El Dorado Springs, Mo.
8-20-1888
My dear Nan:--
I have attended [sic] to answer your dear old letter several times but each time have been interrupted. I came to school this morning before eight & will have a few minutes of leisure & will devote that time to you.
I have been sick for three days & consequently am homesick & have the blues. I getting tired of this place & if nothing prevents expect to bid it adieu the 19th of next month, as my term will be out then. I have not decided where I will go from here, but will come to a decision this week.
The young ladies had a leap year party not long since & we had a fine time, there were 24 couples of us, we went after the boys, but didn't take them home.
I attended two festivals last week & there are two this week. I will be so glad when they quit having them for I will go & eat the cream & it always makes me sick. I did have such a pleasant time though & there was so many people out. Isn't this terrible damp weather.
We Nan, I commenced this letter this letter morning and usual had to stop & give lessons & have just gotten back from dinner & the sun has come out & I have on a thick dress & am about to melt.
There is one of our dearest boarders this afternoon to go to another hotel & it made me blue to think of it for I am so much attached to her, she says, she will come down every day, but that isn't like boarding there, her husband is so delicate & they are the most devoted couple I ever saw. I think it would be nice to marry if you could get some one to love you like that. I am so much obliged to you for sending me the description of the wedding. I would like to have been there so much for I know I would have enjoyed it, be sure & send me the pieces. I havent' any pretty ones at all, but as soon as I get me some new dresses will send you some.
Lute didn't go to Ky. & doesn't know whether she will now or not. I received a letter from her the same day I got yours.
Do you remember Mrs. Hubbard of Columbia? She lives here, but is going to move back next month, she was telling me all about the place, she is very pleasant & a great talker.
I wonder if there is anything wrong with Mary? Just imagine her with a kid, don't it seem funny? How things do change, my life has been one continual change since I left school. I often wonder if I could settle down in one place & be content.
I am going to take in one of my pupils as partner when I leave here, she is a young lady & very nice, sweet girl. I think I will like her splendidly.
Well Nancy, I will have to stop as my pupils have commenced to arrive & "there is no rest for the wicked" so I must go to work. Write real soon & a long letter, remember if you wait too long I'll not be here & if I am long in replying to your next letter, I will be waiting to get located. Love to all & lots to you.
Yours lovingly,
Mattie