[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading. At the time of writing this letter, Lillie is home with her mother, after the close of the Steubenville school for the summer, and making plans for her wedding, after which she will go to China as a Missionary. The planned wedding was to a man, Edward Stubbert, whom she barely knew, but missionaries often had marriages of convenience, as it was easier to go as a married couple and live in a foreign land. The engagement was soon broken, as Edward decided he didn't want to go to China, and Lillie went to China anyway, with her brother Robert.]Mechanicsburg Pa
July 26. 1881My Dear Sister -
I do not owe you a letter but have volunteered to write for mother[.] She wrote to Will last week and used her head up for several days so I concluded I would not allow her to write any more for awhile[.] This must be a hurried note though for I am too busy to spend much time and I must write to John, Willie and Annie. this morning.
All is moving along quietly and slowly. I am working away at underclothes. Have not yet commenced the dresses. Expect to have someone to help me for a week or so when I get to dresses. Emma Stayman and I went down to Phila shopping last week on a three days excursion. We only stayed two days though, and that was quite enough to tire us both effectually. Agnes told us you were coming east the middle of August and we were very glad to hear it. Have not yet heard from Annie Mateer but she will be here by that time without doubt.
A letter from Will yesterday informs us that he probably cannot come. I am very sorry for he would be a great addition to the company and I wanted him to get acquainted with Edward. [Lillie was engaged to Edward Stubbert, with the plan for them to go to China together as missionaries shortly after their upcoming marriage, but Edward changed his mind about going to China, and they never married - Lillie went to China that fall, as an unmarried woman, with her brother Robert] Our stops on the way across will have to be few and short and I want the family to see as much of him as possible. He will be here almost a week before the wedding and you can all have a chance at him[.]
We had letters from Rob. but not after he heard from me. I do hope he will make an effort to be here for if he is not on hand I will be dreadfully disappointed. He enjoyed his voyage over hugely [after graduating from Princeton, Robert went to Europe for a vacation]. Was only sick about fifteen minutes and had the very best of company. My but I do wish he had a wife! It just seems too bad. I know he will regret not having one as soon as he gets to China. I am very happy in my prospects and know I shall be happy when the reality comes. The friends here are all pleased and glad that I have gotten away from Mervin [her 1st fiancee with whom she planned to go to China]. I did not know it but it seems they were never very well satisfied with him.
Mother has made up her mind to stay here for awhile at least. Not in this house longer than Spring but somewhere else in town possibly with Ellen and Auntie.
All is moving along smoothly in the church. Mr. Reigart seemed very glad to get home and gave us two good sermons on Sunday. The S.S. Assembly at Oakville went off all right, but was rather poorly attended[.] A good many went from our church. Our picnic is to be at Pine Grove Aug. 10. We will hardly go but cannot say yet. Mrs Gilchrist is still quite poorly but better than a week ago.
Now I must stop and write to others. With a great deal of love from all and hoping to hear from you soon I am
Lovingly
Sister Lillie.Horrie is raising potatoes. Says tell you he is waiting to hear from you.