Independence, MO
6/29 1887
Miss Mary Pace,
Jackson MO
Darling Girlie,
How shall I begin? I feel like scolding, but guess I won't. I was so disappointed because you didn't send your picture, now then I am going to expect it right away and be sure and send it. I have had no pictures taken lately, but am going to before long.
Well Mary, I am free once more and am so glad, my school closed a little more than a week ago. I taught nine and one half months and was so tired, but I got along nicely and am getting so that I like it very well. I had a picnic the last day and enjoyed it fine. I have applied for a situation her in town and hope I will not have to teach in the country again. I have had such a pleasant time while I was in the country, but my dearest friend was married a little more than a month ago, and I hated it so much, she was only nineteen and married a widower thirty-three, he was awfully nice though, had the cash and no young 'uns, he gave her a lovely diamond and they went to Chicago on their tour and came home & settled down to housekeeping. I received a letter from her yesterday, she was the happiest girl living etc. but oh dear! Wait till "harvest time" she'll change her tune for she detests children. She received several presents. I was the "best" girl and as I am in practice will expect to perform same office for you soon, the idea of you being engaged and in earnest, it is absurd. Poor fellow, let him down easy, he will have to save his diamond for some one else. Is it Caruthers? Do tell me all about it and if you are really in earnest. I quite agree with you in regard to first love and I sometimes think it is all bash, the more I see of the world, or rather the people, the less faith I have in love.
Don't school girls get their eyes opened though? And don't their castles tumble? It makes me laugh to think how very silly I used to be, my sentamentality [sic] too has fled.
Is it Maggie Harris that is to be married? I think our room is about all of the girls that remain single, so you will have to make the start. I have a letter from Lute and one from Nan that I haven't answered their letters yet, but am going to write to Lute today, she wanted to know where you were? She called Prof. & Mrs. Rider not long since. Miss Riley is going in company again, she called on "Gitteau"! (Marnie Allers) says, she is quite stylish and has a lovely home. I guess she does better than she used too. I suppose you know Lillie Brown was married? I hadn't heard that Nell Pharr was married nor Abbie Sture either. Lute's Bro. Alex was married a short time ago. I was terribly shocked for I was somewhat mashed myself, but such is life. Mary, you remember Ernest Smith that called on me while I was at school? Well I boarded with his parents this spring, now maybe you think I didn't talk to the old folks? I did all the same but alas! it did no good, he is in K.C. in the Real Estate business and cares nothing for the girls, but you come up and try your hand on his hard heart and perhaps you can melt it.
I haven't gotten me any new dresses yet, but am going up to K. C. soon to get me three & have them made.
I sent East for my under clothing and got them ready made. I got them much cheaper than I could have made them my-self and it saved me so much work. I am so glad to be at home again, it seems to me as though I was gone an age.
Now old girl, I owe every one a letter and have answered yours first, but if you don't write immediately and send your picture I will be so mad. Address me at Independence, Box 336.
With very, very love to you. I am,
Yours lovingly,
Mattie
I forgot to tell you that Dollie Musser has a baby.