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Walpole Sept 28/55 Friday Evening My Dear sister Abby, I have written a whole sheet to Charles but I don't feel relieved yet. For it has been so long since I wrote that my heart has grown heavy with its weight of sorrow. But as I have mourned so much in Charlie's letter I don't know as I ought to any more lest you may think I may forget my blessings. I do not. Oh! [illegible] but I do so wish you were here to talk with me, and sit with me, and laugh with me and sleep with me. They wanted to have me room with their daughter. But I felt as though I couldn't. I don't know whether I shall or not. I don't know whether I like my boarding-place or not. The house is very pretty inside; it is the Burrough's house and I don't know whether it is in good standing or not. You know what Mr. Jackson told us.

[written along the right-hand side of the page] I thank you for sending a letter enclosed. But if you break open another without leave I'll - (cut your head off). Now here's your license-- Any letter from family, relatives or certain family interests of any description you shall have permission to read if you will be very particular not to do any mischief--but all particular letters in white satin envelopes and perfumed within, I will open myself if you please. I don't know hardly what to think of two letters so soon but I guess he repeated the commencement of the first and in his dilemma started another with "Sturn" Nothing alarming nowadays- Especially when there is no "Arter?" in it. I am sorry he is so unwell- I am afraid he is more unwell than he writes. I want to see yours. Send it up and I will send it back. It will be all safe- you know we can send as many as we wish too. Yes - I shall write soon and I think you better just as we have done I would not lose any correspondence now for anything if he is so unwell. His letters are so good - I prize them too. I send your paper and envelopes. I think you will like them. Expense ninepence. I also send 50 cents to get a bottle of Cod Liver Oil - mine is most gone and I don't know what I shall do for it is my chief comfort. I haven't been hungry since I have been here - It has been cold most of the time since I have been here - and I have worn thin dresses but little. My new delaine seems to be just the thing for this fall - I like my basque very much they are much worn here of all colors. Tell mother I shall always Keep it - to remember her by - I wish if you can you would send my box of Crayons - Do it up tight in a paper and tie it up tight - Ask mother if she will send me two or three white pearl buttons - I don't time to go to the store for them. And now - I must bid you good night again and to go to bed all alone - I look way over and see you all sleeping (for it is late) but mother, I guess she is up - Dear mother your Mary is up and sheds a silent tear in memory of you. Oh if I could lay my weary head on the pillow beside you, I could sleep so sweetly. The tears are falling fast I cannot see to write - good night dear friends - Mary