Dear family,
This is a pretty good, tho' perhaps slightly conventionalized sketch of my last winter's school-room. [no longer with the letter] Ask Charlie if it isn't?
A week from today you will be here. I would like to have you bring with you if you can carry them conveniently the book of alto solos, and a shoe box of hickory nuts if you have them. You need bring nothing but your toothbrush and thimble. I am wondering how you like your dress and whether it is well on its way to completion. This will be a busy week for you.
We are to have visiting day next Friday. I do not want it at all then, and Mr. Stone does not care about taking it, but Miss Tallman has set her heart upon it. She wants to go to Brockton, and I perforce must go with her, it does not make much difference where I go, and the Brockton schools are said to be very good ones. Most schools in this part of the state are good.
I have another wretched cold and can scarcely speak aloud. I am taking a most disagreeable gargle, pain-killer and molasses, licorice, the "lubricant", lemon and sugar, chlorate of potash and listerine gargles. I hope I shall get better before morning.
I went to the stores with May yesterday while she purchased the Christmas presents for her scholars. I found a nice box of paints for Evangeline. Please bring also the thunder piece and our duet.
Tuesday night.
I have been waiting for your letter before sending this and the mileage, which I will send in the morning. Am glad you like your rig. I wonder when you are going to get your coat. Saturday? Dont [sic] bring that old extension case. To recapitulate what I want you to bring.
Hickory nuts
Alto solos
Thunder piece
DuetI can lend you comb, night dress, handkerchiefs, and everyday rig. nail brush, etc.
I told you about your trains, change at E. Thompson and Walpole. Leave S'obridge at 3.20 reach here at 6.14.
I must not write more because I have a great stupid coming this evening to be taught Geometry, she thinks she can do the whole thing in an evening.
Then I have only five Physiologies to read and decide which shall be used next term[.]
With love,
Susie.