MS Charlotte Mitchell/Cobweb-1 1
Dear Cobweb
I did not answer you at once because the Glowworm sent me a set of questions by the same post, and I had to refer to the Secretary to know which was to have the first turn. She decides that, as by some blunder the Glow Worm stepped into Fru Astrida’s place, and that her questions had therefore better have the first turn.2 I believe this is rather a good thing for your first will require a little reconsidering, as you know there is a great question whether St Mary Magdalen be the same with the Sister of Lazarus, and also with the woman who anointed our Blessed Lord’s Feet in the house of Simon. If you mean to have this question entered upon, I think it should be expressed, else everyone will be in difficulties – as they are this time as to what is exactly meant by the Jews. Without disallowing the question, I am inclined to think you had better either put it another form or change it.
No 2 – is an immense question, had you not better either ask for an outline of the general course of the war, or else specify some one episode in it, such as either Wallace’s career or Bruce’s rise – otherwise the doing both in detail will be very hard work, and the prize will come to whoever has most time.
The Handel question is a very good one, and I like the Kepler one very much too – I wonder if anyone will do the a calculation for a specimen – I have your answers this morning. Pray don’t think me a horrible hissing old Goose, but I am afraid for the poor flies entangled in your toils – I believe asking questions is much harder than answering them
your critical
Mother Goose
Yours stand over for April-