Dear Doctor,

Joe is getting well: no operation necessary. For which you are thankful I have no doubt. I have no objection to your being in that state of mind for you have been patient enough with me.

Am somewhat afraid I have some little work at the dentists to be attended to, the very thoughts of which fills me with the shivers. When I went before my visits were so numerous that I rather got accustomed to the performance and had only a passive objection to having my mouth stretched from ear to ear and my jaws torn asunder. Now, however I dread the idea so much, that it would be impossible for me to say when I shall summon resolution sufficient to carry me to that place of torture. Have you lost your self at all in the mud enough to be established as a real estate broker? I think that I should like to sell out that line and either go north or commence here to lay in stock of ice and sunshine. I am getting so tired and lazy that I do not know what I shall do if there is not a change of some kind. Perhaps I shall join Maggie Duff. Received a letter from her a day or two ago containing a pressing invitation to visit her. Which I intend doing soon. She with the other sisters may present the life before me with so many attractions that I shall not be able to resist, but will forthwith send for my trunk and valuables, for it is a singular trait in their course that while they are very disinterested still each newer comer must take all she is worth, and if that is not much, must get more somewhere or other.

What a valuable prize a school teacher would be!! I am improving in "whist" but retrograding in Cribbage. How is "small pox" many patients? Eugene was in the other evening: has just recovered from it. If at any time you are in the humor, just drop in. I am always at home except when I am out.

Yours etc.,

Annie L. Cantrell