From Volume 9 of the Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda – Letters – Fifth Series
HOTEL BELLEVUE, EUROPEAN PLAN
BEACON STREET, BOSTON
11 May, 1894
DEAR MOTHER,
I have been since the 7th, lecturing here every afternoon or evening. At Mrs. Fairchild’s I met the niece of Mrs. Howe. She was here today to invite me to dinner with her today. I have not seen Mr. Volkinen as yet. Of course, the pay for lecture is here the poorest, and everybody has an axe to grind. I got a long letter full of the prattles of the babies.[6]* Your city, i.e. New York, pays far better than Boston, so I am trying to go back there. But here one can get work almost every day.
I think I want some rest. I feel as if I am very much tired, and these constant journeyings to and fro have shaken my nerves a little, but hope to recoup soon. Last few days I have been suffering from cold and slight fever and lecturing for all that; hope to get rid of it in a day or two.
I have got a very nice gown at $30. The colour is not exactly that of the old one, but cardinal, with more of yellow — could not get the exact old colour even in New York.
I have not much to write, for it is the repetition of the old story: talking, talking, talking. I long to fly to Chicago and shut up my mouth and give a long rest to mouth and lungs and mind. If I am not called for in New York, I am coming soon to Chicago.
Yours obediently,
VIVEKANANDA.