Hampstead, Nov. 12. 1842.My dear Mary,
My time being for the few last weeks principally occupied with study I have defered [sic] from day to day writing to you, but as the fall term has now closed and I have a moments leisure I with pleasure spend this evening in writing to friend Mary.
I suppose you feel "quite at home". I hope you find good friends and enjoy yourself well which I doubt not is the case.
Miss Bodwell's school closed on Tuesday the 8. It was very pleasant the last term rather more so than the first I think.
We had an examination on Monday afternoon. The room was nearly filled with spectators[.]
I felt very much fatagued [sic] after leaving the school-room. I spent the night with Miss B. and enjoyed it much.
It was with much regret that we parted with our dear teacher. Doubtless you know dear Mary how hard it is to say "good bye" to a much valued friend.
We meet and spend a few short days, and then comes separation. It is pleasant to meet but hard to part. How happy they who can feel that soon they shall meet to part no more, that though they part here, they shall meet in heaven.
Solemn changes have taken place in Hampstead since you left Mary. Sickness has prevailed and several deaths have occured [sic]: among the number are Aunt Poor, and Mr. Bachelder.
Aunt Poor died in the hope of a blessed immortality, she has we doubt not left her tabernacle of clay, and ascended to a "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." Her Saviour seemed near to comfort and sustain her, in her sickness and death; and when the summons for her to depart came, we feel that she was ready and willing to obey.
Within a few weeks Mother has lost a sister Mrs. Runnels of Salem she died the week after Aunt P.
How uncertain is life! and yet how few feel it. Friends and connections are taken from our midst Mary, and we are yet spared.
I want a letter from you very much and hope I shall soon have the pleasure of receiving one, will you please to write me what studies you are pursuing this year?
Eliza Reynolds I understand thinks of taking a school in Hanover this winter, I should think she would almost dread the idea of going so far from home to teach[.]
Mary C. Smith has closed her school in Plastow and is now at home. I told her your request and hope she will comply with it.
I have been visiting sister Harriet today Mary she wishes me to give her love to you. -
I should like to have you see Charles Henry - he grows nicely, and you would think so. His father is almost, and I don't know but I might say quite proud of his little son.
Mr. Day and Harriet think of visiting Boston next week. I think I shall defer making this fall, the visit I talked of at Boston.
Mother sends you much love.
When I commenced this letter Mary I intended to have written you at least three pages but I can think of no news to fill it out with, which I think would be interesting to you, therefore as it is past nine o'clock on Saturday evening and feeling some fatague [sic] from watching last night I think I had better close hoping that you will soon favor me with a long letter.
Yours affectionately
Lois Calef.