Templeton, Jan. 26, 1906.
Dear Lucy,
What do you think we are going to have for breakfast? Pickerel. Mary's friend Lucius came this evening with a plate of pickerel for us. he and Arthur have been fishing through the ice so we were given a taste. Isn't that nice? Poor Mary can't go into town of [sic] an errand and feel sure he wont come home with her, day or evening - it wearies her and I think is beginning to worry her a little She is not feeling real well - has hardly got the effects of the measles, and has been working hard to get her lessons made up - she has them all made up now but her English, and she intends to stay some night next week for that. She is still editor - Miss Clark did not seem inclined to let her off and Mary wanted to keep it and so she did. I suppose she wrote you that Carrie Wright has been quite sick - she is better and expects to come to school again Monday.
I have been to Gardner today - went at 10-30 and came home with Mary at 2-15. I did not seem to accomplish much but did a few errands. Mr. Proctor, where we have bought our shoes lately, is selling out: Carrie, Mary and I have each bought us a pair of shoes and rubbers. Mr. Proctor's health has failed and the Dr. says he must give up the business. I expect he has family troubles that worry him terribly - it seems too bad, when he is such a nice man. I hoped to go to H-n today to have the appraisal of those things - we telephoned to Mr. Wheeler about it last night and he could not attend to it, so I don't know when it will be - perhaps next week if the weather is good. I cannot go over there in bad weather. I dread it and shall be glad when it is over. Uncle Isaac thinks he shall not go, as he can do no good and it would be a hard day for him - he has not been very well for a week - his head has been troubling him. I have had no measles though twice I felt pretty sure I was coming down, but I think the danger is past until we are exposed again.
How are you getting along? Have you had to teach alone this week? I hope you will not let school worries wear on you - they will straighten out after awhile. I suppose you are at North Dana tonight. I meant to have written so you would have got it before you went. I hop you will have a nice time - a change will do you good.
It has been a lovely day to-day and it would be nice riding if the roads are not too rough. I worked very hard last week week [sic] to finish Mary's suit, and sat up beyond the small hours to finish it Sat. night and then there was a little to do in the morning, but she wore it, and looked very nice - and she did feel good. I had very good luck with it, though I can see several things that might be improved. It makes her look very big. I suppose she wrote you all about it. She says Bessie is coming up to church Sunday to see the new suit. We finished her pink flannel waist Tues. night and have commenced her new one that I gave her Christmas. I have not done very much sewing this week - I think I worked a little too hard last week.
Carrie plans to go to Leominister [sic] for two or three days, the last of next week. Bessie Lord called here one afternoon this week - I saw in today's Recorder that Walter and Clara Aiken are trying to adopt the little one of the two Woodbury girls they have been keeping. The Parkers went to Worcester yesterday to a conference. Persis stayed with Mrs. Pratt. Miss Wilkinson has received a legacy. Mr. Nelson, of Grafton, where she used to visit, has died, and willed her the use of $10000 - after she is through with it, it is to go to Vassar College. Isn't that nice for Miss W-? There was quite a piece in the Christian Register about Mr. Pratt - it was a Jan. paper - I think Jan. 4. Perhaps they have it at Dr. Marshall's and you could see it - I would have cut it out if it had been mine. I send you a piece about the finding of Geo. Anderson. It is terrible.
The old lady has gone from the Miles'. Carrie and Mary called on Minnie this afternoon. Moses has not got over that bad cough yet. Mrs. Searles works at the house where she and Linnie room - has her board and room for what she does. Linnie has been sick some of the time since she went back, but I think she is better for Mary said she had invited Isaac Howe to go out and go to the theater with her.
I must stop for I am tired: and I really can't think of much news. I hope you are all right. Don't worry, and you will be all right. Has your wood come?
Much love,
Mama.
