Seward House
Badsey
24th November 1898
My dear Kathleen,
Father wrote his letter to Ethel last night, so I will try & write yours before post-time so that you may hear on Friday. We are getting very near the holidays now & I think you will be rather glad to get home, things do not seem to be very smooth at school & perhaps both governesses & pupils will be more inclined for work after a rest. It seems almost a pity that they should have this play if it overworks & upsets everybody. Sister Miriam sent us a card of invitation today, but of course we must decline. I wonder whether Mrs Knapp & Miss Pollard will come the second day, if they can, you must send them tickets & we will pay for them. We miss poor old Jack a good deal, I expect he will find it rather dull at first, but I hope he will make some friends after a bit, I daresay he will often spend Sunday at Sandwich & Aunt Lottie has I believe booked him for Christmas. Baby had eleven presents altogether for her birthday, I think we told you most of them, Mrs Nightingale gave her a pretty pinafore & Clara some pink ribbons for her tie-ups, & May, a doll. The little woman has been a bit tiresome lately about her morning nap, so at last I have had to let her have a little cry & take no notice of her, it seems to answer for she roars well for about ten minutes & then goes to sleep. She has cut a double tooth, she ought to have had two more front ones first but they have not turned up yet; she is such a sweet little thing now & has such pretty ways, I am sure you will be pleased to see her again. I went down to the Mothers’ meeting yesterday, it was such a wet miserable day that only one woman turned up, so she, Mrs Price & I sat & did needlework, the things are to go on sale for Wickhamford this time. Next Monday Mr Price is having a lantern lecture next Monday & has asked me to play something in the beginning & in the middle, I want May to play a duet with me & we are practising ours. Aunt Polly has been staying at Byfleet & is now at Fanny Walton’s for a fortnight. I do not seem to have much news & want to go & help get tea, as I have had to send Clara out & Father wants tea early. Excuse writing my pen is fearful; my love to Ethel. I am so pleased she managed to get top.
Much love dear, from
your loving mother
Eugénie N. Sladden
