[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Nov. 29, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
There really is not much to write tonight but I suppose you will want to know that I reached home safely that afternoon I got here at 2-30 just about the time you arrived there. I got my errands done and found there was not any car that and the T-n car at 12-30 so had to wait for another hour. I wandered round a little and finally went back to Miss Rich's and waited till the car came. I had not been home very long when Francis's wife called bringing quite a bad report of Cousin Lizzie - that her pulse still kept up, was 147, and they were going to use oxygen for her - we felt as if there was no hope but Sat. morning Mrs. Batchelder got a card saying her pulse had gone down from 148 to 86, but that her stomach was troubling her - so we felt a little encouraged - and Sat. afternoon Carrie received a dispatch from Bessie saying "mother much better: Tell Francis Leland." Of course the danger is not over yet but it seems now as if she might possibly recover.
After we got the message, Mary and I decided we would take it over to Otter River and make that long talked of call and see the 'twins'. So we went and had a pleasant call. The twins are very pretty - of course they would be for they have red hair. I think Edith is even more 'wigglesome' than Mary was, and if she does not keep things lively when she can run about, I am mistaken. Rachel seems more quiet. I think she looks like the Stones and Edith like her mother. Margaret is a very sweet little girl and Leland is - Leland. Don't you think I am ratter dissipated to go to ride on the car three days in succession?
The rest all went to church today but some way I have worked most of the day - we had Thanksgiving again - all but you - I cooked squash, onions and potatoes, and wished you was here to help eat them. I have put my clothes soaking and plan to do my washing myself this week. Persis came down tonight to see if I wanted her and stayed and talked for an hour. I think I should have enjoyed my book quite as well. I think she will come Tuesday and help clean the sitting room.
We don't have much news. John Brooks still keeps that machine in the yard. I don't know but Uncle Isaac and I will have to take it and go out sawing wood. I saw by the paper that the Pratts went to Brighton for Thanksgiving, and that Mason was to meet them there - that is the reason they were not at the Union. We are all well as usual, though I think Uncle Isaac and Carrie are trying to have a cold, but have not had much success yet. I think Elsie went back to-day. I saw her over with Annie about noon. I may as well stop and write more when there is something to write. I hope you are rested and did not get sick.
Much love, Mama.
If you have your photo. taken in low neck dress, wear your pearls.