11 min read
Every first Wednesday of the month was a tough day for the orphans at the asylum. They had to clean everything and look perfect. Jerusha Abbott, the oldest orphan, had to help take care of the younger kids. After a long day of work, she watched the visitors leave in their fancy cars and imagined what it would be like to have a real home.
Long Summary tool can shorten any length book to custom length summary or an article.
Suddenly, Tommy Dillon, a younger boy, told Jerusha that Mrs. Lippett wanted to see her. Jerusha felt worried about what she might have done wrong. When she got to the office, Mrs. Lippett told her that a special Trustee was interested in her future. This man had helped other boys go to college but had never helped a girl before.
To Jerusha's surprise, he wanted to send her to college too! She would get money for school and have to write him letters about her life. Jerusha was excited but also nervous. After the meeting, she quickly left to sew a patch on a boy's trousers, feeling grateful for this new chance. She started writing her first letter to the mysterious Trustee, who wanted to be called John Smith.
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
I feel like I belong to someone now, and it makes me happy. I only know three things about you: you are tall, rich, and you don’t like girls. So, I’ll call you Dear Daddy-Long-Legs.
I love college! It’s so different from the John Grier Home where I grew up. My room is in a tower, and I have three roommates. One is a Senior who wants us to be quiet, and the other two are Freshmen like me. I’m excited to try out for the basketball team, even though I’m small.
I’ve learned a lot in class, like about famous artists and history. I also decorated my room with yellow and brown colors. I even have three pairs of kid gloves, which is a big deal for me!
I changed my name to Judy because I like it better. College is fun, but sometimes I feel out of place because I didn’t grow up like the other girls. Still, I’m making friends, and I’m really happy!
Yours always,
Judy Abbott
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
I was worried about being in class with the girl who used to own my dress. She might laugh and point at me. It feels bad to wear clothes from someone you don’t like.
I got your Christmas gift! Thank you for the five gold coins. I bought a silver watch, some poems, a hot water bottle, a rug, yellow paper for writing, a dictionary, and yes, a pair of silk stockings. I wanted to wear them like Julia, the girl who comes to study with me.
I’ve been reading a lot to catch up on what I missed. I never read many famous books like Cinderella or Sherlock Holmes. Now, I’m excited to learn! I even made candy with other girls in the dorm. We had fun cooking and singing for our teachers.
School is busy now, and I’m studying hard for exams. I hope I do well! I also wrote a poem that got published, which is exciting.
I can’t wait to see you again. Thank you for everything!
Love,
Judy
Judy writes to Daddy-Long-Legs about her life at school. She talks about how important it is to be kind and not judge others. She feels sad because she didn’t do well in math and Latin, but she has read many great books and learned a lot. Judy has been feeling lonely and sick, spending time in the infirmary. She received beautiful flowers from Daddy-Long-Legs, which made her very happy.
Judy shares funny memories about toads and her favorite book, "Wuthering Heights." She worries about not being a great writer, especially when she feels overwhelmed by schoolwork. One day, everything seems to go wrong: she misses the morning bell, breaks her shoelace, and has a tough day in class. But she decides to stay positive and treat life like a game, promising to laugh even when things are hard.
Judy also mentions that she doesn’t want to go back to the John Grier Home for the summer. She is excited about spending time on a farm instead. Judy's letters show her ups and downs, but she always tries to find joy in her experiences.
Everyone is excited because vacation is coming! Exams don’t matter anymore, and I feel so happy! I’m not in the asylum anymore, and I don’t have to be anyone’s nurse or secretary. I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused before, like being rude to Mrs. Lippett or slapping Freddie Perkins. I want to be nice to everyone now because I’m so joyful. This summer, I plan to write a lot and become a great author!
I want to tell you about my new home, Lock Willow Farm. It’s beautiful! The house is old and has a nice porch. I can see green fields and hills all around. The people here are Mr. and Mrs. Semple, and they are very kind. I had a delicious dinner with them, and I felt funny and happy because I was so curious about everything.
I also met Mr. Jervis Pendleton, who used to own the farm. He’s very nice, and I had a great time with him. I can’t wait to explore more and enjoy my summer!
