[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Dec. 13, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
This letter will be very short
This letter will be very short for I ought to write another and I have bread to mix and it is about eight now. Everything is about as usual. Carrie went to Leominster Monday morning and came back Tues. night - she has a new dress, green, a Christmas present from Fred & Lizzie, and Mrs. Morse is going to make it for her. Frank Fiske called at the door this afternoon. His brother who lived in Chicago, is dead and H- was here making arrangements for the funeral which is to be tomorrow. I have not seen him for a long time and hardly knew him. He told us that Bessie Lord has diphtheria, but is able to be dressed - the Dr. used anti-toxine. Carrie called there Sun. night and was in the room with her for more than an hour - she was sick then, but nothing was said about diphtheria - it probably had not developed then.
I suppose Mary wrote how Roger came and how I kept him over night, he intended to go back and stay in the green-house but I thought it seemed most too bad and invited him to stay. Mary got a postal to-night staying that he did not get home till six at night, because the cars could not run well on account of the ice. I hardly think you will see me Sat. I don't think the cars are running to Athol, and expect that one of them is up there now - the ice made bad work with them. Mary did not get to school Tues. the car did not get to Gardner square till about night. She stayed at home Mon. because she was not well and the weather was so bad.
Shall you come home Friday night or Sat. morning? Annie came home last Sat. She came up on the same car I did - she has a new (I think) dark blue suit. I shall try to call on your grandmother Mon. The Follett timber lot is advertised to be sold Dec. 27. I hope the weather will be good. I must stop and mix bread - then I ought to write to Emma and invite her to spend Christmas with us - also ask her to buy the silk for the waist I spoke of. I hope you have answered that card and said you was willing to accept any $1000 or $1500 position that will take you away from Mr. T- and that you would take less. Take good care of yourself and don't get cold tomorrow night. I hope you will have a good time. Remember me to Miss Bliss.
Much love,
Mama.Carrie says tell Lucy not to wear her shoes all out running around buying her (Carrie's) Christmas present.