[Paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Steubenville Sem.
Sept 25. 1880My Dear Sister
It is Saturday night and I am very tired. Had undressed and was going to bed and when I went to the bookshelf to take down my Bible I took out of my letter-case the letters of the week to read them over. After I read yours I concluded that I was not as tired as you were when you wrote to me and I might gladden your heart if I would write you even a short letter.
Another weeks work is done and while it has been a busy week I must say it has been a happy one. I enjoy my teaching ever so much and some of my pupils are just as nice as they can be. Dr and Mrs Beatty, Dr Reid and "Hellie" are all in Phila at the council. It is lonesome without them. I called on the Beattys last week and had a pleasant evening with them. I like the old Doctor better than his wife.
There are two young teachers with whom I am getting quite well acquainted. One of them is a year older and one a year younger than myself and I know we are going to have a real good winter. This morning we three took a lunch with us and started out about ten o'clock for a row on the Ohio. (don't tell mother). Were [sic] did the rowing all ourselves and were on the water till almost one o'clock. It was nice but we came home all tired out and had a cold dinner for the rest were all through. I came up to my room after dinner and had just gotten ready for a nap when two of the girls came to know if I would take them shopping[.] So I bathed and dressed and sallied forth at three o'clock and tramped around town till after five so you can imagine how tired I am. It is not one bit nice to take the girls out, for they do not know what they do want and they make one take so many useless steps. If you could see me here around the girls with my dignity on I hardly think you would know me. I am getting quite used to it already.
My room is a real cozy little one now that I have it fixed up. I had my family group framed and got a little clock, covered my bureau with white dotted swiss and draped the same over my little looking-glass. Got a large wooden rocking chair so I am quite well fixed. Wish you could look in on me some of these evening[s] as I sit "alone in my sanctum"[.]
Last eve I had an eighteen page letter from Allegheny. It was unusually long tho because Mervin [her fiancee, with whom she broke off the engagement in 1881, because he decided he didn't want to go to China as a missionery] had plenty of time this week. Sem. has closed for a week and the boys and Profs. are nearly all in Phila. He did not go so he could spend more time on me. We each write and each get a letter once a week. Is that too often? It certainly does not seem so to me. I look forward all the week to Friday evening.
Had a postal from Horrie today and he has the long worked for scholarship. I am so glad for I dont know what he would have done if he had failed to get it. Sammie Diven did not get one. Rob. is in Phila now attending the council. Mother is busy entertaining company but you have doubtless had a letter from her before this time. I am glad you are once more settled and I do hope you will like the school. I met a man here the other day from St. Paul. who knew you when you taught at Washington but I dont remember his name. He said at once, "You are a sister of Jennie Mateer who taught at Wash. some years ago. I would think so from your looks any way for you certainly resemble her." Two ministers who came here with their daughters were in the seminary with Calvin. Even the man who keeps the book-store where we deal knew Calvin in Washington[.[ He was keeping store there when Calvin was in college[.] Mr McClaire our pastor took tea with us last evening and as I occupy Dr Reids place at table during his absence it fell to my lot to entertain him. He knew Mr. H. quite well, and esteemed him highly. Met Calvin at the meeting of synod and I think he said he had met you. I really do not feel half as much as if I was among strangers as I did last year. I am so tired and sleepy I can scarcely write so I think I will stop and go to bed. Tell Mary I heard she had been writing to Mervin before she told me and I am quite jealous. I am going to write to her very soon. She can look for a letter next week. And now good night. Write to me as soon as you feel able. Love to all
Sister Lillie