My dear Mary We had two plants of purple periwinkle once in the old shrubbery part of the garden. It disappeared, and I tried to introduce it here from Dogmersfield, where there was plenty, but it did not live. Tell Jenny the bar is a line or stripe going horizontally all across the shield [diagram] The wreath is supposed to be the folds or fastening on the top of the helmet on which ... continue reading

My dear C C I am glad there are some signs of life or of decay more properly of poor A D I- ! I do think there are more and more signs that a 6d phoenix would be welcomed.

I find the booksellers make all sorts of excuses for not having got it – The Authors Soc want to see my agreement before advising me. I could not find it easily before I ... continue reading

My dear Mary I hope the sheep were expelled sufficiently not to return again, and that these lovely spring days are healing the wounds they left. I went to the Copse today and found the daffodils all but out, and there are many violets in the garden. The excitement of the week was that last Sunday morning Miss Finlaison fell down stairs with a large red glass lamp in her hand, which cut her ... continue reading

My dear Mary Helen and I are sitting outside the summer shelter for its shade She is full of histories of London where they saw everything beautifully in the Park. George – as one of the 14 Rhodesian horse, had no end of honors[sic], the mob tried to kiss their medals (which were not the right ones after all, they get them tomorrow from the Prince at Buckingham Palace) He had to ride ... continue reading

My dear Helena Here is your ‘little bill’ I made out the cheque to you as I thought it might give less trouble.

I am not sure if you meant that Mrs White was one of the two daughters who erected Richard Cromwell’s Monument or one of the Wyndham daughters, on the tablet of the Bethia who had twenty children. What was the date?? I do not think you mentioned it of either. When we came ... continue reading

My dear Ellie- Thank you for your letter. We have heard nothing more, and hardly look for anything, and indeed there had been only one letter from him since he joined Baden-Powell, but that was enough to leave us no doubt that it is himself. I am so glad he had that year at home after the Matabele War.

He was very much loved here. There was to have been a ‘Social Evening,’ but the people ... continue reading

My dear Mary I wonder whether Charlotte had a foggy, snowy voyage yesterday? With us the day was very fine, the frosty road so clean and clear and this morning all was white but later it turned to drizzling rain and muddy roads , down which I puddled to the last nursing lecture, and saw instruction given on making a poultice among other things The numbers of people had been 29, but today there were ... continue reading

My dear Mary

All thanks for your letter, I think matters are looking better and that something less than £2000 will clear it all, but we cannot be sure till after the 24th, at any rate Julian is in much better spirits about it. Maurice must have gone to school any way, so that is the least part of the trouble, and I do not think Anne Parnell much to be regretted for she had ... continue reading

My dear Mary

Gertrude has brightened up this week but she had an embarras de richesses on Wednesday for Jane Harper, two children, Bella Heathcote Mrs Buston and Emily Dampier all came. She could not see the last two but they are coming on Wednesday afternoon to see her.

We had 104 communicants today - 50 early and 54 late. Frances was neuralgic and could not come out so Maurice was alone. George has grown ... continue reading

My dear Mary

Gertrude desires me to say that the little fish arrived quite fresh and were very nice too which I can testify as she sent me two for breakfast. I am sorry you could not go to the Kitley entertainment. I dont [sic] think the tenants can be very badly off at this rate!

We had a very nice confirmation Georgie went up first of the boys. We had 30 altogether, Hursley 2 Ampfield 15. ... continue reading