[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, Jan. 18, 1907.
Dear Lucy,
Did you get any of that pie? Or did you drop it? Probably Mr. W- thinks you are dropping things on people these days. I hope he will 'understand' enough not to be so
aplattentive.I am not going to try to write much of a letter tonight. I have an abominably lame leg - rheumatism I think - it 'struck in' yesterday afternoon, was worse this morning but I worked round and ironed all the forenoon - I have been sitting most of the afternoon so it has grown stiff and sore, and it is all I want to do to walk about. I presume it will be most well tomorrow so you need not worry at all. I am all right except that.
I am sorry to say that your waist is not done yet, but hope to finish it very soon - I have another flannel for you, so you can have two of the same size, and if nothing happens, I will send all the things soon.
Carrie has actually been to E- T-n to the Wellington Club this afternoon, without me. It was at Mrs. Gage's and Mrs. Howland gave a talk on her trip abroad, which C. said was very good. That was the reason C- went, to hear Mrs. H- I wanted to hear her but did not think best to undertake it. Mrs. Parker has been sick for a week and could not go. today. C- saw your Aunt Ada and she sent word that the "case" is settled. I suppose you have received your letter from Warren before this and know more about it than I do. I don't know much only that they settled for $2000. I am glad and hope that now it can be closed, and Ada have her income.
If there has been any news I am too stupid to think of it. I expect we shall have the electric lights very soon - they have been putting the "lamps" on. we don't have any nearer than Geo. Henry's and the corner on the Gardner road, and Ben's on the H-n road. I don't believe we shall be dazzled. I did think we should get a little benefit from them.
I have at last sent the box to Kansas - it started a week ago today - It was a good one. I appraised the goods at more than sixty dollars. I will confess. I went to your drawer and took that box of ruching that you bought for Christmas, and sent it in the box - and I put a quarter in your jewel case with your cameo pin. I hope you will not mind - I should not have taken it if I thought you would. Mr. Skerrye's boys have come but his wife had not the last I heard.
Well, I will stop. Take good care of yourself, and don't let Mr. T- worry you - maybe you will find some good in him if you look for it. Remember me to Miss Bliss. How much use of the piano do you have for a dollar?
Much love,
Mama.[handwriting change]
Mama wants me to add this. What express do you have in New Salem? By what shall we send your things? Please answer at once.