14. Nellie's Letters, December 1865

Portland Me Dec 3rd 1865 Sunday eve. 10. P.M.

Dear Harry --

I haven't one of your good letters to answer, but I do want to write to my old boy so I propose to "go it alone".

Shall I tell you how the week has passed? -- Believe you are informed of my proceedings up to that time.

Well -- the most important item is that I've been acting as housekeeper! You must know that grandfather's housemaid had a husband come home on furlough, quite unexpectedly to all, and she took it into her head to go "down East" with him on a little date of a honey moon. Wishing to forward

such a sensible plan, I offered my services to grandfather, which were accepted and Monday they left with flying colors.

To be sure it keeps me in the kitchen with my sleeves rolled up most of the time, but I suppose it's a good thing to "keep my hand in", because when somebody comes home from the Office tired and hungry, 'twould be sort of jolly to be able to serve that somebody some delicate dainty prepared by ones own hand -- now don't be so presuming as to think that has any reference to you!

Monday evening I was at home, Byron and Ned and May Goss called.

Tuesday evening I went to a dance with ___ guess whom? Wednesday night attended a Lecture by the Rev. Mr Hepworth. His political views were very good, but I didn't like they way he touched on religious

subjects -- it seemed almost profane coming from a minister.

Thursday eve. there was a cousin party at my Aunt Bennetts, where we had quite a nice time playing cards and eating apples. You wanted to go? Perhaps I'll let you sometime.

Friday another dance with the same person with May G__ as an addition. -- had a right nice time.

Saturday ditto -- omiting Mollie. Have you a bit of curiosity on the subject? Well 'twas with Byron! Isn't it so queer? After all these years for him to commence learning to dance, -- but I can read the riddle. Hattie likes it. Oh! what strange changes love brings about!

You would do as much? -- Don't I know you have done a thousand times more dear old fellow? And don't I mean to do all I can that you may never regret your devotion -- time

will discover that part of the act.

Say -- do you think we are going to form an exception to the old rule and have our love run smooth? Or is it obstacle enough that we are parted by such a distance and for such a long time? -- Six months looks longer now, than a year did when you went away.

Tomorrow eve we are invited down to Mary Gosses to play euchre -- you can call about seven to take me there.

Tuesday evening I shall go again with Byron to the dancing school, and Wednesday noon we start for Wiscasset, and the rest of the weeks programme is a blank to me, but it will probably pass pleasantly.

Don't you know you are keeping me in the cold? -- I must go -- I do so hope I may have a letter this week, won't you? And now -- one goodnight kiss from

Nellie --

2.

Monday afternoon.

It's rainy so I have not had a chance to send this down.

The woman hasn't come today, and I've a mind to feel vexed for I'm tired of housework as substitute, there is some fun in it when one is principal. -- I wish you would run in and see me -- it's so dark and dreary that I am almost blue, I miss grandmother more such days.

Your mother didn't have a letter by the last steamer. I wonder why! Mine came all right.

Ever lovingly -- Nellie.