[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, April 29, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
I am going to surprise you with a very short letter tonight. Will you take the shirt waist that you think the sleeves are nearest right and measure the under-arm seam from the arm-hole to the bottom of the cuff - the whole length - two of your waists have such long sleeves that I am afraid to finish them till I hear. I think you will want them soon if this weather lasts, but I don't get much time to work on them. Lizzie is going to Worcester tomorrow morning for a few days, and Carrie may go for a few days to Laura Howes': if Laura has no one to stay with her Carrie will go, so we are liable to be alone again.
We have had great excitement in town to-day: someone started a fire out towards Baldwinville yesterday and it got away from them and there was a big fire out that way yesterday, but they had it under control last night and supposed it was all right - this morning the wind blew and the fire started and about ten the bell rang for the firemen up here - we had no alarm yesterday, but it had worked toward us - a little after noon the E- T-n whistle blew and blew and a whole carload of men went up by to fight the fire - later the whistles blew again and two carloads more went by - the steamer and horsewagon went - a big barge load of men, I think from Gardner went by and we began to feel pretty nervous. I don't know just how far the fire got but they were afraid Bourn's factories would have to go - Baldwinville steamer came and I expect they had a big fight to get the fire under control. It seemed for a while as if it, the fire, might get up to the common. I don't think we have had such an excitement for a long time.
The people voted on town division to-day but I have not heard the result. Carrie inquired for Edith yesterday morning and Mr. Braithwaite said she was better and the Dr. thought she would begin to gain soon. I must stop for I am very tired. Please send the measure as soon as possible. We are all pretty well. Uncle Isaac has been to Gardner today but has a hard cold yet. Mary is better.
Much love,
Mama.Mary got 100 in Algebra exam. yesterday.