Hickman Mills, Mo.
10/17-1891
My dear Nancy:--
I have just finished a letter to Mary Pace and commence one to you, but know I'll not finish for it now almost ten and I am such a sleepy head can't stand it much longer. I ought not write to you for six months like you do, but I can't do that way and besides I want to get all my letters answered up as I expect to begin practicing for an entertainment in my school which is to come off Xmas and I am going to try to have something extra, we are going to make money for our school library, my house is all repaired and quite comfortable. I have been at work three weeks and they have passed quite ____. Tell Mr. Bentley he is a false prophet as my health has improved very much and I am not half as delicate as I look. I am as tough as a pine knot.
Oh dear! I am so sleepy I'll have to stop until some future time.
Sunday Afternoon
[Illegible] entertaining Frank and as I have sweet hear to talk to will finish my letter. I went to the Christian church this morning, you know my folks are members of that church. I am very much afraid my part of the programme will not be carried out as I have never had the very great pleasure of seeing him and don't expect to soon. I do my very best to with the Association. I know you had a good time. You have my heart felt sympathy in regard to losing your family, poor child, I don't see how you bore up under such a trying death. I will stop, for I have some more letters to write and the evening is nearly done.
Give my love to every body, your self in particular. F [illegible] said to give you her love. Now, old lady if you don't do better I am going to stop writing to you. Write real soon.
Yours,
Martha