Love,
Judy
Judy Abbott writes a letter about her life. Amasai, a hired man, wore a purple tie and yellow gloves while taking Carrie, a hired girl, out in a clean buggy. Carrie dressed up in a pretty blue dress and a big hat with red roses. Judy is excited to read a book she found called On the Trail, which belonged to a boy named Jervis Pendleton. She imagines him as a fun, messy kid who loves cookies.
Judy talks about her new life at college. She feels happy and at home. She shares a room with Sallie and Julia, who are both nice girls. Sallie is running for class president, and they plan a fun parade for the election. Judy is also learning about chemistry, history, and even Shakespeare!
In her letter, Judy shares funny thoughts, like whether someone could swim in lemon jelly. She also talks about a basketball game they won and how she’s excited to spend Christmas with Sallie’s family. Judy loves being part of a real family and enjoys all the fun activities they do together. She ends her letter with a sweet note to her "Daddy-Long-Legs."
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
I’ve been reading a journal by Marie Bashkirtseff. She wrote about feeling sad and even threw a clock into the sea! It makes me think being a genius might be hard.
I wonder about my own past. What if I was a baby who got stolen? Maybe I’m not even American! I could be from ancient Rome or a Viking. I have a wandering spirit, but I haven’t had many chances to explore. Once, I ran away from the asylum because I was punished for stealing cookies. I only ran four miles before they caught me!
I got a big Princeton banner from Jimmie McBride, but I can’t hang it up because it doesn’t match our room. I’m busy studying five subjects at once, which is tricky!
Last Saturday, we had a fun paper chase. We ran through fields and swamps, and it was hard to follow the trail. In the end, we found the “foxes” eating biscuits!
I also won a short-story contest and got a part in a play! I’m so excited about going to New York soon.
Yours,
Judy
Judy is writing letters to a man she calls Daddy-Long-Legs. In her letters, she shares her life and feelings. One day, Master Jervie gave her beautiful flowers, which made her happy. She also received a check for fifty dollars from Mr. Rich-Man but decided to return it because she didn’t want to take charity. Judy feels grateful for the life she has now, especially after living in a place where nothing exciting ever happened.
She talks about a fun event called Field Day, where she and her friend Sallie won some races. Judy loves to run and feels proud when her classmates cheer for her. She also enjoys reading books, especially one called "Jane Eyre," which makes her think about her own life.
Judy is excited because the McBrides invited her to spend the summer at their camp. She thinks it will be a great chance to learn new things and have fun. But then she learns that she might have to go back to Lock Willow instead. Judy really wants to go to the camp and hopes Daddy-Long-Legs will let her.
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
I’m sorry I haven’t written in a while. I didn’t enjoy my summer much because I had to leave the McBrides’ camp. I thought it would be fun to meet new people and learn new things, but you sent me to Lock Willow instead. It feels like you don’t care about my feelings when you send typewritten notes instead of writing to me yourself. I’m lonely and miss you.
I’ve been writing stories this summer and made a little writing space in the attic. It’s nice and breezy up there. I want to be a great author someday! I also want to travel and see the world.
I have some news! Mr. Pendleton is coming to visit us at Lock Willow. Everyone is cleaning the house to get ready. I hope he arrives soon because I want someone to talk to.
I’ve been having fun with the animals here, and I even learned to fish and ride a horse! Life is busy and exciting, and I can’t wait to tell you more.
Yours always,
Judy
There’s a mountain nearby that isn’t very tall, but climbing to the top makes you breathless. The bottom is full of trees, but the top is just rocks and open land. We stayed up there to watch the sunset, made a fire, and cooked dinner. Master Jervie cooked because he’s good at camping. We came down in the moonlight, using a flashlight he had. It was a lot of fun! He joked and talked about interesting things. He knows so much because he reads a lot.
The next day, we went for a long walk and got caught in a rainstorm. We were soaked when we got home, and Mrs. Semple was worried about our clothes. She acted like a worried mom, which was funny!
I started writing this letter a while ago. I love a quote from Stevenson: “The world is full of happiness.” It’s true! There are so many fun things to do outside. I can explore without paying taxes!
Now, I’m back at college and excited to start classes again. I even got a scholarship! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Good night!
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
I’m not sure why Julia likes me so much lately. I would rather visit Sallie, but Julia asked me first, so I guess I’ll go to New York. I’m nervous about meeting all the Pendletons and I need new clothes! If you want me to stay at college, just let me know.
