[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, Oct. 12, 1902.
Dear Lucy,
My head has about as many ideas in it as a pumpkin but maybe I shall grow more brilliant as I write. I ought to feel rested for I have lain on the bed for about four hours to-day. No, I am not the least bit sick, but I did feel very tired, and as I had no good book to read I thought I would rest: so I went to bed about noon, and had a nice nap, then after dinner and my bath I went to bed but did not sleep much that time; and I feel quite rested, and shall be all ready to wash tomorrow, and to see Lottie and Henry Fairman if they come. Lottie wrote to Uncle Isaac that they were to spend Sunday with a friend in Winchendon, and would call here on their way home. I don't know what time they will come or how long they will stay, but I am not in good condition as to food for company but think I can get on all right.
I went to Gardner yesterday forenoon and got my check cashed and did several errands. one was to get your pictures - think they are very good and will send you two to send to Elsie and Kendall. Carrie wants me to ask you if we shall select one for Carl Drury - she says she thinks it would be a comfort to him. Friday I bought some meat of him and he inquired how 'Lucy' liked and seemed much interested - thinks it a good thing for young people to go away &c. Shall we give him a photo? I think his brother has got back to Hager & Houghton's in Gardner but am not sure - the young man looked like the one we thought was he when he was there. I saw your young man there too, looking as fresh as ever.
I got almost ready to go to see Aunt C- yesterday morning but finally backed out, and went to G- instead. Hadn't you better write to Aunt Carrie pretty soon - she says she wrote to you when she sent the sofa-pillow and that you have not answered it - but if you do don't mention that I said any thing to you about it. She was invited to Mrs. Parker's to play whist yesterday afternoon. A lady from Lynn, whom Mrs. Parker is acquainted with is staying at the Inn, so Mrs. P. invited her and enough to make up two tables of whist to meet her. They were Mrs. Roundy, Mrs. Chamberlain and Mrs. Stimpson, Mrs. Parkhurst, Mrs. Clark, and the Inn lady and Carrie. Mrs. Parker took Carrie to ride Tuesday and they called at the Lords - Lizzie is gaining slowly - had been to [...] that day - George Stone is better, but could not hold his head up, he is so weak, a few days ago, but presume he can now. Uncle Isaac is about well, but is weak yet: he has been trying to take care of things in the garden a little, but I think he does too much. I have taken care of Dick all the time till yesterday.
Your Aunt Augusta and Aunt Ada visited me Friday instead of Sat. they came about 11-15 and Ada went to Wellington Club at 2-30 and Aunt Augusta tried to go home at 4-30 but the car could not stop (because of leaves on the track) till it got so far down they would not follow it, so they waited another hour. Mattie and Mrs. Gage came in and waited too, so I had quite a party for an hour. I thought Aunt Augusta's visit was intended to be very short, but I can stand that. I received your letter while they were here so I read it to them. Aunt Augusta thinks she shall write every time she hears a letter from you, so you will probably get another soon. Perhaps you are a little more consequence in her eyes than before you went to college.
I have picked pears, thrown in some wood, made grape jelly &c. last week. Mrs. Batchelder and May Sawyer called one afternoon. Dr. Greenwood has a new light colored felt hat which is very becoming to him. Linnie is to spend this week with Marian Stone. Beulah is getting better. I have not heard whether she will go back to school or not. Have you made any application for scholarship? Did you have a pleasant call from Alice? How has she changed so much? What do you do that those friends of your room-mate think so foolish? I guess they will stop advising you if you don't mind anything about them. I think Miss Whitney has more than her share of letters from the young men. What did they say
toabout your knee when you had your examination? It seems to me you have lost flesh since you went out there - I am afraid you are not gaining. Do you have to study pretty hard? If you don't feel well, consult some of your physicians there - perhaps a change of medicine would be good for you.I must close this as it is after nine, and news is scarce with me. There was a grange fair in town Friday afternoon but I did not go as I had company - there was a dance in the evening but I have heard nothing about it. Mr. Roundy came into the yard the other day when I was out and told me 'if he owned this place he should cut down those trees - it would save doctor's bills.' He came to inquire for Uncle Isaac, and the advice was extra. Well, be good and take care of yourself. Write all about everything, for I want to know just how you are getting along: it seems as if you was about 1000 miles off.
Lots of love,
Mama -