[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Be sure to send your washing.
Templeton, Jan. 21, 1903. [sic - definitely 1904 thanks to envelope postmarks]
Dear Lucy,
It is the middle of the forenoon and I ought to be making pies, but will stop long enough to write a few lines to you so the letter can go out this forenoon. The paper in the big envelope came last night and you must sign at once and return to your Aunt Mary Baker, you can see where to put your name - under the lines of printing that is below the printed notice. That is one of the penalties, or privileges, of being your age, your guardian cannot do that work for you now. Has it been cold there, this week? It was °10 below on our piazza, Tues. morning.
Yesterday afternoon I went to E- T-n to call on your Aunt Ada - she went to Holden Tues. and I wished to hear from Mrs. Loring. Ada said she found her more comfortable than on Sat. she said she had a little color in her face and in the ends of her fingers, and the nurse seemed to feel quite hopeful that she would gain and be comfortable for a while, but the Dr. would give no encouragement even of that - she does not suffer much if any pain now and Ada thought was as comfortable as one so sick could be. Considering the diseases she has, I would not be surprised to hear of her death at any time, and on the other hand I would not be surprised if she lived a long time. She likes her nurse very much and Ada thinks she is a fine nurse, and of course if she needs two she can have them. Ada said she seemed cheerful and natural, except that she did not complain, she says nothing to Ada that she is not to get well, but is giving away some of her things and making some presents which shows very plainly that she understands perfectly. I think some of going with Ada to call on her next week, but don't know. I feel afraid some may feel that I do it because she has money, while the truth is that I should go sooner if she had none. I may go to E- T-n to spend the day tomorrow if the weather is good.
We are all well, though I think the sleighride and parties are telling on Mary, but I hope if Louise Farnam goes away that the festivities will draw to a close. Linnie is to have a party Sat. night, and Ralph Hawkes talks of one Feb. 9, his birthday. Carrie is out washing the front screen door and piazza after the cats: and we have pepper enough out there to make the whole town sneeze, she has just come in and wants me to ask if you can smell the smell clear out there, she thinks you might.
Did you freeze going to the concert? And did you go to sit for your pictures yesterday? I hope you have not a bad cold. Have you bought yourself any new rubbers? Do not go with leaky ones. We are expecting you will send your clothes to be washed very soon - send a lot.
I must stop and go to making pies. Take good care of yourself and don't keep getting cold. Don't worry over being proctor. How about the exams[.] Can you come home?
Much love,
Mama