I’ve been reading about Thomas Huxley. Do you know what an archaeopteryx is? It’s a bird! I also learned about a stereognathus, which is a type of ancient mammal. This year, I’m studying economics, and I plan to learn about charity and how to run an orphanage.
Last week, we had a big dance at school. I invited Jimmie, and Julia brought a guy from New York. We all wore beautiful new dresses. Mine was pale pink, and I carried red roses!
I just got back from New York, and it was fancy but not my style. I prefer my life at the John Grier Home. I’m happy to be back at college, where I can study and enjoy time with friends. I’ve learned that happiness comes from enjoying the little things in life.
Yours always,
Judy
Dear Daddy,
Last night, we had yummy pink ice cream for dessert! The college uses only safe colors for food, not the bad ones. The weather has been great, with sunshine and some snow. My friends and I love walking to class.
Spring is here, and the campus looks beautiful! Last Friday, Master Jervie visited, but we were rushing to catch a train to Princeton for a dance and a ball game. I didn’t ask you if I could go because I thought your secretary would say no. We had a wonderful time!
One morning, we woke up super early to see the sunrise. We made coffee and walked two miles to One Tree Hill. It was hard to climb, but we were so hungry for breakfast afterward!
I’ve been busy studying for exams and packing for summer. Julia is going abroad, and Sallie is going to the mountains. I’m going to the beach to tutor a girl. I’ll earn fifty dollars a month! That’s a lot of money for me.
I hope you have a fun summer too!
Love,
Judy
Judy has been working hard all summer and wants to have some fun. She plans to visit the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, see her friend Sallie, and learn to canoe from Sallie’s brother. Judy also wants to show Master Jervie that he can’t control her. She writes to her dad, saying she’s happy at camp and has been there for five days. She feels great and is excited to go canoeing.
Later, Judy returns to college as a senior and is now the editor of the school magazine. She gets a letter from Master Jervie saying he can’t visit her this fall because he’s going yachting. Judy talks about her friend Julia’s fancy clothes and how she wishes to see Paris someday.
Judy has been writing a book but gets a letter back from a publisher saying it needs more work. She feels sad but wakes up the next day with new ideas for her story. She believes in herself and wants to be a great author. Judy also helps a family in need by asking her dad for money to support them. She is cheerful and full of life, even when things get tough!
Dear Daddy,
This morning, I had a strange breakfast of cold turkey pie and goose. I also tried tea for the first time! Don’t worry, I’m not losing my mind; I’m just quoting a writer named Samuel Pepys. My friends and I are reading his old writings. He wrote about seeing a man hanged and about a lady who was sad because her brother died.
I think people today aren’t as bad as the news says. Pepys cared a lot about his clothes, spending more on them than his wife did! He even prayed to pay for a fancy cloak he bought.
I’m writing a special paper about him. Also, we can now stay up late if we don’t disturb others, but we still get sleepy early!
After church today, I’m going with friends to have fried chicken and waffles. We’ll be back a little late, but it will be fun!
I also want to tell you that I’m writing a book about my life at the John Grier Home. I’m excited about it!
I hope you’re doing well.
Love,
Judy
Oh, Daddy, I wish I knew you! When I feel sad, we could make each other happy. I don’t like Lock Willow anymore and I’m thinking about moving. My friend Sallie is going to Boston for work, and I want to go with her. We could have a studio together! I would write while she worked, and we could spend time together in the evenings. The evenings are long and boring here. I know you won’t like my idea, and your secretary will probably say I should stay. I really don’t want to be here anymore. It’s so hot, and everything is dry. I just want some family.
Something happened, and I need your advice. I want to see you because it’s easier to talk than to write. I’m very unhappy. I got a letter from you, and I’m sorry you’ve been sick. I sold my story, and I’m sending you money to pay you back. I also want to tell you that I have feelings for another man. I’m confused and need your help. What should I do?
I’m excited to see you next Wednesday!
Love, Judy
I really miss you a lot, Jervie, but it’s a happy kind of missing because we will be together soon. We truly belong to each other now, and it feels special. It’s kind of strange for me to feel like I belong to someone, but it’s also very nice. I promise I will always make you happy and never let you feel sad about us. I’m yours forever, Judy.
P.S. This is the first love letter I’ve ever written. Isn’t it funny that I know how to write one?
THE END
Need to summarize some long text? Try Long Summary for free - click on the logo above.
We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more