Jan 18
My very dear Miss Addams:
Of course I could have nothing I'd care for more. I am letting this picture take the place of the one with the fur, however, because I like to live with it on my desk better. I am sure you like it better too. This couldn't be more like you. J. Binford writes of you & how much it means to have you there so much. She says you become even more understanding & are so gay! How I wish [page 2] you could give the receipt to others your age. My poor dear mother seems not to have a thing in her life to think about but physical disabilities. To be sure, she has more than a share but nothing seems to pull her out mentally for long. She is of course beyond you in years, but here is Mrs Rutter Sr. with perfect health, children & grandchildren, & in constant search of happiness she can't seem to ever find. So I am specially anxious for your receipt [though] I [page 3] rather know it & still can't give it to them!
But do you think you were very nice to pass me by when you were last in Phila? Of course I would understand if you hadn't time to come & see us, but you know I'd go anywhere to see & hear you, & you didn't give me the chance this or the time before, & I know not how many unknown times. Please don't again. You must know how much it means to see you at this [page 4] distance.
We seem to be moving along rather normally now. [Mac?] has ability in his business & has increased the little business in Phila he went into. He can come back & forth almost every day. I usually go in one night [illegible] a week with him. I am struggling over our school -- trying with a Hill School mother to get what she should have for our children with most of the parents satisfied with what they have & no money to better anything with. [page 5]
Perhaps you'd think I go to extremes, but I do practically nothing outside ↑[house & garden]↓ for it is one of my principles that a mother ought to find quite [enough] to do with four & turn to the other jobs when they are grown. There are many who can do both seemingly. I can't say that my staying at home accomplishes anything more, but at least it satisfies my conscience to know I am attempting it.
I [thought] when I came, sometime I could turn to among the Penn. Dutch children & [page 6] young people in country districts here & hope to, but I know now how difficult it would be to approach them. They are so independent & resent interference.
If you write anything special be sure to have some one acquaint me with the fact.
A heart full of thanks for many happy days, you [thought] of me & my love
L. F. R.
I often regret deeply that the children can't see you often "off duty."
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