Gardner, Mass.,
March 8, 1903.My dear Lucy,-
As I am at leisure for the present will try and answer promptly your very welcome letters. I am always delighted to hear from you and only wish you could write oftener, but of course I realize to some extent the amount of time to devote to such things one has while in school and know from having had some experience that it is almost impossible to do anything else than study without neglecting some lesson.
I suppose you have been apprised of the fact e'er this that Chestina D. Whitney is no longer a member of the Senior class of Gardner High. Well, I can vouch for the truth of the thing myself. Now Lucy, I can readily guess your opinion of me, and I know you will feel like reproving me somewhat severely for my silly act, neither can I blame you much if you do, but if you only knew how discouraged and tired and cross and nervous I became you wouldn't wonder at my giving it up. Everyone says, "And when you were so near through, too." But, Lucy, you can not imagine how long that time seemed to me, - it seemed ages ahead - so behold the result. Oh! If I had only been as noble and industrious as you are, Lucy, I might have made something out of life.
I am not yet quite sure what I shall do, however I have made several applications for a clerkship in the stores in town but whether I am successful or not in obtaining a position remains a problem. I am inclined to prefer millinery work and if ever an opportunity offers itself, I shall undoubtedly adopt that as my vocation. For the present, however, I am at home.
In regard to the declamatory work of the Senior class, I think that the paper, in which you saw the article stating that the rhetoricals had been given up and their place substituted by an address, either must have misrepresented it or else you misinterpreted the idea intended, for those worthy Seniors have to furnish the entertainment just the same as formerly. However it was suggested by Miss Bates that it would perhaps increase the interest of the class if they could have someone address them on the afternoons when the rhetoricals took place,
butand anyone who feels so disposed to take part in the entertainment is welcome to give a speech, but thus far, although several have been invited, Mr. Wood seems to have been the only one who has had an inspiration (to aid in the good work.)You ask if the debating societies are in existence this year. Well, I believe the Athenian Society is once more in session. No, I do not belong, nor should I, had I continued in school. As you have already expressed it, I should be "scared to death" were I called upon to debate on any subject, and furthermore, in my case, lack of knowledge impedes.
Now since you have read Beowulf and like it, I think you would be interested in Siegfried, a story similar in nature, and, although it does not occupy a place in history, is a standard. I liked it even better than I did Beowulf.
Presumably you have heard of Miss Edith Gray's recent alliance with her "Ph.D." (I never can think of his name) Oh yes! "Hinds," I believe. Well, I suppose it was the grandest and most elaborate affair the usually quiet and insignificant little town of Templeton has known for a long time[.] And dear Miss Blodgett was maid of honor, attired in blue silk muslin with her usual fine taste and neatness so characteristic of her like she must, undoubtedly, have looked like a bride herself.
How sad of Miss Margaret Leland's death. I was so surprised when I heard of it for I had not even known of her being ill. Her funeral was held Thursday at the church.
You have a vacation in April, do you not? If you come home I hope I shall have a chance to see you, although I do not expect to meet you at the G.H.S. building.
I still like my new home, and besides a lovely tenement, we have one of the best families to live in the house with, even if it is the owner.
I presume you are making splendid progress in your college work. I wish I could have been as faithful as you are.
Have you seen a copy of the second issue of the Senior paper? I think that is equally as good if not, perhaps, better than the first. I sincerely hope they will do well with it, and make it as far a success as possible. The picture of the board of editors in this month's issue is especially good, I think.
Well, it is getting near my hour for retirement (I go to bed before midnight, now, since I have left school, and can truthfully say I am feeling much better for it - that is - physically, but mentally - I don't know.)
Hoping you will excuse the errors in this, and begging you will not think too severely of me, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Chessie D. Whitney