MS Mrs Clare Roels
My dear Christabel
Thank you for your pretty card of arum lilies, I suppose they are decking the Church with them in the southern hemisphere I am ashamed not to send you one – a card I mean not a lily, but I got fewer than usual this year and have pretty much disposed of them – I suppose your decorations were made agreeable this year by the splendid crop of holly berries We have had a very pleasant evening – or rather night of private theatricals at Hursley Park. They had Goldsmith’s real play of the Goodnatured man, and it went off with great spirit the Heathcotes and Wilsons all act so well2 The last thing was a charming little piece bringing out the likeness of the twins – who conspire (as Breton peasant girls) to ?tire down a fisher man who thinks both are one. That little Albrook schoolmistress goes on well, but she goes home to Southampton every Saturday. I don’t know anything about Mr Sloggett’s womenkind but I like himself he is SPG secretary and has been an Indian chaplain, Low Church but just like a picture of a clergyman in the good little books of 20 years ago. I don’t know much about Hyde3 I hope to fit Fernando all into this volume That book of Mrs Charles Martins ‘An Old looking glass’ is perfectly admirable for servants. Seely publishes it.4
with New Year’s wishes to you and Cherry5
your affectionate
C M Yonge