November 13, 1898

Weather cloudy & cold. Warmer & rainy towards night. Auntie went to church while Martha & me stayed at home, attending to house work. I chewed a rag with Martha last night. The poor girl has the impression that I am not honest with her, because I do not tell her all the goings on, and troubles of business. I will not do so, because she takes everything so severe, and broods over it, with out finding, or trying to find a way out, so I better fight my own battles as much as possible and keep details for myself, so, Martha wont be bothered with depressing thoughts. I am now married most a year and we never had trouble to gether so far and wont get any neither as long as I can help it, we had success so far & will go along all right with a little privation. We will still go on better when Martha gets more aquainted with city life and gets a better eye and understanding for business and social matters. We had a few games of cards after diner, read a little, and then Martha & I took a little walk around the block. After supper we played a few games of domino, and gave Auntie 3 “raugels” which she took in good style.

Editor’s note: “Chew the rag” is an English expression for gossiping or making friendly small talk, or a long and informal conversation with someone.