My dear Nellie:-I've an idea that you are waiting for me to write, that is that you expect me to write first, though I believe that nothing was said on the subject. At any rate I've been at home a week and I think it is time I let you know that your "child" had a safe though a most tiresome journey. I left the room in a tolerably presentable condition though not exactly immaculate and I flattered myself that I had made every thing safe until a day or two ago I remembered that I did not put a tag on the elephant and it is such a ramshackly old affair that I fear we may never see it again.
Breakfast was so funny that morning. There were at least thirty guests and scarcely anything to eat and not enough of what there was to go around and Hannah was furious and Mrs. Mead cross and Mrs. Purnell not to be found and Mary S- scolding because we weren't appreciated. All in all it was very funny.
It was so hot and dusty all that day and I grew tired enough of my own society before reaching Binghampton [sic] a little after nine where I changed for the last time and went to bed only to wake up & look at my watch at every stop so as to be sure not to get carried by. It was raining torrents when four o'clock & Jamestown came & our horrid station looked more forlorn than ever but Mamma was there. It was a queer sensation to poke into a strange house at that hour & make right for the pantry for I was faint not having had anything to eat since the previous noon. But it is pleasant and home-like though I miss my two rooms & closet and have had some difficulty in finding places for all my duds as Mamma disrespectfully calls my possessions. Fortunately I've grown iconoclastic and have already filled a rag-bag and burned almost a bushel-basket full of truck.
We have quite a good manny boarders and the girls took it into her head to leave the other day so I've been obliged to be quite a Bridget. It is really as bad as Abbie's domestic work, however we expect a new girl Monday morning for which I am truly thankful, it will be so much easier for Mamma and Auntie not to mention Lucy Fish.
I didn't enjoy either the High School Commencement nor Alumni very much, partly because I was tired & in need of sleep and partly because I met so few of my acquaintances. Mr. Rogers of course was there & said 'twas a pity I had another year at College for there was a vacancy in the High School that he would gladly give me but there might be another place next year, so I may end by staying right here after all much as I would like to go West to grow up with the country. Sara Budd is one of the applicants for the place whom they are seriously considering. Mr. Rogers asked me all about her & whether I would recommend her &c. There is another vacancy in the High School and there is some talk of putting Grace Gifford there - wouldn't she & Sara have rackets, though!
Well, Marian Gifford has become Marian Martin which alliterative cognomen sounds like a novel. I was up there one afternoon to see her pretty things and then was there all the day of the wedding to receive, arrange & note down the gifts & in the meantime to help with the decorations. She had beautiful gifts and the house was trimmed so prettily and it was a lovely wedding - all of which was quite to be expected.
I've had a letter from Elizabeth & that's the only one. Elizabeth ought to be able to come back in September - she does gardening mornings & sleeps two hours every afternoon.
Did you have any experiences on your way home and have you had any since? How are all your family? Please remember me to all of them. Have any of the Round Robins struck you yet?
Now don't be too lazy but write to me before the vacation is half over.
Your affectionate room-mate
Fish.20 West Fourth Street
Jamestown
New York.
Saturday, June 29, 1895