March 25. 1875
Dear Carrie,
Tour pretty present has been received - You guessed my wishes
well, lor it is just what I have Irequently desired- What weather you
must be reveling in, while now as I sit by the window, nought but snow and
leafiest trees are visible - To crown all we had a pretty heavy fall ol
snow the day belore yesterday, but today the sun is glorious. I don't
wonder people talk so much about the weather, lor with me its condition
makes all the difference in the world. I can't be very blue or miserable
while the sun shines; at least in this climate, where it is a rarity -
W e manage to "put in" our vacation time very pleasantly doing
nothing, most of the day - Sometimes it is hard work to do nothing indus-
triously, but this spring I am tired enough to find it very easy. In the
morning I practise a little, for if I know my piece I shall play it at the next
concert; then draw for a while, and sfter dinner sleep or read - Last night
we passed pleasantly enough in our Senior parlor, one of the girls reading
while the others worked - One of Poe's tales was chosen, and I think it
speaks well for Vassar training to say that although afterwards sleeping
alone In a distant part of the house I was not at all frightened, neither had
bad dreams. But I am not at all confident that I shall be so brave at home -
Indeed I know in that robberish land I shall be afraid -
That velour could not be obtained in Po'keepsie, nor in New York
either - What's to be done? Shall I get a grey hat and send, or order one
made by the time you come on? And had I not better have a bonnet made
for Mamma here. You know you must all look your best at Commencement
time, for Vassar is a critical place. And although it will make no difference
Mar. 25, 1875 * 2
to me how you look, other people make remarks. Papa should have a new
and *»*h*onable suit, especially If he sit upon the platform as Colonel
Smith said - Above all things make him buy a stylish hat - What will
Mamma have for a dress ? I think that cashmere if made up nicely would
be most suitable, and perhaps as you have so much sewing to do at home, tfM
it would be better to send it on and have it made here * The time is so near
at hand that we must be thinking about such things - Please pay particular
attention to the preceding remarks, and answer necessary questions •
Received a letter from Julie £dith a few days since, and it was sad enough -
I will write to her today if possible. I hope she can be persuaded to spend
next winter with us, for 1 think the society of young people will do her much
good - Having one or two other letters to write, so adieu for today -
The "Chips" arrived in safety and were good} many thanks for them,
as also the occasional papers. Did X ever write you, your marriage notice
appeared in some of the N.Y. papers at the time? Who do you suppose put
it in?
(Julia M. Pease, '75)