Templeton, Mass
Dec. 4, 1902.Dear Lucy!-
Excuse lack of ink this time. [letter is written in pencil] I will use an extra amount nexttime to make up for what I didn't use to-day.
I was so sorry not to get down to see you[.] Of course it had to storm and it was so slippery under-foot, too. I am glad you liked the pillow. I made it all, and mama put the feathers in and sewed the cord around.
You must have been glad to arrive home, but it was a very short home-coming. How long is your X-mas vacation? I think I should have felt like crying if I had been in your place. I am sure it did you lots more good to have a small cry than as if you had held it in. Besides tears are supposed to beautify the eyes giving them a limpid brightness. (This is quoted by the best of authorities. "The Gardner News")
Rev. & Mrs. Kambour are rejoicing over the birth of a daughter. The oldest buy was asked if his mother hadn't been ill. "No," he replied "She was just takeing [sic] a week's rest."
Warren Seaver has given up going to school and is young to work for Mrs. Howland. Mrs. L. Seaver told Mama they had tried all they could to make him go but it was useless. He has been sick with a boil. It came where his suspenders go across his shoulders. He and Henry were out driving when the horse who was walking started up and Mr. Warren tumbled onto the ground upon his boil and Henry said he never heard such an un earthly shriek as Warren let out.
Yes, I suppose Ralph and Dwight are up in Ohio now. I think Ralph will be a little home-sick as he never has been away from home before.
So Helen Maynard ahs at last got a fellow. And she makes the greatest amount of eyes at him at the Union Tues. night. Mr. Lillie pointed the performance out to me. I should think Helen might make her conquest a little less notice-able.
Ethel Henshaw's sister has died. So Ethel has gone to her funereal. I do not know what sister, or where she lives.
Flossie has really got appendicitis. Dr. Greenwood has taken her out of school and told her not to dance and to go to Wocester [sic] and be examined. But she won't go and Tuesday night she was dancing. I think she is very silly. Usually the doctor knows what he is talking about.
You must have looked funny dressed up in a country style. I suppose they finally decided to put the ring on the proper finger. You probably had a very jolly time, and it certainly didn't take long to get ready for it.
I am glad you will not starve. I was going to send a box of potatoe [sic] chips down to you but I had forgotten whether you liked them or not. If you'll inform me I'll make some for you for X-mas.
Last night Andrew dressed off ten chickens and I removed the pin-feathers[.] Don't you think I had quite a job? I do.
Papa has given up his work in Hubbardston. The man that hired pa didn't do as he agreed and so papa got made and so everything arrived home I think he is going to work for Harris and Murphy of Baldwinsville.
Amber Snowdrop has become a martyr. Rogue chews his ear, tail and some-times takes his head in, and Amber goes through the whole performance with such a resigned air. Once in a great while he offers up a faint squeak of remonstrance. Rogue will come in like a whirl wind. Dash at Amber, chew on his ear for a minute, roll him on his back and run his nose up and down Amber's stomach. Rogue leaves and Amber lays in the same position with a dazed and horrified expression upon his features.
Flossie has almost shook Perly. She only uses him now as a convenience when her Baldwinsville acquisition isn't around.
'Tis time I should cease this long and flowery epistle and should hie me to more menial task as my lord has remarked to me that he would wend to Gardner his way and would condescend to take unto himself the burden of endureing [sic] my company so that I might purchase for mine-self under-clothing to keep my flesh warm during the colds of winter.
Your loving friend
Edie