Templeton oct 16/03Dear Lucy:
As I am alone think I'll "talk at" you a little[.] Mary has not got home yet she was going to call on Mr. Chapin if her courage kept good - I thought likely by this afternoon it would fail her, as she said this morning she hated to go[.] We are wondering if you are carried off yet. We think we are very brave, we have been alone three nights - I sleep in your mothers room. We are well locked into our rooms - both of my pokers come in play and I am so glad I have two. I really have felt very brave and have slept well. To be sure Mary and I sit in the same room evenings or else we have the doors open between, there has been nothing said about this arrangement, but I notice when she goes into another room she leaves the doors open till she gets back. On my account I suppose.
It seems rather quiet from 7:30 till two o'clock. The stillness even made the cat "howl" yesterday.
Bessie Lord called Tuesday afternoon for about fifteen minutes[.] They are all going to Patterson, N.J about the 10th of Nov. for the winter[.] They are going to room and take their breakfast and suppers with Mr. & Mrs. Nickerson, which will make it much nicer than going among strangers.
Bessie said that Fred Stone's son has hardening of the spinal cord. One Dr has given him up, but another thinks there is some hope for him - too bad, isn't it, if he has to go[.]
Your mother got some dry wood of Mr. Lamb and they are drawing it this afternoon. That will make her happy. I hope she will get home by to-morrow sure for it will be a hard week for her & if she goes to Springfield Wednesday she ought to have some rest before she goes. I wish she felt as though she could go and spend one night with you, so she could see how you are situated and the grounds &c, but I dont suppose she would. Well, I might as well stop for I cant write or spell or anything this afternoon[.]
Look out for the trains for they usually change time about the 15th of Oct. M_ did not find Mr Chapin[.] Just had a postal from your mother saying she thinks she will be home to-morrow
With lots of love from
Carrie.You need not feel obliged to answer this as your mother & Mary are both very good to let me see theirs.