#13 Essex Street,
Newburyport, Mass.Dear Carrie,
You were a dear girl to write to me so soon. Your picture is before me on the writing table and I wish it were the real you, only I would let you sit in Grandma's big chair instead of making you stand on the table.
Yes, I left Dover the last day of March after a very happy winter. If I had not learned a thing in shorthand, I should not regret having spent some months in Dover, for I am a better girl for having had the lessons in lovingkindness which were daily given me there. Person after person went up on a pedestal in my row of exalted characters, and Mabel says I look all the time as if I were enjoying them.
Then, too, I did like my studies. It was very hard at first for me to decide to drop stenography for a time and go to my aunts in their illness. The weeks there, however, have had much of blessing and privilege, and I know I am a much better housemaid than I was before I went, even if I am a less skilful [sic] stenographer.
Now I am at Grandma's in Newburyport for just a few days. Mabel is sewing diligently preparing for her marriage not very many weeks hence. I am so glad to be with her again.
We went to Exeter together Monday to see her future home and husband. The town is very beautiful, I think, and certainly the parsonage is pleasant and convenient. There are plenty of windows to let in sunshine and fresh air.
I was surprised to hear that Mary had had pneumonia. You must be anxious to be with her even though she is much better.
How I should like to go "birding" with you! Perhaps it would be too late now if distance did not separate, for Commencement is drawing very near, and I suppose you are busy in other ways.
You will enjoy your little green room at Brigham, I think. Do you admire Miss Woolley as much as of old? If so, you will be glad to be near her.
It made me really sad to hear about Cornelia King. I have been afraid for nearly a year that she was attempting too much for her immature strength. She is warmhearted, and I remember her with gratitude for what she did to make my stay in South Hadley pleasant.
Saturday of this week I intend to go to Hedding. Mother does not wish to be there alone so early in the season; Mabel cannot leave here yet on account of dressmaking and other plans; Mother cannot join us here because of hay fever; so I am to go to the Camp Ground there to regain what I have lost in speed by diligent practice in shorthand.
Mrs. Ackerman invited me urgently to spend Commencement week at her home, but I think I shall have to forego the pleasure of meeting Pinkerton friends at Derry this year.
Perhaps I shall see you somewhere before another year. At least, I shall think of you lovingly and thankfully.
With warmest love and good wishes for the coming months,
Your friend,
June the fourteenth.