Westport, Mo.
1/4_1891
My dear old girlie:--
I know you think me a regular Hotentot for not writing to you sooner, but dearie, I can't begin to tell you how busy I have been ever since your letter arrived and I did enjoy it hugely. You darling old sugar lump, I only had you, I would love you to death for that beautiful scarf, actually I think it the very prettiest thing I ever saw and every one that sees it has fits over it. I am so very much obliged and just thank you more than I can tell and do wish I could make something to send you but alas I don't know how sorry to say. When Mr. I and I get married I want your picture in a large frame for the parlor & I'll put that on the corner & then it won't make any difference whether I have anything else or not people will be so carried away they wouldn't the other things any way. Lute sent me the [illegible] beautiful calendar I ever saw there is a scenery painted in the center about three by six inches and roses around that and the days, months & weeks are on pink grosgrain ribbon about an inch and a half wide the other is painted on white celluloid. I wish you could see it.
My pupils presented me with a ring, it has an emerald set in the center and a tiny diamond on either side, it is lovely. Mr. H gave me a handsome copy of Lady of the Lake, Mrs. H & Mrs. Tucker gave me a very pretty hand glass. Sister Emma gave me a beautiful manicure set, the handles are agate, Mrs. Smith a pin cushion cover. Fannie S. a plaque of her own painting, one of my own pupils a cute xmas card & last but not least Mr. Hudson's Brother was here from Texas (a bach) and he brought the children such nice presents that without thinking I said I wished he was my Uncle & Mrs. H. thought that was such a good one on me, she told him & he put his picture in a box & hung it on the arch for me & wrote on it, "Your Uncle" Lellywen Hudson, they all carry me high about my Uncle.
I went over home xmas morning & Mr. Hudson took me as far as K. C. in a sleigh. I went out to Mr. Smith's Saturday after xmas & Sunday evening, four boys drove out from K. C. to see us, we had so much fun Monday & Tuesday nights I attended parties & went visiting Mon., Tues., & Wed., & was going Thursday, but it was too bad. I came to Ind. Friday & down to Westport this morning & will have to go to work in the morning, it kills me to think of it for I never had such a good time in my life. Mr. Hudson has asked me to go with them on entertainment at K. C. next Tuesday night at Calvary Church, that is the finest church in the City & is to be a swell affair. Whittaker is to furnish the supper and there are to be some splendid lectures. I am tickled to death to think I am going. Herbert Irvine is in Kansas now visiting his mother has been away two weeks. I am afraid my cake is all dough, he brought his girl over not long ago to see me, she is right pretty "Uncle Lil" is on my side though, he told me so today & that he would like to see that match, us you know, Ha, ha, ha, What do you that of that. I am mad at Herbert though, he asked Miss Clara to go with him to church twice the last time she was here & she didn't go & then asked me & I didn't know I was second choice until afterwards & I read him a curtain lecture & we are a little off, but he has been away so long I am almost in a good humor. I think I'll try your advice & have a little fun, if I can. Mrs. H & I made a bargain this afternoon, she said if I would go with her to Marshall next summer she would go with me to see you & I promised. Mr. H sent you a lot of word, but I have forgotten it, he said Mr. H was jealous & never told him that you said goodby. Mrs. Tucker is in Tenn. Now on a visit, has been away almost two weeks, I don't know when she will be home. Mr. T went to K. C. to church one Sunday night & some one stole his buggy & horse & he has never heard of it & don't expect he will.
I am sorry you and Eli's girl are on the warpath, hope you will not be worsted in the encounter, it is too bad she is so jealous, How is "Covey"? You keep an eye on him and don't let him smile on any girl for he is mine you know. I am writing by firelight so you will have to excuse all blots & scribbling & Mrs. Conroy is in here & my mind wanders to Kans. too so you see I am excusable, I want you to write & tell me all about your xmas. I will have to close for the fire has died down & there is no lamp, so write real soon. All send love & much, more, most from me.
Yours,
Mattie.