281 High Street Newburyport
Sunday - after churchDear Margaret & Aunt Sarah -
I presume you have spoken to those at home. & know that I am here. but I must make connection with you myself. I found Mrs Agar - Marys hotel friend in N.Y. still here. also Miss Blaisdell. & as the up stairs rooms are both occupied. I have the room which was Teds. near the bath-room. which pleases me. though I have had no more need for it than these people. I expressed my trunk. & rode in the taxis both in Boston & here. & all has gone well except that the trunk has not yet arrived. & I seem to be getting confirmed in my desire to keep all my possessions in my own hands. Mary & the others tell sad tales of the inefficiency of the express. & of the long delays sure to come in delivery. so I am wondering if I shall see it here or ever! I took my white dress & skirt in my bag, & might have taken many other comforts, but did not.
However I may see it tomorrow, & in the meantime I try to be content with what I have. & am being very good I believe. Mary had a tea party planned for Friday P.M. four ladies. one of them Mrs Pope who was with her last winter. & it was a very pleasant occasion. Marion left early yesterday for Wellesley. but the house goes on as usual. though she is the housekeeper. Mary spent several hours at work in the garden. transplanting a border of Oriental poppies. sitting flat on the garden path all the while to do it. And she did not lie down at all after it though she must have been very tired. I have had not even my tatting to use my hands for. but have taken very kindly to doing nothing but read & talk. Yesterday morning I read a story book, "A Curious Quest" sitting up on the high garden seat. I have slept all the nights. & liked to get up just in time for breakfast at 8 or nine.
This morning it was nearly 10 when we were through. And it does seem very good out to have to think of household details for a little while.
Mary is as well as ever she is now, I think. though she eats very little & sleeps very badly. & looks badly. I hope you are getting on well. & things are beginning happily. How do you like hiring a college girl Sarah dear?
I had my first letters from home yesterday P.M. & shall want to hear from you some day. Do not be too busy Margaret dear.
Love to you both -
Mother