[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, Jan. 24, 1904.
Dear Lucy,
The kitchen stove is having a good old fashioned smoke, so I have closed the door between the dining room and kitchen, and may cool off before I get this letter finished. I shall not try to write a very long one as I wrote most all there was to write last Thursday. Fred Matthews is here - he came last night and I think may stay a few days, but don't know: he has no position yet and I don't think there is any that he feels much hope of getting, but of course he may find something very soon - he has just been to New York, Philadelphia, & Washington but did not find a position. Have you invited him to go to your jubilee yet? And have you engaged a room? LIzzie Matthews has ben having rheumatism but was better when he came away - Fred has brought his camera so perhaps we shall get Amber's picture.
There was a vesper service at the Orthodox church tonight but no one went from here. Mary understood Mr. Pratt was to take charge of it, because Mr. Kambour is off trying to find a new place. I am sorry for him met his family. I am afraid it will be hard for him to find a place.
I don't know as there is much news. Mr. Blodgett has resumed the charge of the electric road with power to buy what is necessary and things are going better and will probably keep better while he is in charge. I see Annie going up or down the street sometimes but never see her to speak with. Carrie had a letter from Bessie Lord lately and she writes that her mother is gaining but her feet are so swollen that she cannot wear her shoes. I think none of them go out for their dinners now, but take them with the Nickersons. Walter Leland is married and has been at Gardner with his wife - she was a widow with three children.
I feel much disappointed that you are not to come home next week. I thought we should not have to sew all the time and we could have a nice visit. If you can not come home, don't study all the time, but go somewhere every day you can. You can go out to Amherst, and call on Elisha's wife - she (May) is not very well, so Esther wrote me. Carrie saw by the paper that Miss Alice Childs had given up her position, on account of poor health. I don't know whether she has given it up entirely or only for a rest.
If you did not look about Deerfield all you wished you can go out there some day and try to find Mrs. Meritt. I think her name is Lucy: and I think one of the men who used to live with her was in a drug store and his name was Roche - if you could find his store you could find her if she is there. You had better go somewhere every day you can, for 'change is rest,' and you will get out of doors. I am glad you enjoyed the concert so much, but it was a cold night. I have not received the box of washing yet, but shall expect it till it comes.
You better practice that fire-escape till it does not frighten you so. I have not heard from your Aunt Augusta since I wrote you last. Ada expects to go see her some day this week and I may go to Worcester and go back to Holden and meet Ada there - I have not decided. I did not expect you would write very often to her, but, if she lives, I would write again after a while - if she is comfortable I think it would take up her mind for a little to hear about your receptions, or concerts or whatever there is - you know she enjoys such things.
I suppose Mary has written you that she went to Linnie's party and that Lucius escorted her home - she did not get home till nearly twelve and I did not like it at all. I think I should have gone for her if it had been decent walking. Don't worry and grind all the time over your exams. Carrie is going to Boston in a week or two so I shall reign alone.
Much love,
Mama.