My dear Susie.
I was about to write to you when your letter came. We wanted you to spend part of your Thanksgiving recess with us but you say you have only two days so I am afraid most of your vacation would be spent on the rail-road if you came here. We heard when we were in New Haven that Mary was not well but as we heard nothing from any one at home, supposed she was better. We were sorry to hear that she had been so sick. I presume she will be glad to have you home once more if it is for so short a time. Mother, the Doctor and I are going to Stamford for Christmas. My Aunt made us promise before she left here that we would come. If the Doctor has nothing to detain him we shall go but if he cannot leave, we shall have to give it up. I hope nothing will prevent for we do have such jolly times there. This is a regular November day, cold and damp and dark, but I suppose we ought not to find fault as it is the first really disagreeable day we have had since the first of October. I am glad you think the Doctor looked so well. I am afraid he will become horribly lazy unless more people get sick. He has had absolutely nothing to do the past few weeks. I don't think he enjoys it a bit. I think he would like it better if he were kept a little more busy. Yesterday afternoon we took a long tramp of about six miles. We paddled across the river and hunted up a hill we have been wanting to visit for some time. The view was magnificent, and well worth the climb. If you have any time for light reading first get "The Sprightly Romance of Marsac" and "The Golden Age". They are both short stories and highly amusing. We have nearly finished "Soldiers of Fortune". It is wildly exciting.
Affectionately yours -
Ida -M.H. Nov. 11 - 1897.