July

Friday. July 1

Haven’t seen Jean. Am going over to Hoffman’s for supper. Went up to the library.

2

Had a dandy swim down to Nolan’s. Jean is going to stay all night with me. I just want to take her in my arms and hold her so tight – but she don’t want me to.

3

Went to sleep sometime after two. Oh dear, oh dear, I can’t help Jean or anyone. Mrs. Wallace got a 10 page letter from Miss Gantt. She said it was for Jean and me too. She is certainly having a great time.

4

The great and glorious Fourth! Jean and I were together all day. The baloon(sic) ascension was fine. Bet I have walked 50 miles today. Am nearly dead.

5

Painted today. Was over to Hoffman’s for supper. Got a card from Miss Gantt. Ironed from 7:20 – 9:00 this eve. Am not very tired, th’o.

6

Mamma went to Sioux City. Jess, Edwin and I had a picnic over on banks of Missouri. Walked on the sand bar. Am so hot and tired and dirty. Haven’t seen Jean.

7

Send a card to Hazel. Stayed home all day and took care of Mamma. She is sick in bed. Went up to Jeans this evening. Played croquet. Won both games. Mrs. W. and I gainst Mr. Wallace and Mildred Thor…

8

Have been busy taking care of Mamma. Edwin and I drove down to Vinson’s after buttermilk. The sky was beautiful and I longed for Miss Gantt beside me riding out into “nowhere”.

9

Miss French is staying with mamma tonight. She certainly is good if anyone is. (Except Hazel and Jean. They are best). Was up to the dentists this morning. Got a letter from Miss Gantt. I love her so. Haven’t seen my Jean for two whole days. Am so lonely tonight.

10

Haven’t seen anyone and that means Jean, cause she’s everything to me. Got a card from Miss Bartholomew. Wish I could see her and Miss Gantt.

11

Was up to the dentist again. Had three teeth filled and am nearly dead. Painted for three hours this p.m. on my goose plate. My back nearly broke bending over that old outline. Haven’t seen Jean.

12

Painted today. Got my forget-me-not plate ready for another fireing(sic) and worked on my goose plate. Saw Jean at last. She is going in a week. How I will miss her! She and I bo’t a weeks supply of postals. HaHa

13

Nell and I did the washing all alone. Was down and to Jeans for supper. Played croquet. Mr. Reyo selected 10 prop upon which my exam will be based. Joy!

14

Worked all morning. Painted all afternoon. Played croquet. Jean was down this evening. I wish she was my sister so I could be with her all the time.

15

Jean and I are going to sleep on Hoffman’s house tonight. Had an awful time making our bed. Quite easy to haul a great big mattress up the ladder and thru a hole about a foot square. Oh yes.

16

We had a great time last night. When we lit the candle I know someone saw us. Didn’t go to sleep until after two. Woke up at four and at six. Jean stayed here until time to take her Latin less. She wrote a letter which she hadn’t ought to have written and sent it to Hazel.

17

Helped Miss French with a blackboard exsercise(sic). Was down to Jeans for supper. She and I went to church and C.E. Subj. was Letter Writing. Wish someone in Maravatio would cultivate the habit.

18

Have studied and read all day. Went down to Jeans after Lad. Naughty dog. Played croquet. Jean is going Thurs. See where I spend some pretty lonely days.

19

Painted today. Started a tea tile. Wanted to go down to Jeans, but couldn’t. Made me tired. Am reading “The Count of Monte Cristo”. It surely is interesting.

20

Very appropriate cards – “Sneeze, your brain’s dusty”. “Does you love me, ‘hun’? Then stick your tongue in my mouf.” “Be good and keep your nose clean” “I’m a cleaner, come and get cleaned.”

21

Jean went away today, am blue as can be. Nell and a whole gang of girls went down to the Sioux this p.m. Wish I could see Miss Bartholemew.

22

Went down to Vinson’s last night. Just got home. Rode horseback. Am awfully tired – but anyway I went south. Mrs. Beattie and Hazel Vohner were over this evening.

23

Took my geom. exam. Know I’ll flunk. Wrote only thirteen pages. Maybe I wasn’t tired when I got thru – and maybe I was. Ice cream social in court house yard. Helped wait on the table. Wish Jean would write.

24

Mr. Beattie, Carrie R and the Stickney’s were here for dinner. Talk about dishes! I am so tired. Maud, Jess and I went driving. They certainly are limits.

