[Envelope addressed: Miss Janet Cairns, Scotsburn, Pictou, N.S. Postmarked: Barney’s River, N.S. Ja 14 99. Receiving postmark: Pictou, N.S. Ja 14 99 Stamp 2 cent Xmas 1898 with map of the world, British Empire shown in red. These next several letters were written while Janet Cairns was attending Pictou Academy. According to Wikipedia, by 1885 it was the largest secondary school in Nova Scotia with students coming from across the province as well as from other countries.]
Friday evening.
Dear Janet,
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Miss McArthur and Miss Jemina Campbell were just in for a call on Miss Thompson. Mr. D. R. McKenzie & Epie called one evening and Annie & Amy were all ready to return the call this evening when they—Miss McArthur, etc., came in. The ring is quite safe. Mr. J. W. McKenzie came to-day, I have not seen him. Miss McArthur got your letter to-day. Perhaps you have ring-worm like John on your head. I think you had better go to the Doctor in New Glasgow, stay over-night with Mrs. Smart, write to her and she will meet you at the train. Do you need more money? You had better arrange to come home on a Friday Saturday or Monday as those are the days Papa is most likely to be home, and you had better come home soon and see to your rash. You can get anything you want at Mr. Proudfoots for the egg or allspice and cinnamon and surprise soap. It has been very cold, the frost got in the cellar and our potatoes got frozen, I think the window was open and Papa was away at Thorburn. He went to Antigonish to preach for Mr. Monroe to-day. He preaches at Glenbard Sunday and does not come home till Tuesday, the day of the congregation meeting here. Johns head is shorn close and he wears a hood. It may be a little better, I wish I was back in Scotsburn I am afraid Ill never get used to Barney’s River.
There is some skating here. Tell Mrs. Marion and Mrs. Alec to be sure and come and see us next summer.
That young Mr. Stalker brought a load of cut up wood to-day which was needed here very much. Annie & Amy & Bob are going to the office to mail this and get the mail tomorrow morning.
I remain
Your affectionate
Mother Alice Cairns
The fires I have had lately would nearly drive you wild with fright. Annie & Amy roast up each night by the hall fire. Amy does not want you to come home. Bob sticks to Annie like a leech.
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