Mary Spence Watson diaries | 1899-1900
Monday 3rd July
Town in morning. It has been suddenly arranged that Ruth
must go to Plombières in Vosges for 3 weeks, so I packed to go with her. It is
horrid having to leave Father and Mother alone and to give up sketching lessons
etc., but I only trust it will cure Ruth. Theresa came out in afternoon and
Norbert in the evening. Father came to see me in bed at night (and mother of
course).
Tuesday 4th July
Singing lesson. Father saw me off by 2.59 to York—I felt
very homesick. Met at York by Hugh, Mabel, Molly, nurse & Spot. On bus to 12 St.
Mary's, where we had a delightful evening.
Wednesday 5th July
Played with Molly in garden. Shopped with Mabel, met Frank
returning from meeting—came and had coffee with us—most lucky for me. Mabel,
Molly and the nurse saw me off at 12.20, and I arrived at Hampstead at 5.00.
Ruth and May in. Great packing. Charlie and Evelyn to supper, after which E and
I had a lovely confidential talk.
Thursday 6th July
Ruth and I left Charing X at 10, second class. Dear old
Eve saw us off. Smooth crossing from Folkestone to Boulogne, about 2 hours.
Second class to Paris. Most amusing—one man spilt a bottle of wine, and the
whole thing smashed. Arrived 5.40. Drove to Hotel France et Suisse, Rue de
Strasbourg—small and comfortable. Nice landlord and landlady. I went to buy
stamps, then refreshing meal—for me vegetarian—and soon to bed as Ruth very
tired. Dreadful noise and we did not sleep well.
Friday 7th July
Met Miss Maynard and May Harvey in Paris Station. Left
Paris at 10.40, 2nd class comfortable window seats. Arrived
Plombières 5.25. Mrs and Mary Swan met us and gave us tea and were most kind. At
7.0 we had dinner. Ruth and I had a table to ourselves. She has borne the
journey wonderfully well. We have 2 nice bedrooms, but the place in ruinous. 15
frs a day, breakfast extra and 2 frs also for meals at 12 and 7 instead of 11 &
6.0.
Saturday 8th July
Dr. came to see R at 10.30. V. nice. Mrs Swan asked
us to judge some poems of a prize competition she had set. At 11.30 R. went to
drink waters—lunch at 12.0. At 3.0 she had half hour's warm bath. Nice amusing
bath woman, then rest and afternoon tea. Then we went short walk, she drank more
water, then dinner at 7.0. They are kindly giving me vegetarian dishes. The R.
sewed and I read aloud. Early to bed.
Sunday 9th July
Ruth had bath at 10, and drank waters before lunch. Then
she rested, and I went a good walk in the woods—very hot and I found I soon
got tired. We had afternoon tea with the Swans who were extremely nice—then we
sat in a lovely hay field and R. sketched while I read aloud. Sad catastrophe to
her blouse in the evening. We have (everyone) breakfast in our own rooms in the
morning.
Monday 10th July
We each were weighed—R. 8 st 1 lbs., I, 9st 1lb. (4 lbs
extra since Ireland in April—I suppose vegetarianism but it's horrid)
Afternoon I sketched and Ruth read aloud. Lovely fields, rather like Norway and
picturesque people making hay. Very pretty small town.
Tuesday 11th July
We both felt sleepy—it is very hot. Madame Bottentuit
called on us, and talked hard, in English. She is the doctor's wife, then we had
a long talk and short walk with the Swans.
Wednesday 12th July
In afternoon, went to buy flowers for Mary Swan's birthday
from an old peasant woman. Long talk with her. In evening sat in drawing room. I
had long talk with elderly gentleman who lives in South Africa about the
Transvaal. Ruth with an old Mr Atkinson, whose son, a Rugby master, is here
trying the cure. Great thunderstorm. First French lessons, I went an hour's walk
with French lady to learn conversation.
Thursday 13th July
Cooler. Ruth began a kind of soothing douche in the Bath.
Afternoon tea at Madame Bottentuits. Several other ladies there, not much of a
walk today.
Friday 14th July
Doctor's visit to R. in Bath. I had French lesson at 2.0,
went a nice little walk, and Ruth had her lesson when we returned. Afternoon tea
with Swan's for last time, alas! Ruth sang a little in drawing room, but no one
else there. In evening Ruth, old Mr Atkinson, an English lady and I walked to
the church. Outside was a bandstand all hung with little lamps and it played the marseillaise, Russian National anthem etc. Very jolly. All the town illuminated
and hung with flags because it is a national fete day.
Saturday 15th July
Very hot. Mr and Miss Freeman, Miss Blomfield and I saw
the Swans off at 2.15 with very great sorrow. Ruth and I went a short walk
through pretty hay fields, and had a consultation with the doctor about her
throat. Miss Freeman and I had a game of draughts in the evening. Old Mr
Atkinson sent us all into fits of laughter. He is 74 and most lively, but rather
long winded.