25

Heard from Jean at last. Have read her letter over and over. She certainly is the dearest ever. Lucile, Erma and I went to Richland on a picnic. Went boat riding, lost an oar and had lots of fun.

26

Ironed from 8:00 till 12:30. Painted from 1:00 till 6:30. I certainly am tired. Erma and I went to the show. Am staying all night with her. We are going on a picnic at Riverside. Missed Jean so much at our painting lesson.

27

Got up at 5:00. Started at 6:30. Went to the city twice. Went roller skating on the figure eight, got caught in a storm on the way home – but had a dandy time.

28

Was sick as a dog last night. Slept ‘till almost noon. George came yesterday. Wish Jean would write. Seems as if she has been gone ages instead of only a week.

29

Ma Fox and Maud are gone so I am staying all night with Blanche. She is down in the hammock with her Artie. Was up to the library this p.m. Got a card from Katheryn.

30

Got a picture of Miss Gantt taken with her pupils. She looks so dear. I just wanted to see her more than ever – but I can kiss the picture of her dear face anyway. S’pose I’m silly.

31

Edwin came today. The Hoffman’s were over for dinner. Dishes! Dishes! I’m nearly dead. Went to church all alone. Wish Jean were here.

June

Tuesday. June 1 & 2

I went riding with Miss G., Cad, and Jean – the three whom I love best. Rode out to Hammond’s and came home by the sand hills. I sat on Miss Gantts lap and couldn’t help but think that it would probably be the last time I would ever ride with her. She put her head on my shoulder and I felt so lonesome. Cad kissed me goodnight. She and Miss Gantt are surely the most fair and square and best teachers that ever struck this town. And my Jean is the best girl.

2

Confound that old Fehn anyways. He sent me from the room and wouldn’t let me finish my geom. exam and all just because I whittled my pencil-box.

3

Am so tired tonight that I can hardly stand up and so lonesome too.

4

Miss Gantt went away today. Jean is staying all night with me. I don’t believe that I realized until tonight that Hazel was really going and that perhaps might never see her again and-ole everything.

5

Miss Barthol, Jean and I went riding. Don’t know what I would do if Jean were going away this summer too. Am so lonesome without Miss Gantt.

6

Went on a picnic in Mosher’s woods. Pretty - good time. Killed a garter snake. I would rather have been home with Jean than out there – cause she understands.

7

Have worked all day long. Few of the girls were over this evening. Went home by Bovees. Lots of fun. Jean is going to stay all night with me.

8

4:00 a.m. is too much for me. Have been sick in bed all day long. Sadie went away. Jean and I surely were surprized(sic) when the clock struck 3:00. Oh, how lonesome how terribly lonesome it is without Miss Gantt.

9

Sick in bed all day, but got up for supper. Cad came home tonight. Heard from Miss Gantt. She isn’t going to Mexico and I am so glad.

10

Went fishing – didn’t catch a thing. Am tired. Want my Jean.

11

Miss Gantt is here – and I am so happy, but she is going in the morning, so don’t suppose I will see much of her. Jean and I are going down to Wallace’s now. Oh, I can hardly wait to see her.

12

Never was so tickled to see anyone in all my life. She didn’t get home until 11 o’clock. Cad came too. Jean and S. stayed awake until 4:30 and then woke them up as Hazel was going on the 5:35. Am so lonesome now without her. It all seems like a dream.

13

Am so tired. Wanted to go up to Jean’s, but had to stay home and work. Read “At the Order of the Prophet”. Didn’t like it at all. Wish I hadn’t read it.

14

Went for a picnic over in the Iowa Hills. Was so disapointed(sic) because Jean couldn’t go. Nell, Geo. and Mamma went off and left me all alone, so I climbed to the top of a great big hill. I tho’t of Jean and Hazel and Cad – and God.

15

Nell went away today. Jean was down this p.m. Don’t know what I would do without her, but I don’t believe she loves me – not as I love her.

16

Jean and I took our lesson in china painting this p.m. Sid came this morning. Went riding with Jess.

17

Cad came over and kissed me good-bye. I just can’t be good.

18

Stayed all night with Jean. Guess I just about live up to Wallace’s. We went to sleep so early – only about twelve.

19

Went to church five times today. Church is no place for me. I don’t belong there at all. I’m not good enough. Seems as th’o everyone ought to kick me out. I’m a disgrace to it.

