Dear Cobweb

I did not answer you at once because the Glowworm sent me a set of questions by the same post, and I had to refer to the Secretary to know which was to have the first turn. She decides that, as by some blunder the Glow Worm stepped into Fru Astrida’s place, and that her questions had therefore better have the first turn. I believe this is rather a good thing for your first ... continue reading

Most submissive Cobweb,

The only change that I would suggest this time would be that for the word Evangelists you should substitute Gospels – as the Forms to which you refer rather symbolize the characteristics of the Gospels themselves than of their writers The answers will carry you all very deep and high.

The Humble Bee will be delighted with Kepler as the stars are her peculiar line. We shall have such beautiful stories of Handel that ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb,

Many thanks for your share of the photograph book, which is a very pleasant possession though my view of your self was so fleeting that I am no judge of the likeness- I was in hopes of being able to send a photograph of myself to all my faithful brood, but the man at Plymouth after keeping us waiting for two months for some copies, announced that the negative was broken. There had ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb,

I am glad to tell you that no one has passed you, though Firefly is your equal, in the number of votes, and I therefore should like to know which of Mother Goose’s works you would like best to have- only do not expect it immediately as I should like to have it bound for you.

Thank you for letting me see the photograph I am glad you have got it as it is ... continue reading

My dear Irene

I send back the translation with many thanks for the sight of it. I was very sorry to see by the paper that the sorrow you feared has come, and that the year is closing on you in sorrow and mourning, perhaps of a kind that one feels doubly, through one’s parents as well as oneself. I do not know whether you are feeling able to care for these Gosling matters now but ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb

Your book is come, and as it will not travel by the post well, I am going to send it to London by Mr and Mrs Pode - Will you let me know whether they shall leave it anywhere for you or send it on to Chelsea by parcels delivery

I have not been able to settle the prize questions yet as all the answers have not come in.

Owl sent me a very ... continue reading

My dear Chelsea Delf, Thanks for your note- I dare say you are right about the glass windows- If you have a copy of the story, and if you or your parents liked- I think I could put it in the way of being a Magnet story- but I am quite uncertain whether they would have it (i.e. Groombridge) – Shall I try?

I send you and Chelsea Delf Cobweb each a photograph – not so good ... continue reading

Dear Mr Macmillan, I send both title page and the proof of the statuette, which is indeed most beautiful and suggestive. I wrote yesterday about the title page. I could not do so before as I only came home late on Saturday and the Sunday post goes early. I enclose the list of presentation copies

Yours sincerely C M Yonge

Will you be kind enough to send the sheets of the Golden Deeds to Messrs Williams & Norgate for ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb, I should not have bothered you about your questions this month but that Chelsea China told me that your Mother was so much better that she thought you would be able to do them or rather ask them- and as it is so we shall get the order of things right again.

I think the two questions that will make the most variety would be the history of the Knights’ [sic] Templars and the ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb, I am staying here with the Secretary and we both give our parting greetings to one of our oldest original members. I wonder if you will ever have time to continue the Composer series in the Barnacle- I remember when Christabel told me how many lives you proposed, I was rather alarmed for the chance of the Barnacle living long enough to contain them all.

If you wish still to see the said ... continue reading

My dear Christabel Photography must certainly turn you into a most pensive mood. You are a great contrast to the solid jolly damsel in the old Gosling book. Your Ridge is very good. I will send it round with the answers, but as yet I have had no answers but Cricket and Lady bird, and the Turks cap has been so ill used that she has had neither questions answers nor Barnacle, this time – so ... continue reading

My dear Cobweb, You have been very ill used, but first Fanny Patteson was here, and I was idle, and since that I have not been well and have been more idle. The Acrostic is capital – I always like those that are all quotation- and I am very glad to see the composers going on, this last is a very entertaining piece

Pray excuse my great stupidity your affectionate Mother Goose