Stockton March 17, 1892

Dear Alice:

Yours was received yesterday afternoon, and I suppose I must not let Thursday pass without writing. You ask what I think of the length of your letters. I think they are of respectable length, and that mine are too, all things considered.

Frank received a silk necktie yesterday. We tried to make him think it was from Grace, but he says you sent it. He did not authorize me to return thanks, but I think he is thankful. He is working for Gilbert to day as his bookkeeper is sick. I had him paint the walls of the pantry the first of the week, and I have got the shelves all straightened.

Mr Schneider commenced on the bathroom Monday morning. Think it will all be done by next Monday night, and then the next thing will probably be painting the out side of the house. I intend to have Frank paint the inside of the kitchen and bathroom. I don't see but he does about as well as a regular painter, only he is slower.

Your board will be due again Sunday and you will find enclosed an 'Express Money Order' for $40. We want you to have enough for all the necessary purposes, but you must not be extravagant.

Mrs Abbott is at Mrs Phillip's visiting for a week or so. She and Mr Abbott drove in Tuesday and he went back the next day. Mrs P- is nearly through housecleaning; she has new carpets for her sitting room and bedroom, and has put her carpet on Nell's room, and the sitting room carpet on the dining room.

Major is well: he is over here more than half the time as he scratches Mrs Getty' garden, and they have to keep him shut up a good deal. They will probably not get in their house before June.

Hoping to hear that you are feeling well I will close.

From your mother

E. M. Watrous