Sunday 16th July
Very hot. 76 in the shade. In afternoon I went to R.C.
church for about half hour, then Ruth, old Mr Atkinson and his son and I went a
very nice short walk. Lovely view of Plombières.
Monday 17th July
I got up at 6.0 and walked to Fontaine Stanislas at 6.30.
Brought Ruth her water at 11.30. We pottered about in afternoon and played
pounce patience in evening.
Tuesday 18th July
Still very hot. Tried to go a drive but could not
get a carriage. Ruth began 'douche ascendante'
. Very nice French lesson and
lovely walk.
Wednesday 19th July
Game of tennis on grass court with Miss Freeman. Very hot.
I got up early and sketched. Short walk with Ruth.
Thursday 20th July
80 in shade. Ruth, Miss Blomfield and I went an hour's
drive in the evening. After dinner, talked to old Mr Atkinson and his son—latter looks really ill and we are very sorry for him. Mathematical and science
master at Rugby.
Friday 21st July
In afternoon Mr Atkinson and his son (Cuthbert), Ruth and
I took tea and went to a well about 10 mins off. Got some boiling water from a
cottage and had cakes and chocolate. Son returned to drink water and I went on
to Etang Adolphe to get a bathe. After a long walk found 4 boys enjoying
themselves in the water. It was maddening. However the walk was lovely. Sat out
talking after dinner.
Saturday 22nd July
Went a walk to a pretty view in afternoon. Sat and talked
after dinner.
Sunday 23rd July
Tremendous showers and thunder. Went short walk with the
Atkinsons between the showers. Mr Atkinson junior showed us his butterflies and
caterpillars and some photos. R. stopped baths for 2 or 3 days.
Monday 24th July
Poured nearly all day—to Mme Buttentuits to tea. Spanish
lady and others there. I took away someone's umbrella and had to return it. In
evening R and I to see 'Les Huguenots'
(Meyerbeer). Good performance—singers,
but orchestra dreadful and v. out of tune. V. small stage. Lasted from 8 till
12.0 p.m.
Tuesday 25th July
In afternoon R went out with the Atkinsons, and I had a
glorious walk—first to Etang Adolphe where I bathed and sketched, and back by
Feuillée Dorothée, by a short cut, peasant man coming part of the way back with
me. R and I played pounce patience in evening.
Wednesday 26th July
Very hot again. Played tennis with the Spanish children in
the morning. Great fun in afternoon. R, Atkinsons and I went a short walk,
'Cuthbert'
collected butterflies. R and Mr A. senior made tea. In evening I had
a long talk with Miss Blomfield and ran races with Spanish children. Talked to
General Haig one day.
Thursday 27th July
Hot—up at 5.30 and at 6.30 hired bicycle and went a
glorious spin on road towards Remiremont—uphill all way, but lovely fresh air
and smell like Norway. 16 kilometres (10 miles) in one hour. In afternoon R,
Miss Blomfield, Atkinsons and I drove to Fenillée Dorothée and Nouvelle Dorothée—not far, but splendid view of Val D'
ajol. Enjoyed it immensely. 'Cuthbert'
photographed us. He is a puzzle to me, but he has got a sweet
smile when he does it.
Friday 28th July
R. began baths again. In afternoon I had 3 splendid sets
of tennis with a French girl in the park—I won 2. Also a nice French lesson—(walk). Great grief to me because Spanish children left in the evening. They had
been going on Sunday and the mother thinks the eldest girl has got scarlet
fever, so they have quite suddenly gone. I went to see them off. I shall miss
them very much.
Saturday 29th July
In afternoon I went to see 'Les Souterains'
—first on a
peignoir and we (the guide) and I each carried lamps and towels. Walked along to
the Bain Stanislas. Heat terrific. I got absolutely soaked. Most interesting to
see the very hot water coming straight out of the ground. Lovely starlight
night. Talked to Miss Blomfield, Ruth to 'the old gentleman'
.
Sunday 30th July
Nothing much. In afternoon we went a short walk with the
Atkinsons in the Park. Evening Miss Blomfield and I called on General Haig.
Monday 31st July
Ruth began to have her baths early at 7.15. Afternoon we
had French lessons and tea on the hillside. Ruth, the old gentleman and
'Cuthbert'
and I looked on. I had a long talk with some old peasant friends of
ours, and tore my dress. Miss Blomfield and I paid long call on the Haigs in
evening. Young Mr Atkinson much more genial to-night. "Oh, you'
ve got your work,
that's charming."
