My dear Christabel

Mr Wilson says that the 12th will suit him best, if we drive over early So will you let me know your train on the 11th and you shall be met at Winchester, I know I shall want to send there. By the by, perhaps I should tell you that Maurice is sent home with chickenpox, and probably the others will have it, but besides the probability that you have had ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

This is very nice if the evidence about the alibi is quite clear enough, for I don’t see why old Bill’s evidence was not enough if the boy had been with him - but perhaps I did not understand that clearly. The only other thing that struck me was that perhaps the effect of this illness would be better in the story if you could make the first a little less ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

Cherry is very satisfactory. The only thing I was not prepared for was Roland’s death, and Dick’s keeping the property I expect he married Nettie after all, though it is quite right not to say so. I like the contrast between Cherry’s feelings in the two illnesses very much, it is rather those of the rest of the family that I thought in danger of repetition. Miss Seyton I think ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

The Packet will be happy to take Cherry cut down when Heriot’s Choice is over. I am afraid it will last a long time – for I never can succeed in getting in two chapters of Heriot’s Choice- Our pupil teachers have had a paper sent in from Salisbury training college for religious examination, saying 2nd class – Alice Misselbrook 8, Harriet Godwin 18, but whether this means no from the ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

You must take care about the law of the thing for if Alvar has been subpoenad as a witness Cherry’s appearing would not save him from a terrible scrape. It could be only at the examination before a magistrate at first. The Spanish indifference to doing good to one’s neighbour might come out well I wonder whether he ever could come to be good for much I should like ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

I heard of both your troubles from Mary Lund, Miss Finlaison’s scholar whose brother is with Ernest, but I much doubted where you were. I dare say your coming home made a change that was good and refreshing to all. It was sad indeed to lose this second boy, after all the sorrow for the first I hope the little girl is strong.

The Squire has spread happily into three volumes. ... continue reading

My dear C C You may as well see this remonstrance of one of the old fashioned goody souls Mrs Crocker her name seems to be. She goes on afterwards about ‘Amethyst’— and I won’t send that, for it is all misunderstanding. I wrote a defence of Cherry and Maisie saying that she was in a process of growth, and I also explained the scope of Amethyst and that you are not a dangerous person, ... continue reading