A Letter Written on May 7, 1907

[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]

Templeton, May 7, 1907.

Dear Lucy,

You will be surprised to get a letter from me so early in the week, but, as usual, the spirit moved me to offer you a little advice, so I will write. I think you better see to it that the laboratory door is not bolted. I think it might make a lot of trouble for you if Mr. T- should try to come in that way and find it locked - he undoubtedly has a right, as principal to go where he pleases, when he pleases, and as he pleases, any wher through the building. But I don't think he has any right to come in and talk to you, and I don't believe he had to the class, in any such way as he did it was outrageous, and his neck ought to have been wrung "then and there". I presume it was best, though, that you did not do it. Carrie says tell you it will be only a few weeks more, and if you can get along without murdering him for that time, it will probably be the best way. Did you tell Mr. Pratt about it? Don't seem to join with the pupils against him. I hope you will get some better position for next year - any way I would not stay there if Mr. T- stays.

There is not much to write about so early in the week. We saw Annie and her young doctor walking up and down the street yesterday: he was looking at Annie so much that Mary and I were afraid he would stub his toe. I thought he was quite nice looking: rather tall and quite straight: she looked as if she was perfectly happy. Carrie saw Mrs. Scollay at the festival and she said Annie was having trouble with her tonsils, and is quite poorly. Carrie and Mary are going to a seven cent social at the Orthodox church tonight - they bought their tickets of Mary Winch. Mrs. Howland has got home. Miss Mary Stone is back here for the summer. [There's a word in parentheses around this area of the note, but I can't tell how it fits in. It is either (gay) or (guy).] Grace Stanley, has a new piano and a new sewing machine. 'Mimi' came in yesterday afternoon to get Mary to translate a postal card for her, written in french - the two of us made out most of it, but not quite all. The Parkers went to Manchester Sat. morning and came back last night. Persis stayed with Mrs. Pratt.

I must stop for I want to send this by Mary. Carrie says "Biddy" got home all right, only her hat a little on one side. Miss Lee made me a piazza call Sunday morning. Now if you feel that you must murder Mr. T- we will come and help you, but I believe I wouldn't. Don't let it worry you - he isn't worth it. I may not write again this week, unless news is plenty.

Take care of yourself, and if Mr. T- says too much, tell him a few things. Probably Mr. W- enjoyed your playing.

Much love,
Mama.