My dear Miss Baker:Your card received and I was very much pleased to hear from you. You see by the postmark that I am in Westminster. Probably you have heard of it before this. I have been here ever since Sept. 2nd. Can you imagine me teaching? Well that is what I am doing. I have a very cute little school near Wachusett Lake and I like [it] very much.
The time seems to fly. I cannot realize that I have been here nine weeks to-day. I have a very nice boarding place and am not homesick a bit, but have been home once. Mary is in New Hampshire teaching. Have you heard from her?
There are only two weeks more after this and I am going home again for Thanksgiving vacation. We have a week then and a week at Christmas.
How little I thought, a year ago to-night when at New Salem Acad., that I would be here and above all, teaching. As I said I have a cute little school, and enjoy the work. I have the first, second third fourth and sixth grades. I have to teach music and drawing and that, really, is what I dislike most.
Remember my delightful work for Miss Traver and you will wonder at my undertaking either, no doubt.
Mary doesn't have those subjects and I heartily wish I didn't.
Have you heard from Mildred? She owes me a letter but I have a card saying she was learning telephone operating in Athol. As for Iona, the last I knew of her, she was at home.
There isn't very much to write about. The regular routine of school work is about the same each day. Yet it has not been particularly monotonous, thus far. I "arise" at seven each morning, have breakfast and start to school about 8:15. It is a distance of about three quarters of a mile and I carry my dinner. School begins at nine, an hour's nooning, and is out at four. I get home about five.
New Salem Acad. has increased in numbers since we were there. My sister is a Freshman and through her I learned that you didn't go back and also of your great sorrow. I have thought of you and your sister, although I am not acquainted with her, many, many, times and you have my deepest sympathy.
Last summer a shadow hung over our house and seemed about to fall, but it didn't and I am very very thank ful. However, there were anxious moments and I know in part how you must feel.
In closing I send my heartfelt sympathy and will say Good Night with love
From your friend
Ella Stevens.I should be pleased to hear from you and hoep you will find time to write soon. Address. R.F.D #1. Westminster, Mass.