Transcription:
2 plan wont work, for tho' I dont do much, still it tires me. Neither Mary nor Mr Van Dyke see any reason why helping a
little with the cooking etc. can tire me, and I dont see why either, but it does. Now dont worry thinking I have hurt myself
for I havent, but I wanted to talk to you before I did. Now what I want to do, is to let Mrs Funk, the lady who lives just
across the yard, board me. She understands my ca se? perfectly, is a nice kind woman, and a good cook. This change would leave
Mary with the same amount 3 of cooking as she had before we invaded their household, and I would have nothing to do but
keep my little shanty in order, and continue to grow fat. I have not said anything to Mrs Funk for I wanted to ask you first,
but I know she will take me at the same amount we pay the Van Dykes. I feel sure the Van Dykes will understand and not think
we are ungrateful. But so long as I board with them I am expected to help a little. And toward summer Mary helps outdoors
with the hay etc. so an extra person here would give her a little more trouble. There is no use in my having a servant