20

Got a card from Miss Gantt. Painted from 1:30 till 6:00. Am rather tired. Jean was here for supper.

21

If ever any poor mortal got scolded continually day in and day out. I think I’m the one. Nothing I ever do suits Mamma. Always scolded am I. Everything goes wrong.

22

Jean and I read all p.m. Went over to Homers for a picnic supper – Epworth League I guess. Am so tired. Jean and I walked out to the big tree past Stickney’s. I wish I could see Miss Gantt now.

23

Waws down to Jeans this p.m. and stayed for supper. Guess I just about live down there. Jean never comes to see me. Went to see Mr. Reyo about geom. I have to study up and take an exam next fall on the whole book. Murder!

24

Jean, Mrs. Wallace, Miss French, Mamma and I went on a picnic over in the Iowa Hills this p.m. Saw a rattlesnake and lost the dog. Jean and I climbed the hills.

25

Jean was down a little while this p.m. Didn’t get thru with the work until after 4 o’clock. Am dreadfully tired. Wanted Jean to stay all night, but she couldn’t

26

Today has been rather lonely. Went to church four times. Made candy. Went over to Hoffman’s. Haven’t seen Jean at all. Miss French heard from Miss Gantt. She has been sick. Oh dear.

27

Haven’t seen Jean. Wanted to go over tonight, but Ma wouldn’t let me ‘cause Jean had to study. I wasted two hours on geom. this morning. What a fool I am. Wrote to Miss Gantt. Finished Rienzi.

28

Got up at 5:30. Went on a picnic. Waded with Edwin in the Missouri. Painted this p.m. Was down to Jeans for supper. I believe I love her more everyday. Wish I would hear from Miss Gantt.

29

Mamma and I did the washing this morning. Jean was down here for supper. She is in the parlor playing. Wish she loved me, but I don’t wonder ‘cause she don’t. Wish I were dead, so I do.

30

Stayed all night with Jean. Went to prayer meeting. Wrote to Cad, but was so disgusted with the letter that I threw it into the waste paper basket. May I always have sense enough to so end all such silly letters.

May

Sunday. May

1 – 3

4

Am so lonesome and blue tonight that I don’t know what to do. Went to an oratorical contest at opera house. Sat by Miss Gantt. I can’t realize that she will be gone in just one month.

5

Mr. Fehn almost killed Tom Fennel this p.m. The kids just let into him and told him what they tho’t of such actions. He gave me fits in the office.

6

Program this p.m. Was scared stiff. Came home and worked. Am so tired.

7

Work, work, work. Sadie turned the hose on me this p.m. and just soaked me. Haven’t seen Jean or anyone all day.

8

I am so tired and discouraged. It seems as th’o I just can’t be good and Miss G. is going away so soon and oh dear, what’s to the use of living, anyway.

9

Grace K. and H., Myrtle, Suds and I went out to Stickneys pasture with our supper. Played chalk – the rabbit afterwards. Jean had to take her music lesson so couldn’t go. Spoiled all the fun for me.

10

Was over to Frenches a little while last night. Miss F. said all her friends had deserted her – the I never came to see her anymore ‘cause I was afraid Mr. Fehn would be there and that Miss G. never came for the same reason.

11

Y.W. meeting. Neither Cad nor Miss Gantt were there. Am so tired. Miss F. and I were down to Wallace’s. Miss G. walked home with us.

12

Went to prayer meeting. Test in geom. I didn’t take it. He said, “You must.” I said, “I won’t,” etc. Grand old mix-up. Got 95 in Hist. test.

13

Nobody loves me; everybody hates me.

14

Went to depot, met Nell. Took Miss Gantt home, then to Wallace’s. Ix came out 4^th place. Am going to stay all night with Jean.

15

At 2:00 we went to sleep, so am rather tired. Only 3 more weeks of Fehn – seems ages yet, but – we will only have Miss G. 3 more too and it seems such a little while.

16

Studied until 5:30. Fehn made me stay for geom. It’s just pouring down. Got soaked coming home.

17

Sadie and I had a fight tonight and busted the bed. Took test in geom. I hated to go over to Bovees and I dearly love to be stubborn, but I hated to get zero, too.

18

Didn’t go to Y.W., but came home and worked. Am dreadfully tired. Got 100 in Geom. test.

19

Geom. test this p.m. Suds and I went to Vermillion. Saw “The Autigone” of Sophocles – old Greek play. The costumes were fine and I enjoyed it very much.

