[Some paragraph marks added for ease of reading]Templeton, April 14, 1907.
Dear Lucy,
I was so puffed up Friday afternoon because I went down to dinner with the family, that I did not think of your letter till after I had gone to bed, and as Mary was away you did not get a letter Sat. (Perhaps you knew it.) There does not seem to be any thing to write, unless it is the weather and the less said about that, the better. Isn't it horrid? I have been down to dinner again today, so you see I am gaining - I sewed a little last week and hope to do some this week. I drink ale and grow fat some.
Carrie and Mary have been to church, though it is bad walking. Mary heard there that Henry Smith has lost his youngest boy - that they had the Dr. to see him yesterday morning, the boy was out of doors the afternoon before, and at half past one yesterday afternoon the boy was dead, of scarlet fever. It seems very strange. I think every thing is about the same round here. Some one just went down by walking that I think was Fred and Mattie Winch and the baby.
Carrie went over to Baldwinville last Thursday afternoon to a Shakspeare [sic] entertainment. Bessie Lord sent he[r] the invitation. Mrs. Parker and Mr. and Mrs. Skerrye went - Miss Tracy the assistant in Baldwinville High took part, and C- said she was fine. Mrs. Boutelle sang. Mr. Lord and Bessie both have cold[s] and the Dr. was going to see them this afternoon. Cousin Lizzie was at church. Louis has been quite sick. Emma is gaining slowly. Carrie had a letter from her yesterday and she said she sits up four or five hours a day - but she has very little appetite yet.
Now it is raining hard, and the sun is shining and the sky clear on part of it. Carrie says she will meet you in Athol if you wish, and the cars run. What time shall you expect to get there? I think it a good plan for you to send for a piece of your dress so to match your hat to it. Your muslin came a week ago yesterday. Carrie got at the express office and carried it to Miss Taggart. Miss T's mother has been sick, so it has made it hard for her. Mrs. Parker has had Mrs. Ned Sargent to sew for her and liked her. I am going to send you a T-n Recorder and want you to look in New Salem items. Carrie says thank you for the card: it was very pretty.
I think Mary will write all the things I don't think of so I will stop. I am getting tired. I have written a short letter before this week. Will tell you the rest.
Much love,
Mama.