Mansfield, Mass.,
Oct. 8, 1899.Dear family,
Harvey came to see me last Thursday, came at 4.29 and went at 6.23, so there was hardly time to do more than come up here and take supper and go back again. He meant to have come two hours earlier, and then could have visited one of my classes, but he went to some meeting or other of missionaries and didn't seem to think he could get away.
Saturday morning we prepared to go nutting and just as we were about to start at ten, Elizabeth drove up on her wheel, we took her in with us making five school mams, and drove to Mr. Packard's father's farm in Easton, about three miles from here. We picked up about three quarts of chestnuts (had some boiled today), ate an immense lunch, and then picked hickory nuts. Miss Packard wore a gym. suit and with Miss Kinne, climbed the trees and shook off the nuts. I had a fine time, it was the first time I could take off my dignity and play my true role of a country girl. We stayed till late in the afternoon, and Elizabeth went home by train. I am going over to see her again in the course of six weeks or so. I must return Miss Copeland's call this week.
Wed. night.
It takes four hours for a letter to come here from Southbridge. That seems pretty quick work. Your last, mailed at So'bridge yesterday at 3 o'clock reached here at 7.
How I would like some of those pears! I doubt whether you can keep any of the juicy kind till I go home. Mrs. P. has bought a few; they have a good many grape-vines, and had grapes from the time I came till last week.
Yes I received Sat. an invitation forwarded from Union to Edith's wedding. I could not possibly get away to go, even if I wanted to terribly. I shall write sending my regrets. If I were in your place I would get some sensible little present and send it to her before hand with your regrets. I would send a little present myself only I have saved barely enough of my first month's salary to keep me going till the end of Oct. Rather unusual to be married at the home of the groom, isn't it?
Sunday was a nice day, and I hope father had a pleasant time at Middle Haddam, and that his small grandson did not disappoint him. Did he get the coat changed?
I hope Uncle Robert had a good time at Union. I have always felt that he did not have the best kind of a time when he was there last.
There is to be a Teachers' Convention at Fairhaven the twenty seventh of Oct. which we are expected to attend. That will be the time for me to visit Aunt Ellen. I should be there Friday and Saturday nights, but should have to come back Sunday night, as I could not get here at half-past eight Mon. morn to be on hand for my duties. Miss Tallman will go and come with me; her home is in Fairhaven, you know. What can I take to Aunt Ellen besides one of my pictures?
Tonight I have been riding Mrs. Packard's wheel, went over two miles, had one terrible fall onto the side walk, taking several square inches of my skin off my knee. This is the only fall I have had so far. I can mount and go off nicely, but I have to get off for a slight rise or a rough place. It is great fun, but hard work. This is a pretty good place to ride for there are no hills, but there are nearly always mud-puddles.
Laura has sent me a Long Book. In it was one of her Latin examinations, with a few blue pencil marks in it, probably put in by mistake. I am losing my voice; I talk so much thro' the day that my voice is all worn out at night.
How I would like to see Rover, and go nutting with you and him. You have not written any thing about nuts. You want to get them before the squirrels do. Is that nutting party a myth?
Your loving Susie.
Tell Miss Hop I am surprised not to hear from her.