20

Track meet today. Saw Miss G. at oratorical contest. Ix came out 5^th place. Ha d a little adventure coming home at 1:00 o’clock.

21

Concert this eve – Minn. Symphony orchestra played “Pilgrims Chorus” etc. Sure was fine. Read all p.m. slept until 10: a.m. Am sleepy now th’o 12: o’clock – and lonesome, too.

22

Saw the comet at last.

Came home this p.m. Walked up to Flannery’s with Miss Gantt. Jean went to church with us. Dear old Jean. She kissed me and it made me feel so happy, because she hardly ever does anything like that and I appreciated it. Made me feel sort o’ blue th’o too. Don’t know why. Guess cause I was feeling punk anyway.

23

A.O.B. have a surprize(sic) party on Miss Gantt. I think it is awfully nice of them. Am home alone. Wish Jean were here.

24

Went riding. Am so tired and Miss Gantt is going away so soon. I do hope she will be happy wherever she is. I am sure that God will take care of her, because He loves her as much as I do.

25

Fight with Fehn. Great old Time. Got sent from room. 95 in Caesar test. Am lonesome. Nothing doing.

26

Only one week more and she will be gone. Walked down to Flannery’s with Miss Gantt. She is going way down to Mexico this summer. If she were only, only coming back next fall. Oh, I don’t want her to go. I want her here.

27

Am tired, tired as usual. Miss Barth is sick. She hasn’t been to school all day long. I took some papers over and she certainly looked tired. I love her so much. Jean and I were over a little while this eve. Dear old Jean.

28

Worked all day long. Sadie took exam in geom. See the time I would go down to the schoolhouse and take an exam with only Fehn there.

29

Miss Gantt’s last Sunday. I just can’t write.

30

Margaret is going to stay all night. Am dreadfully tired. We got scared out and skidooed.

April

Friday. April 1

Haven’t done much of anything today – got a postal from Miss Gantt. J.U.G. met at Elsie’s and we had a dandy time. Jean is going to stay all night.

2

Irma and Helen were over this p.m. Played croquet, ate peanuts, etc. Am nearly dead. J and I didn't go to sleep until after 3:00 and I am “still waiting.” I guess she don't want to tell me so I am not going to ask her anymore.

3

Jean went to church with Fehn and Kit. I never hated anyone before as I hate him. He is the only one in the world whom I hate and I hate him with all my heart.

4 & 5

Got a grand lecture this p.m. Fehn gave me thunder just because I laughed. Said if I couldn’t behave myself I could get out. I warned him of the fact that if he could not behave as a gentleman, I would get out and in a hurry too. So I skidooed into Miss B.’s room and studied in there. He was mad as a hornet. Am going to stay all night with Irma.

6

Jean did go to Y.W. so I didn’t enjoy it any either. Am dreadfully lonesome tonight. Am over here at Crills. Cad kissed me goodnight. The darling. I just love her. I wish she liked me just a little.

7 & 8

Mamma came home tonight. I got the nicest note from Jean today. And it helped me a lot. I am going to try to be as good as she is. She told me why she wouldn’t join the church. I hate to think that I had anything to do in keeping her from it. I believe Mr. Fehn had something to do with it th’o she didn’t say anything about it. I wish so much that she had joined. I wanted her to so much.

9

Worked until 4 p.m. Suds and I gathered violets down to Vinson’s. Took our supper along. Am so tired. I wish Jean were here.

10 & 11

Wanted to go down to Wallace’s, but couldn’t. Saw Miss G., but she didn’t even speak to me. If she knew how much it hurts my feelings and how lonely it makes me feel, she would take special pains to say ‘Hello’ at any rate. Sadie told me tonight that she wasn’t coming back. Oh dear and I need her so much. I just don’t know what to do. I will have to love Jean and Cad more than ever when she goes.

12

Got thunder from Fehn. Someone wrote “Kick me” on his back. I nearly died. Wrote a book review tonight.

13 & 14

Jean, Miss G. and I went riding. I couldn’t help but think all the time how lonesome it would be next year without her. She said we would get someone here who could do us more good. Like fun! Just as th’o she wasn’t the best and nicest teacher we have ever had. And she had done oceans of good here, too. I don’t see why on earth she had to go and resign. I do wish she hadn’t, oh dear, oh dear.

