Dear Mamma:-I'm having a season of waiting so I'll write to you. I'm trying to get my work arranged so I can get at it, but it takes time. I have registered this morning, but I have no idea what I'm to do yet except some little planning about the physiology.
I came down on the 1:10 Monday, and my express came very soon after I did - all from South Hadley and my suitcase. My dress met me at the station. It is very pretty, but she got a little more braid on at the last minute than I like. I may pull some off. It is all done except sewing on three hooks. My room is very pleasant indeed. When the other bureau is moved in and my big trunk out I shall be well settled. There is a fine big table desk, bigger than my So. Hadley one, so I have my books in a row on that and on a shelf in the room. The closet is small, but with this second case of drawers I can get on very well. The ladies are very kind indeed. I can do about as I please anywhere in the house, I judge. I shall try to get my handkechiefs and collars washed sometime this week. They have a nice light cemented basement where trunks are stored, but I'm keeping my steamer trunk in my room with my couch cover from my little room and two pillows on it. It makes a nice little seat.
The boarding place is fine. Miriam Carpenter, another secretary and the boarding mistress Mrs. Johnson are delightful, and such nice things to eat I've never had. Lots of them are no better than Mrs. Lovell's, but there aren't any queer things yet, and they are beautifully served. In the evening the people play games and read, for there are some boarders, one old lady and her companion for instance, who have nothing particular to do. So if I want company and have time, I can find it easily.
I saw Prof. Porter and three other gentlemen yesterday, and shall get my work
edplanned soon, but I find no other woman has ever studied in any definite way at the medical, so it takes time for them to decide what to require. It's all very interesting.I happened to meet Bessie Kimball in a car in Boston the day I came down, and she was coming out to Radcliffe. So she very kindly showed me around a little and introduced me to the secretary. She's fat - and hasn't any job. I don't like her very well, but she was very kind nevertheless. The graduate students are invited to supper next
ThurSun. night by the secretary at one of the dormitories. I shall go of course, as I want to see the others. I don't know whether I shall get to the inauguration or not. One of the secretaries at the house is going to try to get me a ticket for the evening celebration by the students over in the Stadium anyway. The preparations are very elaborate for the whole performance. They plan to have it out-of-doors, and what they'll do if it rains it's hard to see.I went up to the cemetery Mon. A.M. and took some cosmos. The lots look very nicely indeed. I didn't have time to go down to Mrs. Tollard's. Two whole days were rainy. I'm glad you find things so comfortable. I wrote brief notes to Jessee and Fred after getting your letter. I had telephoned to him in Nashua, but there were so many people around I couldn't say anything. I'm glad they'll be so happy. About your staying out there. Find out how long it's really best to stay, and then I'll see what is to be done. Emma may decide to try to get a place as a housekeeper - I should think she would. At some places she could keep Eloise with her. Then if she had the rent of the house she could get along - for she is capable of doing a good job as housekeeper, isn't she? But if she stays in the house she may like to have you stay there. If you see it's best not to stay, I can find some place around Boston. You might have to draw some more money, but I'll put it back just as promptly as I can. Of course you'd be lonesome here because I'm away all the time, but I don't see any better way now. If you were rich enough to hire a room where I am now you'd like it, for the ladies are very friendly indeed. They haven't rented the big front room yet and if they rent that I don't know whether they could rent another. I could go up to the third floor if they would and you could have my room. But we can't tell anything now what will be best. You'll probably stay out for the wedding. That will be there, I suppose. But I'm glad for Jessee and Fred. She has done all and more than anyone could expect for Emma already.
I'll go out and mail this now and then come in for Pres. Briggs' address. Then I'll get lunch somewhere - and go over to the medical. There seem as yet to be no places at all for lunch, but something will turn up.
Love to you -
Abby.Thurs. noon
Sept. 30.