[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, May 31, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
This letter must be very short for it is almost ten now and I am very tired. I think I wrote you last week that I could not visit you if I did not get along well on our work. I am afraid you did not read that quite carefully by the way you wrote. I have not got along at all well and I don't dare take the time to go to see you, for I am afraid I can not get the things done if I do. I am sorry to disappoint you but I see no other way.
Yesterday I went to the cemetery in the forenoon and to the service in the afternoon and of course did not do much sewing. I thought I should have quite a long day today, but got hindered nearly all the forenoon. Persis was here washing I had to go to Mr. Roundy's for a new mop-handle, then to get W. Rice to plough the garden. I had just got to sewing where Mr. Wheeler came from H-n and I stopped to talk with him - then the sewing-machine did not work well and Persis and I tried to fix it and then it was noon - and every day is something like this. We want to finish the waist so M- can sit for her photos Sat. but don't know as we can. If I can not get up to see you, (and I don't believe I can,) I will send your blue to you before long.
I don't think of much news. We are all well as usual. Mary is rather discouraged - she handed in her essay, hoping it was nearly right, (I thought it good) and Mr. B- & Miss Clark are not at all suited. I should think by Mary's description that there was not much that was right, except the quotations - they pleased Miss C. Perhaps it is not quite as bad as that.
Well, the clock is striking ten and I must stop. T-n Inn is opened - most every one but me, have been over it this week. Take good care of yourself and keep well.
How does school go? Have they engaged you for the next year yet? Good night,
Much love
Mama.Why was Stuart in New Salem?