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Gaston, Mary E. | to mother, Oct. 1874:

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Date
October 18, 1866
Abstract
VC Ex 1878
Creator
Transcript file(s)
Details
Identifier
vassar:24296,,Box 68,VCL_Letters_Gaston_Mary-E_1874_1878_012
Extent
1 item
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: VCLLettersGastonMaryE18741878012001
Oct. 18. 1874.

My dear Mother,

I suppose you are resting to day, from the affects of housecleaning, rejoicing that it is through with for an other six months. I wonder if you longed for me to help as much as I did for you and Evie yesterday, when fixing my much enduring black silk: I did not want to do it until Nov. but my green cashmere proved unworthy by wearing in to a respectable hole right by my shoulder an unpleasantly conspicuous place so as there was nothing to mend it with I got out that piece of cashmere from my trunk and in half a day made three folds and put them on, so to day, I appear in my new winter dress which I am very proud of.

Governor Dix honored the College with a visit last Tuesday: Miss Terry told us to put on our swell clothes ^(she did'nt say that) and be in the Chapel at five P.M. which we were, in a high state of expectation: they

 


: VCLLettersGastonMaryE18741878012002
that is His Excellency and staff, came in dressed in uniforms for they had been attending a dress parade in P. the Pres. then made a speech "lengthened sweetness long drawn out" as usual, and then presented the Gov. to the students at which point we all rose as we were before commanded: it reminded me so comically of one of Evie's jokes it was all I could do to keep from laughing and indeed we all looked a little foolish which I am afraid the Gov. noticed for in his answering speech he called us "the light brigade" which taken in one sense does'nt sound very complimentary, but I made a most absurd mistake which fortunately no one knew of but myself. I kept my eye on a tall handsome man dressed in full uniform and wondered how he could sit so unmoved while Pres. Raymond poured forth such compliments but what was my surprise when the Gov. rose, to find it was'nt the man I had been looking at [crossed out: at] all but one dressed in plain clothes. I felt foolish enough for I ought to have known they are never dressed up but I said nothing.

On Thursday afternoon I went In town to get

 


: VCLLettersGastonMaryE18741878012003
crinoline for the trimming of my dress, and as the car was so long coming I walked until it overtook me. on my way I met a [crossed out: crowd] drove of cows, three fighting dogs, a crying boy, and a swearing man. It was quite exciting, really enjoyable after I got inside of a gate but I was glad when the car came.

Music began last week my lessons come on Monday and Thursday the first thing, which time dont please me at all, but likely there will be changes soon, there always are. The two weeks we have lost will be made up in time.

It is such a cold blowy day the idea of your having a grate to look at makes me envious, registers are comfortable enough but they dont look warm. I shall think of you in N.Y. to morrow be sure to send me samples of any thing you may get.

I am sorry to hear that Cousin Louise is not well will she spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with us as usual?

Annie Barcalow wrote me a few lines to return the money I lent her: she says she does'nt want to stay home at all and feels wretchedly

 


: VCLLettersGastonMaryE18741878012004
about it. it is a great pity that she tried it again it made it so much harder.

We have begun Latin composition or at least have our first lesson to morrow, but it is not writing compositions in Latin which I used to think with a shudder in reading over the catalogue but simply translating English exercises into Latin. it does'nt seem very hard just now but of course we are never sure they are right until we read them in class. Algebra is as usual, difficult, aad as we are not allowed to work with, or receive help from any one it Is tough work, especially when you are with a girl who has got an example you have been working hours on, and know that a suggestion is all you need, it is maddening. I felt quite proud of my rocking chair last night, for it graced a Junior sociable and one of them told me it was so comfortable. When you write again do send your love to Miss Hoyt for her mother sent her love to me to my great surprise and so

 


: VCLLettersGastonMaryE18741878012005
you must do the same. I am counting the weeks as well as Pappa, only nine from next Wed.

[Mary E. Gaston, ex-'78]