Hickman's Mills, Mo.
4/12 - 1890
My dear old Nancy:--
I am going to return "good for evil" and answer your letter right away. I thought mine wasn't appreciated, you waited so long. You are very much mistaken if you imagine me to be better looking that picture flatters me so much, home folks don't like them at all.
Oh dear, how ridiculous for you to imagine such a thing, as me going to marry. You are clear off your base. I am teaching again at the same place, have been at work two weeks, have 37 pupils. I do get so tired sometimes. I almost feel as though it's worse than getting married. Thank God every day that your Parents are living and you have a home. I do think girls in your position are certainly blessed but they never realize it until it is too late. Now I hope your mind will be easy, I am not married nor going to be soon for I am not engaged even nor even got a "bean" so you see there is no danger.
No, I am thankful to say I didn't have the "grippe," The Measles are all the style here at present, but I had them a long while ago. Sorry your folks have had such a serious time, hope they have all recovered.
I just had the "bossest" time the five weeks vacation. I was on the go all the time visited and had company and attended parties and we had a festival to buy a new organ for the church and just had picnics getting ready, we cleared $61.00. I was at a party last Friday night but didn't have such fun, there are no young gentlemen out
No, I don't remember Mary's Aunt. I think it would be perfectly right for you to write to her. I wish you would I would like to hear so much. That is the way though when any one marries, they never care for their friends any more, all they study about is their kids. I think you are mistaken about Lute, I know she loves you as dearly as ever and would love to hear from you. Won't you be glad when summer comes and you can wear thin duds? I will, I am so tired of old clothes.
Now Nan, if nothing prevents when school is out I am going to make you a visit, if it is only to stay two days. I ought not promise though, for something will be sure to prevent my going. I do want to see you so badly. I have been real homesick for two or three days that is very unusual for me, I have been here so long it seems like home, after this term, I will have boarded here thirteen months altogether they are all so good to me. I love them dearly. I guess you remember Ernest Smith. He called on me at school, it is his parents. I must close. Write real, very son, now please so. Love to all & much to you. Yours lovingly, Mattie.