On April 17, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar and his wife Alice began living together in Washington, D. C. They were married in New York City on March 6, but kept their marriage a secret so Alice wouldn't lose her job at a Brooklyn public school (since, at the time, married women weren't allowed to teach). Alice hoped to keep working through the end of the academic year, but instead resigned effective Friday, April 15. Paul planned to come and get her in Brooklyn that weekend and, as the day approached, Alice became increasingly excited.
I know you must be tired, nervous and worn out. But when I come to you I shall kiss and soothe you so you will be happy once more. Paul, my own husband, I do love you so and if you only knew the dreams I dream on the cars, walking about the streets even, you would laugh and kiss me until my lips ached. Four more days! Thank God! I am charmed with the idea of having a home of our very own.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 12, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Come over as early as seven o'clock, if you want to. Bring me some pretty violets to wear to church Sunday morning, and a box of candy to nibble on the train Sunday afternoon. Won't it be awful going down? We will be together five whole hours and won't be able to do more than look our love. Think of being together five hours and not being able to kiss each other!
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 14, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
As the minutes make the time grow less and less between us, I am consumed with a something which is worse than impatience -- it is madness. And yet, so intense is my longing to be with you that I fear when we do meet I shall appear restrained and queer. I have so many sensations, such a variety of thoughts. I cannot realize my position. I cannot understand the change that has taken place in my life. Au revoir until Sunday morning, my lover-husband.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 15, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul and Alice lived next door to Judge Robert Terrell and Mary Church Terrell, two of the most prominent members of Washington's Black society. The Dunbars rented their house from Mary's father, and Robert jokingly told his father-in-law that Paul might fall behind in rent payments because of his marriage.
I shall probably get your checks tomorrow. Paul Dunbar, our neighbor, has just married that pretty "yaller" girl -- Miss Alice Ruth Moore, and I suppose he had to get behind in a few days in rent on that account. He brought his bride home yesterday.
Robert H. Terrell to Robert Reed Church, April 18, 1898. Robert Reed Church Papers, Mississippi Valley Collection, Memphis State University.
Mary Terrell became a close friend to both Paul and Alice. Years later, she fondly recalled when the Dunbars settled into the house next door.
After Mr. Dunbar's marriage to Miss Alice Ruth Moore in 1898, he came to Washington to live and was employed for a time in the Congressional Library. When Mr. Dunbar first took up his residence in Washington, he lived in a house at 1934 4th street N.W., next door to the one in which we were living at that time. Near neighbors as we were, it was quite natural that we should see a great deal of each other and we did.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar - An Appreciation," by Mary Church Terrell. The Voice of the Negro (Atlanta, Georgia). April 1906. Pages 273 - 275.
When Paul Dunbar married he brought his wife and his mother to live in my father's house, which was next door to ours. Precious memories rush over me like a flood every time I pass that house.
A Colored Woman in a White World, by Mary Church Terrell. Randsell, Inc. (Washington, D. C.). 1940. Page 147.
Three years after her arrival in Washington, Alice fondly recalled how she and Paul sang to each other once they got off the train.
Exactly three years ago today, darling, you brought me to Washington and we sang "Last Night" together in the carriage coming up from the train. Do you remember? So we have really only been married three years today, and what years they have been, too. Years of sorrow and years of joy and pain and gladness all intertwined like a many-hued garland. I am glad that I am yours. I wish you were here today so that I might kiss you full and sweet upon the lips and tell you so.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 17, 1901. Alice Dunbar-Nelson papers, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library (Newark, Delaware). MSS 0113, Box 4, F104.
Alice may have been referring to "Last Night" by Charles K. Harris, who also wrote the popular song "After the Ball."
Last night as the moon was shining,
Last night, while all nature slept,
Then he kissed me and caressed me,
Kissed me as I wept.
Excerpt from "Last Night (as the Moon was Shining)," by Charles K. Harris. Published by Frederick Pollworth & Bro. (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). 1900.