tuesday, november 10, 1942

dearest kitty,

great news! we're planning to take an eighth person into hiding with us!

yes, really. we always thought there was enough room and food for one more person, but we were afraid of placing an even greater burden on mr. kugler and mr. kleiman. but since reports of the dreadful things being done to the jews are getting worse by the day, father decided to sound out these two gentlemen, and they thought it was an excellent plan. "it's just as dangerous, whether there are seven or eight," they noted rightly. once this was settled, we sat down and mentally went through our circle of acquaintances, trying to come up with a single person who would blend in well with our extended family. this wasn't difficult. after father had rejected all the van daan relatives, we chose a dentist named alfred dussel. he lives with a charming christian lady who's quite a bit younger than he is. they're probably not married, but that's beside the point. he's known to be quiet and refined, and he seemed, from our superficial acquaintance with him, to be nice. miep knows him as well, so she'll be able to make the necessary arrangements. if he comes, mr. dussel will have to sleep in my room instead of margot, who will have to make do with the folding bed.* [*after dussel arrived, margot slept in her parents' bedroom.] we'll ask him to bring along something to fill cavities with.

yours, anne