Accession: 142.23.008
Editorial Title: Alice M. Sibley to Mary Baker Eddy, August 24, 1881
Author: Alice M. Sibley 
Recipient: Mary Baker Eddy 
Date: August 24, 1881
Manuscript Description: Handwritten by Alice M. Sibley on lined paper from Roxbury, Massachusetts.
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142.23.008
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Reproduced from the archive of The Mary Baker Eddy Library
My Dear Friend.

Your letterEditorial Note: See L11204 received yesterday afternoon. As it was dated Tuesday, I think you can have no cause for complaint this time about the mail. You said you thought it would not spoil me; I will try and not allow it to though I confess I am easier spoiled than you dream of, or I find agreeable.

You do not know how much I regret your not having any true vacation. I hope you have not forgotten the old saying that "all work" etc. I trust you know the rest. It does seem a burning shame that your lot should be all work and others reaping the harvest that you have sown and nurtured. I see that even unconsciously you do celebrate the anniversary of my nativity, and on the opening day of the Mass. Metaphysical College, Sept 1., your naughty, wayward child of "sweet sixteen" is lost to you forever and the girl of "charming seventeen" is ushered into existence. Now do you not look back upon all the severe chastisements that poor child has received at your caprice with deep remorse? If you do not I shall think it was you and not I who went to "heartbreakAs Written:heart break" hill and that that member was so completely shattered you have not a particle left. Do you not think I would make a model moralist? Pray will you do me the favor to suggest a "nom de plume"? I think as a sage moralist I have struck my forte, and that my delicate physique will be unable to cope with the overwhelming applause of a criticizing As Written: criticising public, ergo I wish to screen myself under an assumed cognomen. I was always noted for my exceeding timidity, as you well know so I think no precautions can be superfluous.

You must think me idle indeed to run on in this manner, but I know your forgiving temperament & feared it might get the rheumatism from want of use if I did not do something bad soon. Mother and I are alone through the day at present as Auntie has gone to ProvincetownEditorial Note: Provincetown, Massachusetts for a week and Jeanie is writing in town. We rather enjoy the quiet and are all ready for visitors. Should you ever come to the place called BostonEditorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts I should be most delighted to have you call, be it what time of night or day it may. One week from Monday I must sober down and commence work,! work!! work!!! once more. You see I am trying to get my wild oats sown in season, but I think it doubtful if I do. I do not feel drawn that way but as much so now as any time I suppose. I enjoyed a pleasant visit yesterday afternoon from my teacher of last year. We talked over past, present & ventured on a little future. This ought to reach you Thursday morning.

With many kisses & much love
your wayward little girl of "Sweet Sixteen."
142.23.008
-
Reproduced from the archive of The Mary Baker Eddy Library
My Dear Friend.

Your letterEditorial Note: See L11204 received yesterday afternoon. As it was dated Tuesday, I think you can have no cause for complaint this time about the mail. You said you thought it would not spoil me; I will try and not allow it to though I confess I am easier spoiled than you dream of, or I find agreeable.

You do not know how much I regret your not having any true vacation. I hope you have not forgotten the old saying that "all work" etc. I trust you know the rest. It does seem a burning shame that your lot should be all work and others reaping the harvest that you have sown and nurtured. I see that even unconsciously you do celebrate the anniversary of my nativity, and on the opening day of the Mass. Metaphysical College, Sept 1., your naughty, wayward child of "sweet sixteen" is lost to you forever and the girl of "charming seventeen" is ushered into existence. Now do you not look back upon all the severe chastisements that poor child has received at your caprice with deep remorse? If you do not I shall think it was you and not I who went to "heart breakCorrected:heartbreak" hill and that that member was so completely shattered you have not a particle left. Do you not think I would make a model moralist? Pray will you do me the favor to suggest a "nom de plume"? I think as a sage moralist I have struck my forte, and that my delicate physique will be unable to cope with the overwhelming applause of a criticising Corrected: criticizing public, ergo I wish to screen myself under an assumed cognomen. I was always noted for my exceeding timidity, as you well know so I think no precautions can be superfluous.

You must think me idle indeed to run on in this manner, but I know your forgiving temperament & feared it might get the rheumatism from want of use if I did not do something bad soon. Mother and I are alone through the day at present as Auntie has gone to ProvincetownEditorial Note: Provincetown, Massachusetts for a week and Jeanie is writing in town. We rather enjoy the quiet and are all ready for visitors. Should you ever come to the place called BostonEditorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts I should be most delighted to have you call, be it what time of night or day it may. One week from Monday I must sober down and commence work,! work!! work!!! once more. You see I am trying to get my wild oats sown in season, but I think it doubtful if I do. I do not feel drawn that way but as much so now as any time I suppose. I enjoyed a pleasant visit yesterday afternoon from my teacher of last year. We talked over past, present & ventured on a little future. This ought to reach you Thursday morning.

With many kisses & much love
your wayward little girl of "Sweet Sixteen."
 
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