May mostly tells Lottie about the festivities related to commencement, but believes the summer months will be "the dullest ones ever," since there will be fewer students, and as a consequence, fewer "gentlemen." May mentions that she is taking painting lessons. Then, she asks to know more about George Archibald, a soldier with whom Erville is reportedly "flirting," as well as "Mr. Bailey," who appears to be a man of interest to Lottie. (Note: Presumably, Mr. Bailey is George Bailey, who Lottie marries in 1864. At this point in time, Bailey was still married to his first wife, Carrie).
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