[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, Sept. 12, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
I don't know but you think I am not going to write to you, but I have commenced and may finish. Carrie is talking at me now and I am not getting along very well writing. I was sorry I did not wait at the station with you but supposed the train would be on time. I almost went back after I got on the car. Mary was glad to see me home though, for Elsa came just as I got there and she (Mary) had not got her last cake done - she finished it and went with Elsa and I looked after the baking - the cakes both turned out swell and so far as I could see the "party" went off well. I had good luck with the rolls and ju
gdging by the appetites and the giggling, the girls had a good time.Bessie has been in here this afternoon - she begins at Fitchburg tomorrow. Bessie told Mary that Rodger was coming to see "Shorty" Sat., so Mary will probably have a visit.
I have had a lot of help today. Persis washed this forenoon. Hiram has been here all day putting in wood, and Willie Rice came and picked my Bartlett pears this afternoon. I have a barrel and a half, and don't know what I shall do with them. The 'fruit-man' will take some.
Uncle Isaac has not been well for the last few days. We think he took some cold and he seemed so poorly that we persuaded him to have the Dr. He is better, goes for the mail &c. but does not try to work. Carrie had a poor turn,
a(stomach trouble) last week, and I did not feel quite right all the time, but we are both better, and C- says tell you that she is afraid she shall kill herself trying to eat your share of porter apples and pears, as well as her own. Ada spent two hours with us yesterday - said she intended to come before you went away.Somehow I cannot think of any thing to write. I have not accomplished much since you went away. Monday afternoon we made Mary a big 'Mother Hubbard' apron to cover her all over when she works in the laboratory. I went to Gardner one afternoon and got a pair of aprons to sent [sic] to Chester from Carrie and me. Were you surprised to get the blue skirt? We measured it by the blue one you had worn this summer and found it was as long as that; so sent it along - you can wear it till it is dirty, then bring it home when you come. If you like I will send your think white one - you can wear it Sunday and till you get it dirty then bring it home. I should not dare send it to a washwoman for fear it would get torn. Send a card if you wish it as soon as you get this and I think you can have it Sunday. I think you wore your white one a long time.
Do you have a good boarding place? When is Mrs. T- coming? Tell Miss Bliss I was glad to hear from her, and to know that she is going to take charge of you. I hope she will be strict with you. I should think you must have work enough of your own without doing problems for Mr. T- I hope Jack will come back and be all right, though I don't see as Mr. T- was to blame - of course I don't know how he spoke to him. I am sorry about Ralph Stowel. [?] Probably he felt nervous and in a hurry about the evening and did not do as well as he would some other time.
I must stop writing and get Mary to take this to the office, and I must go and get supper. I think everything is about the same in town. Mr. Vernon Miles is quite sick. Mr. Cutting is very low, if he is living. Miss Cutting is still better. I think there were several things I was going to write, but I can't think what they are, so will stop. I hope you are much better. Don't let Mr. Taylor impose on you, and don't get whooping cough.
Much love,
Mama -