15

Program this p.m. The music was the only good thing in it. Jean sang just fine. Fehn spoiled it all by getting up at the last and making a crazy old speech.

16

Made $3 up at our Y.W. candy sale. Jean was down this p.m. We were both feeling dreadfully blue and I am yet. We sat in the sitting room on the lounge and enjoyed ourselves crying. I just couldn’t help it.

17

Froze everything last night – snow. Jean was down for dinner. She told me that Miss Gantt said we were backsliding and that we were farther away now than ever before. I am so discouraged I don’t know what to do.

18

I was trying so hard to be good, but it seems as th’o everything goes wrong. Oh dear, oh dear. I wish my dear, my Jean were here.

19

Jean has the chicken pox. I was down to see her. Am so glad she isn’t very sick. She said she squalled all p.m. Poor kid, I know how she feels. Nell came home tonight.

20

Carried Miss G.’s coat and book down to Wallace’s for her. She said she would love me forever if I did. I wish that she meant it. We went riding after supper. Crill’s pony tagged us. Lots of fun. Felt sort of blue th’o. We rode out west towards a beautiful sunset. She said it seemed as th’o we were riding into nowhere away away from Elk Point.

21

Test in geom. Terrible. Got 96 in Hist. Went to prayer meeting. Sat with Cad. She certainly is an angel if there ever was one. Guess she was awfully tired ‘cause she cried – a little. Coming home she held me, oh so tight, and kissed me goodnight!

22

Sadie told me that Cad said I was a good girl and was trying to live up to everything the Y.W. meant. I am trying all right, but I am not good – not even a little bit. Mildred came tonight. Helen, Dorothy and Miss. Gantt were here for supper. Was scared still.

23

Worked all daylong. Mamma left the water turned on and tried to drown us out. Wind is blowing like fury out. Jean is going to stay all night with me. Am so glad cause I am feeling sort of blue.

24

Mildred went home this morning. Jean and I went walking this p.m. Went to C.E. and church. Neither Miss G. or Cad were there. Am so sleepy.

25

Had a fight with Fehn again today. Ix S. kept bothering me and as long as Fehn wouldn’t do anything, I slapped Ix myself. Of course I was the one who had to stay until five o’clock.

26

Miss G. was gone all day long. No prose comp. Nothing doing. Am dreadfully tired.

27

Miss G. scolded me. Made me feel bad. Went to Y.W. have rheumatism, a stiff neck, etc. Feel perfectly punk.

28

Miss G. went to Mitchell. Was at prayer meeting. Miss B. wasn’t there. Was over to Erma’s a little while. Got 87 in Eng. test. Tho’t sure I would fail.

29

Oh that Fehn, the old liar! Hipocrite!(sic) dog! Oh, how I hate him. If I could only kill him. I hate I hate him.

30

Work, work, work. Can hardly see straight.

March

Tuesday. March 1

2

Miss Raymond, Y.W. State Secretary is here. They are having a cabinet meeting down stairs, but I am up here, all by myself studying and thinking.

3

We had our Y.W. meeting tonight. I helped to serve. Jean and I walked a little while afterwards. Dear old Jean, I wish I could join when she does – but I can’t.

4

Program – a mock trial this p.m. Erma, Sadie and I were over to Hoffman’s for supper. We laughed until we cried – just at nothing.

5

Went out to Compton’s pasture on a picnic. Sadie and I made houses in the sand.

6

Irma promised to come to S.S., but she didn’t. I’m so lonesome tonight.

7

8

“Nawthin’ doin’”

9

Y.W. meeting. Had to stay for Mr. Fehn. “Fun not fuss” “Came from Mr. Thourton’s Store.” I am ashamed of myself.

10

I went over to Miss Frenches tonight. My, but she is good to me. I believe she and H. and Cad are the best people I ever saw and how much I love them all. She talked about Irma and Jean, etc…. She told me a little story about herself and I just can’t answer what she wants me to, th’o I would love to please her and Jean and Hazel. I don’t mean Hazel because she wouldn’t care anyway.

11 - 16

What a lonesome, lonesome birthday!! Jean stayed all night with me. She says she is waiting, but how can I tell her. She would hate me worse than ever. I don’t see how she can like me even a little tiny bit and I don’t want her to dislike me, because I do love her so. And I could not tell her anyway. I couldn’t get up the courage and I just don’t know how. I am such a lonely little girl. If I could only see my father for just one minute. Why, oh why could I not have died instead of him? No one would have cared. And what is the use of living anyway? I could almost believe that there is no God; or why must everything be so lonesome and dark and dreary? And how could I join any church when I feel like I do? And how can I ever tell my Jean?

