Miss Ames has caught a fish: April, 1876

Saturday, April 1, 1876. We know lots of people now and I am having the jolliest time that ever was. Wonder why Lily does not write.

Sunday, April 2, 1876. Darling, do you think of me? Don’t believe you do—much. I am so afraid some one else, probably M.C., will steal your affections from me. I’d like to catch them. 

Monday, April 3, 1876. That fellow we wanted to know so much has been introduced and we took a long walk this morning over the mountain. He is splendid. 

Tuesday, April 4, 1876. We all (twelve of us) went to Sulphur Sprs. today—the two chaperons & their beaux in one carriage, two young ladies & their beaux in another carriage & Jennie & Mr. Lewis, Mr. Miller (that splendid eyed one) & I in another carriage. We had a delightful time and they all laughed at Mr. Miller & me who went fishing by ourselves & stayed a long time & came back without a single fish. One of the gents said “I guess Miss Ames has caught a fish” & I asked what he meant. “Oh,” he said, “I think you have Miller on your bait.” Such insinuations. I was shocked. I wonder if all this nonsense interests you in the slightest degree, darling. Believe me, I am not so worldly as I seem!!! 

Friday, April 7, 1876. I have lengthened my dresses & wear a tremendous bustle—but I am determined, for my short stay here to be as young ladyish as possible. All the other girls have done likewise. 

In 1876, Ada would have ridden sidesaddle.

Saturday, April 8, 1876. Had a splendid ride this morning “over the mountain, over the mountain, where the sun sinks into gold.” [Flowers pinned to the page, with the caption: “Plucked at Hot Springs, Ark. April 8, 1876.”]

Sunday, April 9, 1876. Messrs. Belden, Lewis, Beaky & Daisy, Jennie & I went to the negro church this morning & it was too ridiculous for any use. They concluded to take up a contribution & when one woman rudely put 25 cts. in, the negro minister said, “Brethren & sistren, this chile only lubs God 25 cts. worth” &c &c. 

Tuesday, April 11, 1876. On the miserable cars again!! How I hate them—but the tears have not quite left my eyes yet—effects of parting from my dear Hot Sprs. friends. What a “phule” I was to be sure & yet I couldn’t help it. 

Wednesday, April 12, 1876. Got home today and I hardly know whether I am glad or sorry. Sorry to leave Hot Sprs. & the gayeties & to have to attend school again, & glad to see the “dear ones at home” once more. Tonight the girls have all come to welcome me home. I must be glad.

Friday, April 14, 1876. I got Rignold’s autograph today and am delighted & obliged to Calie for getting it for me. Still, I don’t gaze with rapture at it as I imagined I should.

Saturday, April 15, 1876. A perfect rush of visitors today and I have such a headache. Pining over my very pleasant visit at H.S. I expect. 
 
Sunday, April 16, 1876. To church today, though I haven’t a “dacint thing to my back” to put on. Still we shouldn’t think of such things when we go to church. I have worn out every thing & brought only rags from H.S.
 
Monday, April 17, 1876. Now—the tug of war. Lessons to make up—whole piles of them—events to relate to my numerous schoolmates & various other duties too disagreeable to mention that attend my first day at school after an absence of 3 weeks.
 
Tuesday, April 18, 1876. Oh! I shall have to study so hard & if for a few days, darling, I do not do my duty towards writing in here, you will pardon it not as negligence but hard study until I in some degree make up the lessons I have missed while at Hot Springs.
 
Wednesday, April 19, 1876. Wonder if Lily’s diary is as stupid as mine but—here’s the difference—one little word from her diary would be welcome to me.
 
Saturday, April 22, 1876. A day of leisure. Actually—and yet this very day I have 13 chapters of History to study. Think of it. We girls had a long pleasant walk this evening. I have not talked to you for quite a long time, Lily, in here, & I miss my daily chat.