MS Plymouth and West Devon Area Record Office Ac 1092/151
My dear Mary,
How well George Harris seems to be going on. It is a great relief even if it be only a present rally, and rest and summer may do much for him. I hear he is eating oysters and much enjoying them. I hear that the Mr Merton Smith who is coming to Plympton St Mary is an excellent person not a Wantage Curate, but a neighbour. I do not know what age he is or if he is married. I hope he will be able to afford a second service to Aunt Seaton at Sparkwell.2 What a comfort it would be to all that large household and that hamlet too. You asked whether Arthur came home for Easter, it was well he did not for he would have brought the measles. He began last Saturday, the first of 19 boys, but he has been going on very well, the postcard with a report of him has just come astray to me, up but not out of his room. Our evening services were capitally attended but on Wednesday, Mr Elgie caught a dreadful cold, and could hardly speak or think on Thursday, so Julian sent to Winchester and Mr Awdry gave us our morning service yesterday, but as they had 4 at Hursley they could give no help, and we had none in the afternoon. I went to Hursley to 7 o’clock Evening Service and the Church was full, they said it had been so each time before. I believe many people are very thankful to have it made possible to them to keep the day properly. I believe two of the Services were Morning Prayer and Litany separate and at half past three, they read their meditations on the Seven Words.
Harriet’s poor brother is to be buried this evening, the Hursley curate comes for it, and will give us 7 o’clock prayers, and Mr Elgie means to be well tomorrow though I can’t say he looked like it when I went in yesterday for his message to Hursley. However Mr Young can come and help in the afternoon. We are going to begin Church dressing presently, but under difficulties for all the primroses are sodden with the three days rain. They have such a houseful at the other house – indeed Frank & Louisa Halliday sleep here.3 Mr & Mrs Bateman and Dick Woollcombe as they call him being there. 4 Gertrude goes next Saturday to stay with Mrs Beck, her stepmother. You know I go to the Palace, Salisbury on Monday on Thursday to Countess Nelson’s Landford House Romsey – home on Saturday. I hope all the bitter cold did not hurt Frances or Uncle Yonge
your affectionate cousin
C M Yonge
An enthusiastic young lady left an ivy wreath & an address at John Coleridge’s door for his defence. Mildred is going to wear it round her hat.