[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, Oct. 4, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
I suppose I must try to think of something to write about, but as usual, it don't seem as if there is much. I think I shall have to have a note-book and note down the things I think of during the week, then perhaps I could think of them when I wanted them - more likely I could not find my book when I got ready to write.
I have been running things this week - last Monday Carrie got a letter from Fred saying his mother was sick and asking Carrie to go down and stay with her a little. Lizzie has not been well for some time - I think she came back from Maine sooner than she would if she had been well - she had a cough & sore throat &c - she consulted a Dr. after she got to Somerville and he said her heart and lungs are all right, & gave her some medicine - her cough is better but she strained her side in coughing and the Dr. said she better stay in bed most of the time for a few days. She is not very sick, or was not when C. wrote for she reached ther about five P.M. and found her sitting up and she sat up till 9-30. I think most of us would not have sent for Carrie if we were no worse off than she was, but I presume she was lonesome and blue and thought Carrie could come perfectly well, so she sent for her.
C- wrote that she meant to come home t-day but the 7-15 car has gone up and she did not appear - but the train may have been late so she may come yet. It is a bad time for her to be away for she has not got her plants taken care of and we are liable to have a frost any night: we have not had enough to do any harm yet, only nipped a few of the summer squash leaves. I hope she will come soon for I don't want to be responsible for the plants.
Mary just let the cat up from the cellar and brought him to show to me - his paws and the under part of his body were as black as the coal. I sent him off to bed in the barn. I didn't want him lying on the lounge - his health is much improved and he watches for mice most of the time.
You did not write whether you were better, and gaining. I hope you are out of doors this fine weather. Have you commenced to play tennis yet? Uncle Isaac went to Springfield Mon. I told him he better call on you, but he thought there would be so little time it would not pay. I think he seems better than some of the time during the summer. Did you introduce the Curtis girls to Esther? How did you like Cousin May? Go out and call on them if Esther is there and you can get time.
The 8-15 car has just gone up and Carrie did not come, so I don't think she will come to-night. It seems like a storm tomorrow and most likely will be cold after it. Perhaps she is going to wait for a day or two and Lizzie will come home with her: it would be nice to have someone to stay with her and Mary if Uncle Isaac and I should go to H_n for a few days.
I went to Gardner Fri. afternoon. Got my check cashed, bought some butter & coffee, made a little call on F. Leland's wife and carried her a few pears & explained how it was about those we sent by Moses, &c. Did I write you that when I went to get my Bartletts to put up I found them all spoiled, and of course those I sent to Bernice were. Mr. & Mrs. Roundy went to Boston for a day this week and I think Mr. & Mrs. Parker went with them - stockholders free ride probably. But hadn't I better go and argue with Mr. Roundy about being so giddy?
Miss Wilkinson's eyes are troubling her very much - so she does not go out in the sun & wind much & pain her some. The Redmonds have moved and the house is empty. I hear that the Bourns are not going to build but will go to Gardner to that shop at Parker's crossing. I hope it is not true but am afraid it is. I suppose you have received the box of collars before this - after C- got the one for your blue waist done we remembered how high in the neck that is and were afraid you could not wear it with that to have it look well - if you can not send it back and she will make another for that and fix this up in some other way. I hope they were not all jammed up when you got them.
I swept your room yesterday and I think I should have got the prize for the amount of dirt. I have it in order, so if Lizzie does come it is ready. I am glad you have a chance to dry your clothes out of doors - they will look better and the wind will iron them. I am not so much worried for fear you will turn Orthodox, because you have joined the class in Bible study, as I am for fear it will make too much for you to do. Remember it wont pay to overdo. I was much pleased at your music teacher's remarks and hope he will continue to think so, and have not much doubt he will. And I think you have done well to be a Junior in your second year.
Who is Addie Fitch? It was a new name to me. Do you see any thing of Ruth Buffum? Is Alice Heath there? Write all the little things - it makes it seem as if you were not quite so far away. It seems a long time since you went.
Much love,
Mama.