Raymore, Mo.
Jan. 4, 1887
My ear old darling,
I am not going to be so mean as you, but am going to write immediately. [Illegible] think you treated me terrible bad. I declare Nan, there has been so many things happened since I last wrote. I do not know where to begin. I will tell you about my school. I finished up my fourth month last Friday, had New Year's exercises and had a houseful of company, my new widower was there and came home with me, the young lady were I board is my rival and way ahead. I have about given up for I stand no show while she is around. I have only been to two parties, had a bushel of fun, there were several of us watched the old year out & the new one on in. I had a jolly time. Fannie had another fellow and I sharked the so-so of course I enjoyed it. Fannie & I spent Thanksgiving in Independence, (our w- brought us home, he is the only young gent in the neighborhood, the one I wrote you about has left, this one has the chink and spends it quite freely, that is why the girls like him so well. Did you know Lillie Brown was married? Saw her marriage in the paper. No, Mary never sent me her picture, although I wrote for it, tell her I would like to have it so much. I received a letter from Lute just before yours came, but have not answered it, she has been giving painting lessons in Liberty. Nan, next Friday is my birthday, paint your picture and send it to me for a birth day present. I assure you I would hang it where I could look at it all the time. I know you are heart broken about that fellow, the way you write, I do feel so sorry for you poor little dear. Did Santa come to see you? He did me, the dear old fellow, I wish he would come oftener. You must excuse this letter for I can't write much on account of my eyes, they are getting much better, Dr. Bishop, the noted eye doctor is treating them. I just have to take the nastiest medicine you ever tasted. I must close as it is bedtime. I am crazy for it to snow so I can go sleighriding. Write real soon. Give my love to Miss Lida & much for you.
Yours devotedly,
Mattie