[Paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, May 15, 1904.
Dear Lucy,
I almost had a nap a little while ago, when I was sitting in the rocking-chair before the fire-place fire, and though I have eaten lunch since, I am so sleepy that I don't know enough to write or anything else. I have forgotten when I wrote you last, so don't know where to begin and shall be likely to write the same things I wrote then. Don't you think I better give it up?
It has been damp and cloudy all day and has been raining the last few hours. Mary and Uncle Isaac went to church, but Carrie did not go. Mary is much afflicted because she has two cold sores coming and asks every few minutes if they show much: she is getting very particular how she looks - we can't get her to wear her golf cape to school because she thinks others don't wear them - and she looks out pretty sharp to see that her things are made as she wants them. I have not got her jacket done yet, but finished the skirt last night.
I have not got along much with any thing lately -
fhave felt lazy, and this week has been all confusion, having the mason here. They came Thurs. andfFriday forenoon and finished the kitchen chimney and took both the other chimneys down to the roof and built them over, so I expect they are all safe - they did most of the work in the house but did not have quite plaster or mortar enough to finish the inside of the cupboard but promised to come soon and do it. I don't think I shall have the piazza plastered, but wait and have it boarded instead, then it will last. If I find that money that is supposed to be hidden in the cellar I think I shall spend it all in repairing the house. Don't you think that would be right?Mrs. Lorenzo Manning called on me one afternoon she asked me a good many questions about your aunt's will - said the story is about that you have the most of it (the property) - I gave her to understand that is not so - she said she wished she might have left something to Lilian F-, and I think she felt that she might have given Lorenzo some, and I certainly wish she had done so. Do you know if you are appointed yet? I have seen no notice of it and the papers have not come here - perhaps Mr. Blodgett has them if they have not been sent to you.
I, or Carrie for me, sent to Lizzie to get me silk to match my black & white check and she found a remnant (5 yds.) that is a very good match and only 39 cts. a yd. I expect Mrs. Ward either Tues. or Wed. to work on it so it will probably be done before you come home. How fine I shall be. Don't you want to borrow it? I shall soon be very proud.
Arthur Hawkes is much better and is out riding and I don't know but is as well as ever - he was riding
thewith Bertie Cobleigh several days ago. I should be afraid he would have a poor turn and kill me. Mrs. Parkhurst was buried Friday afternoon. I am afraid that Mrs. L. Parkhurst and Helen will go away now.I received the box of clothes last night. Did you pay the express? Mr. Aiken said Clara told him he was to collect .25 but he saw it was marked paid so he took the label and I did not pay him but told him I would if it was not all right. I expected you would send your fur - I am afraid you will get moths in it - and why didn't you send your stockings? You better send some by mail now and we will mend them and send them back in the box - you can't have much time if you have to go off every Wed.
I found your verses and think they are very good - and if they are not printed, it was good for you to try - I hope they will be printed but don't be disappointed if they are not.
I went to Gardner Thurs. morn to get money to pay the masons - I must stop now We will send box back as soon as we can.
Much love,
MamaI expect Lizzie will come here in a week or two for a short visit and then she will go to Maine.