Raymore, Mo.
Sept. 25, 1886
My dearest girlie,
I have at last, after trying for so long, found an opportunity of answering your letter, do not imagine it was not appreciated because I have been so long in replying, for such I assure you is not the case. I have had no time that I could really call my own for three months. I went home to Independence soon after your letter arrived and had to attend the Institute for three weeks, and as soon as that closed had to just sew constantly to get ready for school, and I just owed every body a letter.
I finished up three weeks of my school yesterday, I am getting along so nicely, am so well pleased with my school and have the nicest place to board, just a little ways from school: there are three young ladies, and their Uncle (a widower) who lives here too, and we have such jolly times, if we do not have company we go some place almost every night. I have been out horse back riding several times. Mrs. Ware says she has more girls than she what to do with. I wouldn't be back in town for anything. I am not the least bit home sick although I haven't been home nor seen any of the folks from home since I have been here. I have my cap set for the widower, but I don't believe he is one bit smitten, but you know the saying, "Love begets love," so I am desperately in love, I have hopes that I may succeed, he is awfully nice.
All of us attended a match game of baseball two weeks ago today, my widower's side was victorious so of course I was happy; we had lots of fun. I received a letter from Mary not long ago, feel so sorry for her since her brother died, hadn't heard it before, she said May B-was a sight, I imagine she is a beauty now. I guess never heard anything about her father, be sure and tell me in your next letter. I suppose you read an account of Miss Lillian's marriage. I think everyone is going to step off this fall, but me. I am getting fearfully discouraged aren't you? But I have one great consolation, just think they'll have a "young 'un" to take care of about this time next year and we won't. I received a letter from Lute about two months ago, but have not answered it yet. Virgil was getting along fine the last I saw her. Nan, do write soon and I will do better next time. Give my love to Miss Lida. I would like so much to see you. I would talk you to death. I guess I will have to close as one of the girls is going to town and I have to write mother letter. Direct your letter to Raymore, Mo. Write soon.
Yours lovingly, Mattie.