January 13, 1908.
Dear Mary,I am glad that I now find time to write just a little note. I trust that these days of sorrow have not all been black to you. Heavy as was the blow to lose a sister such as yours, her life has become a hallowed memory to you and yours. As delightful as would have been such companionship thru the ever changing years, we can but feel that she is much happier in the Beyond than in the abode of the diseased body, however well she may have concealed the mental pain even to her family. To think of Carrie has always lifted my mind to nobler things. Hers was a friendship whose memory I shall always cherish, and recall with pleasure.
It seems to me it would be better if you people were situated in a larger place, like a village. The chance of meeting more people would do you all good. While nothing can remove the sorrow the sadness may be changed if only we look at those things in the proper spirit, and we have enough association with the world to prevent brooding over the past.
I hear from Lester that Harry is progressing and hopes to be out of the hospital soon. Helen must begin to feel relieved from the severe strain.
My work is going nicely, like everything else it is about the same day in and day out.
Our rooms are now more home like than formerly, for we have had a nice fat tiger cat come to us. I get food for it. It affords us lots of entertainment, as well as to our callers. Just now we are teaching it to jump, she is not a very apt pupil.
I am glad to say that my mother is improving, and walks out about the village on good days. The girl I got for her from the hotel where I was this summer proves a treasure. She takes so much interest in Mother.
I found my nephew John Sargent a most worthy relative, bright, fat, quiet, and good looking - that exhausts my vocabulary.
Please give my kindest regards to your family.
Most sincerely your friend,
Chester T. Woodbury.