[Paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Feb. 7, 1904.
Dear Lucy,
Some way I don't feel much like writing tonight, and can't think of much to write about. There is a vesper service at the Unitarian church this evening but the walking is so bad that none of us went - it has thawed all day and rained part of the time so you will know what the roads are like tonight. Uncle Isaac and Carrie went to church but it was communion and Mary decided to stay at home.
I went to the funeral Friday - took the 7-30 car and reached Holden at nine. Wardwell Wallace and Aunt Mary Baker, Warren Balcom and I were the only ones who went from this way and Mr. & Mrs. Nichols from H-n. There were hardly as many there as I supposed there would be - she looked as if she had suffered but still quite natural - she was dressed in white. Ada said she (your Aunt Augusta) told her not to put black on her - there were some beautiful roses but not a very large quantity of flowers. Mrs. Nichols went to Gardner and got some and went off and left them at home. I did not try to get any - one reason was that it was so uncertain about my going that I did not think it best. I should certainly have put your name with ours if I had got any, and if I had intended to get any I should have written so to you and I thought you would think so. I am very sorry if you are disappointed. I felt, for one thing, that she, your aunt, did not approve of it very much, and that made sorry difference with me. They decided finally not to bring her to T-n till spring.
After the service I took the electrics and went on to Worcester and spent the afternoon with Esther & Emma, and did two or three errands at the stores. I found Esther & Emma well as usual - Mr. Converse was not at home, and I was not sorry. I met Arthur on the street as we were going down when I came home and he behaved like a gentleman - Esther says he has one talent, and that is for drumming - he does well at that - she is much discouraged at his behavior but I think he will be all right unless he gets into bad company.
I got home about 8-30 that night, pretty tired, but it did not make me sick. Carrie expects to go to Boston this week: she says one reason Fred hesitates about accepting your invitation is that he has no dress suit. Do they all have them on such occasions. He has a good black suit and a white vest, and would look nice. If you think there would be a good number of others who would not wear dress suits, you better write me just a line so I get it before Carrie goes and she can tell him. If he finally decides not to go I would invite some one and go and have a good time - there is Elsie Lamb, or Annie, or your cousin Lena (is that her name) if you don't dare ask her brother. Fred was not sick after he went home, but felt better and went to the dance in the evening.
I suppose you have received the box we sent you. I was shamed of the cake & cookies but had no time to make more. I don't see why my cooking turns out that way when I want to send you any thing. The skirt is made out of my old black dress and is not very wide at the bottom but we thought you ought not step longer than that - we thought it would look better than the old brown skirt with the spot, especially when you went off on the cars. Now I want you to send your h'd'k'fs and little collars home by mail and I will wash them - and I want you to find a wash
erwoman and hire the rest of your washing done, unless you keep out your waists - you can send them home by mail. You have enough to do without doing much washing.Amber occupied your room last night. Carrie left the door into the hall open and he got off the lounge and up stairs while I was in the kitchen.
I don't like any of your proofs well but I put a little mark on those I like best. The sober one looks best, but it looks as much like me as it does like you - I think you put on the "smile that wont [sic] come off." Will they let you sit again? I am sorry you had such a time calling on Elisha's wife, but as it did not make you sick I am glad you called. She had written to Esther about it and was very sorry she was out.
I would sit again for a picture if they would let you. Uncle just looked at them and says they are not good.
Much love,
MamaAunt Ada stayed at Holden till the funeral.