Brimfield, Mass.,
Nov. 11, 1897.My dear Susie:-
Your letter was very welcome, though I think I already owed you a letter so I will try to answer both in one.
I was glad to learn that you were back at college; but I can realize that it must be a great disappointment not to be able to graduate with your own class. My experience has not been the same as yours; but it is a trial to me, to be obliged to give up teaching on account of my health: for I much prefer to work rather than be idle.
But I think must be a dissatisfied mortal, for many a time when crowded with the duties of teaching I have longed for the leisure which now I find hard to spend.
I am sorry Mary is not well, and hope she will be no worse: you must remember me to her when you write.
Lilian is still at home and will probably be with us through the winter. You have probably heard of the death of little Amy Job: she was three years old; Lilian loved her dearly for she had taken so much care of her.
Last month Lilian and I took a trip through Union to my aunt's in Westford: then we drove to Woodstock Valley and visited Eva. We came home through Bigelow (where I had never been) and saw the house-spot where my grandmother was born. Those back roads through the woods were delightfully romantic and we enjoyed the whole trip.
Miner is at home just now for a little time at least and that seems so good.
The hotel is being painted now, and I think it will be a building we may be proud of, if only the right man is found for proprietor.
Quite a good many who used to attend church at the Hall. now come to the church, so our audience is somewhat larger on Sunday.
I don't think of much "news" for somehow not many things "happen" in Brimfield, as you know.
Yes, I did read Bitter Sweet this summer, also Kathrina which I liked better.
I think Mr. Luce, the new principal of the H.F.A. [Hitchcock Free Academy, Susie's high school] is liked: all the teachers board at the Dormitory and more of the students than were there last year.
Mother and Lilian join me in sending you love and best wishes.
Sincerely your friend,
Lucy M. B.[A later letter by Lilian Booth helped identify Lucy. In researching the family tree, I noticed Lilian's sister was Lucy Minerva, and I had this letter signed "Lucy M. B.," so I went back to look at it. Sure enough, I see mention of Brimfield, Lilian, and their brother Miner.]