Vassar College.
Dec. 4, 1873.

My dear Sister,

Again we have a holiday and so, having little to do this evening I can take time by the forelock and begin my letter to you. Philalethean day Is welcomed by me, because it Is a holiday, but for the rest, I presume it will be somewhat stupid. This was barely a commencement, but this evening I have time to write again. All the morning I was trudging about in town with Miss Graham and this afternoon Fannie Buff and I have been idling away the time reading Mrs. Browning and talking. So now our holiday is almost over, and I have done none of the hundred and one little things which I had intended to do, but such is always the case. How philosophical! This has been a week of marvellous dissipation for us, sad one for which we must pay by months of steady and stupid study. Wednesday night we had a lecture from Mr. Praetor upon the sun. It was very good, but was not so Interesting as we had anticipated. Then Thursday night Mrs. Scott Siddons had a reading in Po'keepsie, and a good many us went in to hear her. She is as beautiful as her pictures represent her, but her reading was rather affected. Some of her Shakespeare reading was very fine. The "May Queen," I think, she spoiled. Do you remember the lady we heard read in Hartford? This was a great improvement upon that. Then last night was Philalethian. Every thing passed off nicely as about as usual. The brass band from New York was an Innovation, however, and one with which every body was enchanted.

 Letters from Texas come now in the regular time. So this morning I received Papa and Mamma's letters in which they leave to me the decision of going or not going home with Fannie Ball. As I hate exceedingly to decide any question, I would have hoped you would have assisted me. Fannie is very anxious to have me go, and as I presume we will have a very pleasant time, thank Fortune she is not crazy after beaux. I think I shall go. As for the dress for winter, it is entirely unnecessary. If I have my black polonaise made, and get a "cheap print," as Miss Terry calls them, I shall be all ready, By the way Mamma says that she has bought some stuff for you a cloak. Be sure and have it made in the walking jacket style, with double front, and pockets and slashed back. I presume you have seen the style often in the Bazaar, and can send for the pattern. There is a pretty style of braid new for trimming which I could send you, If you wish. it costs 35 cts. a yd. and is to trim mine where it is made over.

Yesterday when I was in town I looked at gold ball earrings. There was a very pretty pair for eight dollars, and an exquisite pair for ten. Nothing so pretty can be bought for the price as these balls, of course they will not be the fashion very long, but about as long as any style. Don't you want me to send you	

[Remainder of letter is lost]