself tighter and was beginning to feel, oh so rested, so deliciously unfettered and carefree -- when -- "City Hall an' de Bridge! All out!" And so goodnight, my adorable lover-husband.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 1, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
On the same day, Paul wrote to Alice about his own romantic visions. He was at work on a Tuesday morning and his letter was written on stationery of the Library of Congress.
In spirit, I am kissing your lips and holding you close to my heart in an ecstasy of husbandly love. I wished so for you last night. Now jump into my arms and kiss me. The picture of it is so vivid in my mind that I almost gasp. What a pair of foolish young we shall be -- and are. I'm not going to write any more now because it's noon. Love and kisses.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 1, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Five days later, Paul and Alice were hurriedly married in a secret civil ceremony in New York City.