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when I seat my self to write home the words come so fast that much as ever any of them are visible. Never mind I'll write you a nice latter some time, perhaps. But hark now I've to tell you something! In just nine days, if nothing happens ( and I hope there won't nothing bad) I'm to look you you in the eye, and I'm to squeeze you half to Live. And I'm to sleep with you and talk__ and talk__ and tell__ and tell__ and hear and see you all again at home. Oh! dear me! But I must not anticipate too much for something may happen. I hope we shall all be well. And that we nay have a pleasant time. But don't fuss a bit for Thanksgiving. I would'nt. It is so much trouble and makes so much hard work, and we all shall want to sit right down and visit you know, and have a good time

[written along the left-hand side of the page] We are having a delightful evening. We are all sitting in Mrs. Sherman's sleeping room by an open fire-place. Helen's Idea who has not been quite well to-day. Charlie Burroughs is parching corn. He has once before this evening with a little of my help, parched a nice pan full which we hastily devoured. Mrs. Sherman has been paring apples and is now Knitting. Helen is sitting in the large easy chair reading a little now and then. Mr. Sher- man has not yet come from the shop. Charlie has finished parching corn and is now shuffling his cards for a game of Old Maid. He says perhaps Miss Reed will play when she is done writing. But I guess not to-night. The game is going on now with Mrs. Sherman, Charlie and Helen. I ran into Mr. Jackson after school to tell them I had heard from home and I told Harriet your message. She sends love to you. Mr. Jackson has got home from Montague. He said Mr. Bradford said he had a glorious time at Warwick. Helen says "Tell the, I'm the Old Maid". Once more good night and Farewell 'till I see you affectionately Mary