[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, March 22, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
I am sure I don't know of much to write about this time. I have stayed at home all the week and there has not been a great crowd of people here - unless some ideas come soon you will have a very short letter. I suppose Mary has told you all about the party and how she invited Willie Hawkes and how he came home with her - just think of it - our baby. I sewed every minute the last two or three days and partly made a new waist for her - she wore it and I shall finish it some other time. It was only a plain shirt waist but I thought she looked quite well. I received your dress but have not washed it yet. I have more work to get done this week than I usually do in four, and I don't expect to get it half done. I am going to try to get Mrs. Ward to come for a day or two the week you come home and get things started for you. You ought to have that brown dress of Carrie C.'s to take back with you so to have the good of it: and I believe you want some new shirt waists &c. You will need your old brown skirt at home as we have ripped your old blue one to make one for Mary, but I have not got it commenced yet: she ought to have it for she would be badly off if any thing happened to the brown dress.
I cut some items out of a Gardner Daily which will interest you - perhaps Stuart's promotion may have some connection with Annie's not staying longer at Mr. Winch's. I have heard nothing from Edith for a long time: if I am out accidentally some morning when Mr. Braithwaite comes I shall inquire after the family. Florence French went to the party last night and Mary thought she looked very well. I am really afraid you will get the measles while you are at home. Helen Parkhurst went in the room with Florence French a week ago - they told her there was no danger and perhaps there was not: but if she does have them she would probably give them to Mary, they are together so much. Minnie's sister was quite sick with them. Moses called here one day - he does not seem to be enjoying shingles - he also was a good deal out of patience with his wife's brothers and some with her mother. I rather think they will separate soon. Minnie is gaining - he had drawn her in a chair, out into the sitting-room that day: the sister is better of the measles, the babies are all right and things are improving. I do hope they will not have anything more for a long time.
Bessie is expected home this week Sat. She had left the steamer and the steamer had gone when she got her father's eltter, and she could not get home till yesterday anyway: so she telegraphed to know what to do, her friend would be left alone, and she could get home next Sat. and have all her trip except going to Jamaica to see Lucy Hadley - and her father sent word to stay. Mrs. Batchelder says they have not written to her but that they are as well as when she went away - she does not know they have been worse. They have both been gaining but Lizzie was not as well the first of the week - had some bowel trouble, and sent for the Dr. I have not heard since. I shall have to tell you how Uncle Isaac went to the golden wedding Mon. night. The Dr. told him he was going to start from here and 5-30 and take the 5-21 train from Gardner: so Uncle got ready and went then but did not find the Dr. he got to G- got on at Heywood's and went to the station and found there was some delay and he could not get over there till about eight and would have to come home very soon after in order to get home that night, so he did not go - got back here at 9-15. It was too bad. I had a little call from Mrs. Batchelder one afternoon. Unless there is something special I may not write next Sunday - you will have no time to read a letter when you are packing &c. There is no transfer at Athol - I wish there was.
Much love, Mama.