A Letter Written on Oct 26, 1902

[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading]

Templeton, Oct. 26, 1902.

Dear Lucy,

As I have written you once since last Sunday I think I shall cut this letter rather short, for really I can think of but little to write. Things have gone on in the old way. Carrie is in Boston and I run things alone, only Mary has been at home for the last three days - there was no school Friday as there was a teachers convention at Worcester. I was glad she could have an extra day for she looks rather tired - just now she is coughing a good deal and appears to be coming down with a hard cold. I am dosing her today with Bromo-quinine tablets, for an experiment.

Yesterday afternoon I took those things you borrowed of Aunt Mattie, and a covered basket and your Boston bag and went to E- T-n to call on your grandmother and I wanted some more fruit jars and knew there were some "at E- T-n". I climed [sic]up on the scaffold and filled my basket and bag - managed to squeeze in nine, which will kelp [sic] me out. They were both well - had been expecting the cousins from Amherst. Mrs. Fisher has written to inquire what hall you are in and talks of inviting you out to Amherst to spend some Sunday. Have you looked up Elisha's and wife yet?

When I came home on the car a good looking young man sat in the seat across the aisle and talked at me - he knew who I was, and I thought he was Oliver Sawyer, but was very careful not to say any thing to let him know I was not sure: he spoke of you, how you had grown up &c. and I told him you was at Mt. Holyoke, which seemed to surprise him. When we were almost home he spoke of playing at the Universalist church at Orange, so I felt sure it was Mr. S. He said they had a very smart minister there: said he was a "corker". Margaret ran in Friday afternoon to see if she should not take my name (and Carrie's) into the Wellington Club but I told her I would wait till the next one: she was not here more than five minutes. I have put up a few cans of grapes but have a lot more to do.

I don't know what to do about your gym-suit. Carrie is looking ut up. When must you have it? I have almost decided to let you have it made there: but I will let C- see how much the materials will cost and will send you word very soon if that will answer for you. If you need more money you must let us know. I should think you must have got along pretty well in your chemistry or you could not have held out under her quizzing. You must not make yourself sick studying. If you can get time to play on the piano you better do it, if you can not play as well as some of them - you will not mind that after the first few times: try to make a little time - don't try to write so many letters: if you don't answer very promptly, they ought to excuse you, and you won't have to write four home every week, though of course that is none too many to suit us, but we won't require it of you. You have got so far in your music that I don't want you to lose it all, as you must if you don't play at all.

Mary said Elsie Maynard was at church - and also that Charlie King was at church with a young lady. She said Cousin Francis inquired for you - when you were coming home &c. Frank Leland is at Moses's but I have not seen him yet. Hiram has been helping pick apples, but I have seen very little of him. Beulah was here Sat., and Helen today to see Mary about Algebra, so I think she must be getting along well. I suppose you have not heard whether your photos pleased or not. I think they are fairly good but they certainly do not flatter you. Mary thinks Florence French is to have an operation performed when she is well enough. Uncle Isaac is gaining but I don't think he feels very well yet. I think he plans to go to H-n soon but hardly think he will stay long - Aunt C- is certainly not able to do much for him.

I must stop for I have to write a note to Carrie and it is getting late. The Unitarians are getting ready to have a fair soon. I must clean house some, and I have done hardly any sewing since you went away. Do you expect to celebrate Hallowe'en? Do you have drapery curtains in your room? Well, good night: go to bed early and keep well.

Much love,
Mama.