[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading.]Templeton, June 7, 1903.
Dear Lucy,
I hardly think I shall write a very long letter to-night, as I wrote you Thurs. night, and shall probably write during the week. I received the box all right, last night, and if the weather is good and nothing comes up to hinder, I hope to send it Wed. afternoon. I hope you will not have to do much more washing till you get home - don't do only what you are obliged to. It has been a cloudy day here and we have had several little sprinkles, and one very small shower not enough to do much good but better than nothing.
Poor Mr. Hale died Thursday night. I have heard that it was blood-poinsoning from the foot that was not amputated; and I have heard it was from the shock of the accident and taking off of his foot. I don't know which is correct. The funeral was this afternoon in the Methodist church at E- T-n. Quite a number went down from here, and I did think I would go but finally decided it was not best. They collected over $200 for him and put it in the bank for Mrs. Hale - she is left with very little - not much if any besides the place he bought in E- T-n, which Mrs. Parker says he owned clear of any mortgage. It is the saddest thing we have had here for a long time.
Lizzie is still at H-n and I think intends to go to Worcester again when she gets home. Carrie spent one night at Mrs. Smarts and got home Sat. afternoon - she called on Aunt C- and found her very feeble, she thought. I am afraid she will never be any better and I feel as if she ought to have some one to care for her. Uncle Isaac does not get so he feels very well, but I think he is a little better - he has eaten a little better the last day or two. Hiram came yesterday and cut down those two dead trees, which is an improvement to the looks of the place. Mr. Harison came Fri. afternoon and tuned the piano so it is ready for you. Mary was delighted that he came when she was at home to see him. Edith called that same afternoon - she seems quite well - walked down to Mrs. Roundy's to Wellington Club, and so called here, and was going to walk home, so you see she must be pretty well: she said her eyes were troubling her so she had not written to you: her hair has been cut and she looks girlish and pretty. I saw her riding with Andrew yesterday: Mary thinks he went away but if he did, they have made up probably he has made lots of promises which he will keep a very short time.
I think Charlie Scollay is getting along all right. Mary has been in twice and I think he is pretty glad to see her, and I rather think Mrs. S- and Annie are glad to have her go in: it is hard for the little fellow and for them all. Poor Amber has been shut in the house for three or four days because there are some young robins trying to learn to fly - he (Amber) thinks it a hard case.
I have not seen Miss Blodgett yet. Mary went there last night and could not find her. I will find out and let you know when I write next. Don't you think Burton or Fred would be willing to help you? Perhaps you can get Mr. L. Baker if Miss B- will not - or perhaps Mr. Osborne could help you a little - he would be back tow or more weeks before you have to go back. Charles Lane told Mary last night that they were to choose a new librarian last night, but I have no idea whom - perhaps it will be Miss Blodgett with Annie to assist. I wish Carrie might have had it if the Lanes are not to.
Why do you always have to choose everything with the freshmen? Why can't you choose with the sophomores. I am afraid you don't stand up for your rights, and so have poorer places, but of course I know nothing about it.
I have strung this out long and must close now. I hope your box will be there by Thursday. Why didn't you send both flannels? You can pack the box full and put it in your trunk when you come.
Much love,
Mama.It rains this morn so I may not send things so soon