Jan. 2. 1900.
My dear Susie:-
This morning I spied a treasure in the mail box. Do you know what it was? Now look unconscious, please do.
I can see you seated at that desk waiting for the joy (?) of New Year's day. I must say the city of Worcester was decent enough to tell the children that they needn't come to school on Monday even if they did begin to day after only one week vacation and that after Christmas Massachusetts has a few event holidays you know which have to be made up for I suppose by cutting off a general one.
And now I want to tell you how pleased I was with the blotter and to thank you from my heart. You can imagine it rolling over my next production to be handed in to Miss Stevens' or say ever my coming paper in Industrial History next Semester. My joy because you were pleased with the book was great inasmuch as I sent it under the conviction that you had probably read it in French. I knew Elizabeth and Gertrude had and I was woefully afraid that you had, tho I risked it for I had never heard you mention it. I didn't think till after I bought it that there was a possibility of your having read it.
Did you know that I had been an aunt ever since Nov. 24. to a dear little baby girl, Evelyn Winifred? It is no novelty for you to hold such a position, but I assure you I try to fit the situation. You ought to see her picture taken when 6 days old and another when a mo. old. Both are very good.
My resolution's [sic] like yours are not exactly formulated, but I trust that they are as real and effective.
Shall I wish for you the realization's [sic] of yours and a year of blessing?
Love,
Laura E. Smith