(Bottom of the page is torn off).

17 – 25

26

Oh dear, everything has gone wrong today. Am so tired and lonesome. Nobody loves me so I’m going out in the garden and eat worms.

27

I went to prayer meeting tonight. Miss French said something about that everything we wanted most here on earth, we would have in Heaven. I wonder if Miss Gantt and Cad will love me just a little bit there, if I ever get there which is very doubtful.

28

Cad is just the nicest, best person I ever knew. Of course I love Hazel and Jean just as much, but Cad – she sure is a dandy. Guess I am crazy over her.

29

Jean went to Miss Sweets this morning. Seems lonesome already and she had just been gone for a day.

30

Cleaned house this morning. Went to Y.W. this p.m. There were only seven of us there, but we had a good meeting, anyway.

31

Sadie and I cleaned our room. It was frightfully dirty. Jean, Suds and I went picking violets. We only found fifteen. Jean seemed awfully blue, poor kid.

February

Tuesday. February 1

Went to gym. Not much fun. Papa sat up a little today. Miss Sweezy and Miss Miller are coming from Vermillion to visit the Y.W. girls. Rehearsed twice today.

2

Had a good Y.W. meeting. Didn’t stay for the supper in basement for Miss S. and M. as I didn’t feel very well. Went up to the gym for a little while. Not much fun.

3

Went to prayer meeting. Boxed Fatty’s ear and so of course got called down. I don’t care, he had no business swiping my pencil box. Am scared stiff. Program tomarrow.

4

Thank goodness! Today is almost gone. It has been terribly long. Miss Bartholemew(sic) hurt my feelings today. Most made me cry. I can’t bear to have her or Miss Gantt scold me and I do try so hard to be good. I don’t seem to be able to please them th’o.

5 - 7

8 Wednesday (This is the day Flo’s father, Edward Charles Ericson, died).

9 - 11

12, 13, 14

Such long, terribly long days. It seems as th’o they will never end. But everyone has been so good and so kind. We can never thank them enough. Wednesday eve when I came down stairs Miss French took me up on her lap and held me so close and Cad put me to bed and Blanche and everybody have been too good to me I don’t deserve it one bit.

15 – 28

January

Saturday. January 1

Worked all morning. Studied Caesar and geometry this p.m. Jean was down for a little while. Ransome went away this evening. Poor Claudia!

2

Went to church, S.S. and C.E. Sadie and I went over to Jeans. We made candy and had a fine time. Jean showed me the letter she wrote to Miss Gantt. Dear old Jean. She is surely the best ever.

3

Washed today. Mamma and Nell have gone to Uncle Eric’s. Read and studied all afternoon. Wrote to Miss Gantt. I hope she won’t be angry. Am going to bed early, only 7:30. Don’t s’pose I’ll go to sleep, th’o.

4

Is snowing hard out. Went with Sadie to the dentist. She had three teeth filled. I don’t envy her any. Folks got home this p.m. Was over to Kathryn’s for a little while. I am so tired. Haven’t seen a thing of Jean all day.

5

Went to Y.W. meeting at Wallace’s. We had a splendid meeting. Olive read an awfully nice letter from Miss Gantt. Wish she would write to me. Jean was down for supper. Wish she was going to stay all night.

6

Mr. Fehn helped me with geometry. Jean was over for a little while. Went to

prayer meeting. Miss Gantt told Kit, that she got the nicest letter from Jean

and me, th’o I can’t see what possessed her to say the about mine.

7

Went to Epworth League social – a taffy pull. Had lots of fun, but made an awful blister on my finger. Have had lots of fun. Never laughed so in all my life, as I did when Sadie phoned to Mr. Fehn about the social. Such a mix-up. I heard from Miss Gantt this evening, the very nicest letter I ever got from anyone.

8

Jean stayed all night with me last night. We didn’t go to sleep until after four. Wasn’t that awful of us? We were talking about our New Year resolutions. I hope I can keep all three of mine. I will too, so there now.

9

Saw Miss Gantt this morning. Seems so good to have her back. I don’t believe she knows how much influence she has. One word from her means so much to me. I am surely going to try to follow the splendid example she has set.

