My dear Annie- I can only be quite sure that Mr. Keble never taught me at my Confirmation anything about Fasting Communion. When he first came monthly celebrations began here at mid-day the last Sunday in the month, his idea then being that he would come over and assist. So Hursley was fortnightly mid-day first and last Sundays; Ampfield began on the third. Then it was begun at Hursley early on the intermediate Sundays, and ... continue reading

My dear Anne Thank you for your letter. I am very sorry you feel so deplorable and still more sorry that our last conversation should have been such as to leave an uncomfortable impression on your mind I am afraid it was all my fault and I am particularly sorry to have talked in such a manner as to make you think I meant to set myself up for an example which was far ... continue reading

My dear Anne It is enough to frighten one to see all one’s words taken so seriously, not that I did not really mean them, but perhaps I spoke more freely from not thinking you would attach so much weight to what so young and so flyaway a person might say. However it is quite right to feel that words have weight. I think I must begin from henceforth to assure you that you ... continue reading

My dear Alice, Herewith is the 'Bridge of Cramond' finished. I hope George will not think too much sentiment falls to his share; and that we shall soon fall in with that important actor, the hawk. You and your two gipsies (Emily and Annie) will make courtiers, and Zedekias will help; indeed six, besides the other actors, is nearly as much as the stage will hold. Pray be grateful to me ... continue reading

My dear Alice, The Warden has asked Charlotte and Anne to dine there to be ready for the evening meeting; but at all events they will come to you first, about 10 o'clock, to go with you to the Cathedral. You would have enjoyed a walk with us last evening in a part of Cranbury quite unknown to us, where we found some beautiful lady-fern and a dragon-fly surpassing in beauty. And so ... continue reading

My dear Alice, I hope George is feeling the freshness of these nice cool days, and Mrs. Moberly is contented and happy without the babies, who by Mary and Edith's account must be very funny, especially Edward. What a pleasure it will be to see George at Winchester again, and to hear of all your doings, by which I hope ‘The Daisy Chain’ will profit, as it has a Commemoration in it. ‘Cleve Hall’ ... continue reading

My dear C C I am sure unless we could get an amount of subscribers enough to start a new Church Packet with security, it would be vain. Could we find out? Otherwise Sir W Besant is right, and we must acquiesce. I would make Duck’s Eggs a fresh start for it is needed, but I think it is not hopeful, sorry as I am, especially that Church should be a ... continue reading

My dear C C Here is a behind the times letter that concerns you. I have heard from Mr Thring, who says I can remove my books with proper notice, but as I don’t know how long proper notice is, I have written to ask, also he thinks there may be trouble about those of which A D I gives Royalty and on the older ones there is no agreement. I asked if ... continue reading

My dear C C If I were to be dissected while I am alive, I think you would do it tenderly, but indeed I have always shrunk from seeing the lives of living people and my whole old fashioned nature revolts at the idea partly personally, and partly because I know how those who are gone would feel about it, so indeed I do not think it is possible to my feelings and I hope ... continue reading

My dear Mary This is Mr. C.'s paper; please return it as I want to keep the Hursley papers. I did not see the original articles, nor have I read the horrid book, but the day that the Church Times had its article came one of A.'s letters admiring it. I wrote strongly to her on the danger of being fascinated with such books, and the horrid irreverence, and I also wrote to the ... continue reading

Will you allow one who is almost a stranger to you personally, to express my deep sympathy and sorrow when I saw the notice in the paper of the awful blow that has fallen on you? I know from Annie Moberly of your great kindness on my birthday last year, and that leads me to hope that you will not feel a few words from an old woman an intrusion; though pray do ... continue reading

My dear C C It is a cruel stroke to lose Lanty at the same time as M P You must feel desolate like Othello. Aimée Leroy has an idea, and may write to you about it, anent M P She says she has seen A D I’s business advertised to be sold. I have not, but I think my notice was sent in time. He has taken no notice, ... continue reading

My dear C C Did you ever hear that the treaty between Fairfax and the Cornish army was signed at Heaths Court. I never heard of it but Sir Mount Stuart Grand Duff staid with John and says it was signed in the old part of the house Perhaps dear old May was ashamed of such doings, and I should not have thought the house so old, as I remember it, and I ... continue reading

My dear C C I confess that though I mourn over the Manes of the M P I am personally a little relieved, for I was considering what I could honestly personally undertake or allow my name to be used for, in relation first to Truth, secondly in public spirit to the Church and girlhood, and thirdly in justice to kind helpers and endeavours for a fresh start. Helen has been reading the early volumes ... continue reading

My dear C C Do you know that Innes’s stock has been taken by Ward & Lock? I heard it second hand from a lady who has been enquiring after her goods. I suppose you had the letter asking creditors to accept 5 per cent. I asked what was become of the remains of what was half mine and half theirs and was told that Tanner did not know. I think we ... continue reading

My dear Anna I am only just in time to catch the post and thank you very much for the photographs. The outside of the house is charming, and Annie Moberly is venturing to ask if she might have one of them and of the group. She and Miss Price came out exactly like and she is like half her sisters. She would like them unmounted. I shall be very glad to see you when ... continue reading

My dear Mrs Elgie

This is only to tell you that I am thinking about you and Blanche and all. I would come to see you, but I think you had better not see a fresh person, and besides Annie Moberly comes to me tomorrow May God bear you all through it

Ever yours affectionately C M Yonge

I am exceedingly enjoying those dear old times. It is such a living over again of the dear golden age of our lives. I have made a few notes in pencil. . . I quite dreaded the first wedding. I keep it for my last hour before going to bed. I think I must put in when all the children were found on the landing ... continue reading