(seq. 53)

Miss Lydia Nightingale
Providence

MMF #7

Bethlehem Oct 6th 1761

Have I not a Good Papa Aunt Lydia?
Yesterday I was advised to attend Brother Van Vleck at his house I
could not imagine why, but Obey'd the Summons. I went tripping down
the yard health & pleasure glowing on my check. When on my entrance
of the Room my [torn] Father approached, you may judge how happy I felt
[& ? torn] how disagreable it is to be out of his presence while he is
here, which nothing but the love I bear My Friends could induce me to,
you will I know pardon the incoherency of my letter, & the shortness.
as —

I was interrupted by the School bell & as I am on account of My
Father permitted to be absent I have come to the Tavern & here I am
seated by the side of my Father a chearful [sic] fire serves to make us
comfortable & I feel quite glad to get rid of my troublesome little
Friends for a little while & then I shall go with open arms to receive
their Welcome kiss. The cups you requested I cannot send, as they will
not permit me. The pattern of Mine I send some time without their knowledge
& if I can I will ask permission but theirs are very different &
I know they would dislike it — in your letter do not if you please mention
any thing of it again — I mean as an apology for asking it — they
saw the letter but said nothing. Do write me often I should admire very
long letters tho' it is not in my power to make an equal return, you desir'd
me to be Candid with regard to my situation, I like it extremely. We live
very temperately, use a good deal of excersice [sic] which creates an excellent
appetite. We have four Meals Breakfast at six, dinner, twelve, Vesper
four, & Supper at seven. We are not kept as strict as I suppos'd. I
have many letters to write & must bid you Adieu

yours Sincerely

Mary M. Flagg