10

Woke up at 3:30 and didn’t go to sleep again so am rather tired. School again. I hated to begin the old regular grind once more. Got 40 in geom. test. Pretty good for me. Nell went back to Oberlin this morning.

11

Miss Gantt and I have been out sleigh riding. She asked me why I would not join the church, etc. I wish I had joined the morning she did, now. Studied until 10:30, but don’t know anything.

12

It’s snowing out like everything. Had a fine Y.W.C.A. meeting. Miss Barthol. led, Miss G. was sick and went home. It seems as th’o everything has gone wrong to day. Got three calling downs from Mr. Fehn. I think that’s too much of a good thing.

13

Had my Caesar (for a wonder) today. Got our History papers back at last- only got 94 th’o. Poor Jean has such a cough she can hardly see straight. Wish she would get over it right away quick. Went to prayer meeting.

14

Nothing much doing today. Jean, Myrtle and I had quite a talk with Cad after school. Lelia was here for supper, and is going to stay all night. J.U.G. meets at Homers.

15

Had quite a good time last night, but missed Jean dreadfully. Things have seemed so lonesome around here today. Haven’t seen anything of Jean or Miss Gantt or anyone. Studied geom. all p.m. Went down to Cumming’s to plan program.

16

I am so tired I can hardly stand up. Went to the first Junior C.E. meeting and, oh, horrors! I have to lead next Sunday. What will I do anyway. Am scared stiff already. Haven’t seen Jean today.

17

Nothing much doing. Mamma went to Sioux City, so didn’t come home from school this noon. Test in geom. of course I’ll flunk. Got 98 in music test and 98 in English, too.

18

Went down to the gym after supper. Mamma is in Vermillion and we kids are all alone. I want Jean so badly tonight. I don’t know why, but I do. Miss G. and I went sleigh riding. Then was up in her room.

19

Am so weak, can hardly stand. Got 97 in geometry. Am rather tired. It’s 10:30 and mamma isn’t home yet. Y.W. meeting tonight. History exam this p.m. S’pose I’ll flunk. I got such a nice letter from Mrs. Moody tonight.

20

Went up to the gym after school. Played basketball a little. Jean can just play fine. Cad and I played leap frog. Joke. Went to prayer meeting. Miss Gantt is awfully tired tonight.

21

Exams in geom. and music. J.U.G. met out to Manning’s. Had a fine bob ride and lots of fun. Ramos Spanish Orchestra this p.m. It certainly was fine. Jean is going to stay all night with me. She is writing in her diary now, too.

22

We didn’t go to bed until 2:00, nor to sleep until 3:00. I read Jean’s diary. She said in it that she tho’t we ought to pray for Hazel and for our selves together. I think we ought to too, because as she said, I know Hazel would want us to and it is right and most of all I think Christ would want us to, also.

23

Went to S.S. and church. Didn’t go to C.E. Lead(led?) Junior C.E. Punk. Miss G. wouldn’t even speak to me. Made me feel bad and I cried.

24

Got our exams back today. Enlish 96, Hist. 97, Latin 99. I am rather tired. Nothing much going today. Wish Mr. Fehn would hurry up and correct our geom. papers. Was over to Miss Frenches a few minutes.

25

Papa came home today. He is quite sick. Went up to the gym tonight. Miss Gantt and I were in the dressing room. She put her head on my shoulder and then down in my lap. Guess she was tired. I wish she wouldn’t work so hard.

26 & 27

Oh, Father in Heaven, why must it be so? I seems as th’o my heart will break. Mamma has to go to the hospital to have an operation and Papa is very, very ill. He is threatened with pneumonia and besides has heart trouble so bad that he may die at any minute – maybe next week. No one knows when, but God. Miss G. asked me tonight what the trouble was. If I could only have told her.

28

Report cards at last. Latin 93, Hist. 94, Music 93, Geom. 70, and English 96. Miss Gantt went to Vermillion this morning. Papa isn’t much lbetter today. Sat up with Papa until 12:30.

29

Am tired today. papa is much better. Rehearsed twice today at the school house. Was over to Miss Frenches for a few minutes. Haven’t seen my Jean today.

30

Went to S.S., Junior C.E., C.E. and temperance lecture at Methodist church. Went with Jean and Miss Gantt, am dreadfully tired. Papa is about the same. Am huffy at Sadie.

31

Went to school at 7:45 to rehearse – also after school. Went up to the gym. Had lots of fun; Jean stayed all night with Miss Gantt.