24 December 1918

Dear Don,

I'm all alone in the house and I've decided to write you a line and go to bed.

This is a most peculiar Christmas. I wrote Ruth I wasn't going to be home, sent money to all and sent Bob a box of candy like a sent you, but not a word from anyone.

I spose they think I'm a piker for not going home but as for as the money is concerned I spose I could, but gosh I don't know what I've done but as Dad would say "I'm all shot to pieces." I'm so completely tired out that I have to lie down just like Aunt Lide - only I can't say I'm doing it to escape any work for there is none especially, outside of moving, to escape. This quietness is just what I need, and if I had gone home there would have been more or less confusion and I don't know where I would have slept if Ruth had a nurse girl. To be real truthful I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown Can you imagine it? Every body has been worrying so no I'm going to apply a little C.S. now that people are away and get back to my normal self.

I got Lela's kids box ready today and I put in your and my card. I sent Lela Good Housekeeping again. For the youngsters I send each a box of kid handkerchiefs, Donald a big rubber ball, a horn and a horse and cart, for Robert a jumping business, a box of homemade candy and a stamp-kraft book. The bill wasn't big enof to break me so by keeping in good with me we'll let that go.

By the by, your insurance certificate came and now that the war is over what do you want me to do. I will make an agreement if you want me to. I'll pay your premium ($6.00 per month) and keep up your insurance. If however you take upon yourself a wife, it is understood that you pay me back the amount I put in. That may sound selfish but God only knows, an old maid school teacher has to look out for herself. Should anything happen to you (no chance) I will give to Ruth one half the insurance money providing she pays me one-half the premium money. You'll probably outlive me a hundred years, but business is business so it might as well be settled. I don't want Ruth to ever think I'm gipping her out of anything, and I want her to have all what's coming to her. This is no inducement to die, however.

Secondly, don't you suppose after Christmas you can get a 10 day furlo and go home and on up here too. If you can ride for a cent a mile I'll pay your fare from M.C. here and back to M.C. You can leave M.C. at 3 a.m. on the Great Western. Get in Minneap at 9:00, in Duluth about 2:30 and in Biwabik at 7:00 p.m. There'd be nothing specially to see here but me, teachers & good school house & the northern pines, snow and cold weather but gosh its worth the 1 ct ride. You could say you are going to see your sick sister and that wouldn't be lying. It would be worth it even for a day or two.

I saw by the G.G. that Handford McNider is wounded - degree undetermined.

Have been to a dentist today and had my tooth drilled out. Gee how I hate that biznes.

Hope you got your candy and cigarettes for Christmas.

Only four teachers are left in town and one besides me at the House here. I'm going to move over to the Hotel this week. Edythe is coming back the last of this week or Monday. I am going to meet her in Duluth and go to see "Heart of the World."

So your warbling in the Glee Club. Gosh my voice sounds like a cracked bell, any more.

Lide has to close now and lie down and rest. Wish you were here to play a cribbage and eat candy.

Write me often.

Lots of love, Leone

Hope you have a Merry Merry Christmas and much good cheer and Prosperity in 1919.

Sis