Tuesday 1st August
Afternoon I went to Cascade de Faymont and La Vallée des
Roches with Mlle Tisserand. Walked for three and a half hours and the heat made
me fell quite exhausted. Called on Haigs again in evening. Little boy on bicycle
gave me a fright and 'Cuthbert'
very angry and made him apologize.
Wednesday 2nd August
In afternoon Atkinsons, Miss Blomfield, R & I drove to
Remiremont—3.30 to 7.0. Most delightful charming place. We saw the old church
(13th century) and an old palace I think, now Palais de Justice.
Views and colour of the hills exquisite. The others had dinner with us at our
table.
Thursday 3rd August
R. and I shopped. Atkinsons came up the hill with us and
we had our last tea party. I felt very out of it and consequently shy. Very hot day. Final call on Mme Bottentuit and visit to the doctor.
Friday 4th August
Saw 'Cuthbert's'
butterflies and photos. He was very nice
and he and Miss Blomfield and Mr Atkinson saw us off by 2.15 to Paris. V. hot.
Successful parting—they were all very kind and supplied us with lemonade,
fruit etc. Carriage (2nd) to ourselves nearly all the way. Had some
dinner on the way. Quite sorry to have left our friends at Plombières. Drove to
Hotel du Chemin de Fer du Nord—arrived 9.30 and went straight to bed. Nice,
quiet back rooms.
Saturday 5th August
Left Paris 10.30. Fearfully hot journey to Boulogne where
we arrived at 2.8. Crossing slightly rough, and most refreshing. Arrived
Hampstead 7.30. Linda and May welcomed us. Philip Spence and Phyllis staying
there. I slept with Phyllis and we talked much. We have had a very comfortable
journey and Ruth has stood it wonderfully well.
Sunday 6th August
Phyllis and I to Westminster Meeting. One old Friend in a
Quaker bonnet spoke to us—someone called Fox. Left Hampstead too early for
train and most luckily caught one at 8.0 direct through to Oban. Lovely sleeping
berths, but neither of us could sleep for it was so shakey and went at such a
terrific rate. Arrived Oban 8.45 Monday a.m.
Monday 7th August
Went straight to Marine Hotel and had breakfast then
shopped and I looked out for the "Curlew" (or Griffin). Told it was not there
but it was and steamed to Ballachulish in afternoon. Found telegram in the
office begun "Frith—Dalt. R and I left at 12.30 arrived Onich 2.30. Met by
Hugh and Mabel—others out. Came in later. Lovely house. Glorious to be here at
last.
Tuesday 8th August
Glorious day. Father, Evelyn, Ber and I went a lovely walk
to a lake. Took sandwiches and got some perfect milk. When we returned at about
5.0 F. Pollard was sitting in the garden. So jolly. He came to Mabel and Hugh's
with Evelyn and me to tea. The other yacht people had gone our old Glencoe walk
(same day too). Cannot see the yacht. Most annoying that it is so far away. It
was jolly to see him. Norbert arrived to stay with us in evening. Went short
row. I slept very badly indeed.
Wednesday 9th August
Most went an excursion. Mabel, Ruth and I spent day
together. At 5.0 Hugh and I began to bicycle to yacht because we thought they
were not coming to tea, but we met 11 of them presently and brought them back.
Great fun, but midges awful. F.E.P., W.H., Arthur Woodhead and his brothers,
Fanny Hardy, Hannah and Essie Beakbane, E.F. Hill, Dearman Neave, Joe Wigham and
Hugh Gibbons. Had a few old Griffin songs. Phil the Fluter, Kabul River, etc. I
felt rather shy, but it was lovely.
Thursday 10th August
Glorious and almost perfect day. Hugh, Norbert, B. and I
bicycled to Ballachulish and went on board the Curlew at 9.30. Steamed up to
head of Loch, then down and stopped near Onich pier for Ruth. Went down to
another loch, then to Fort William where we arrived before 6.0. Lovely dinner on
board and tea. Quite hot. Had lovely talk with F. etc. Steered. Photographed Joe Wigham. Concert—'Blue-eyed naney'
, Slattery's light dragoons, Harringans, the
Barge masin and Nancy Lee, Drawbacks, violin duets and solos. Waddingtons seem
nice girls. A.P. not well. Mrs A.P. perfectly sweet and awfully kind. Played
pounce patience with Joe Wigham and won.
Friday 11th August
Hugh, B., Norbert and I cycled to Fort William. Father and
mother by steamer and mother had a pony but I missed them. Met yacht people at
post office and went up Ben Nevis. Heat nearly did for us. I had a nice time
with F. by lake. We did not get up till nearly 4.0. I came down with F., Father,
J.T.W., Joe Hayward, Arthur Woodhead and Dearman Neave. Great fun. I
photographed them with Joe H's camera. J.T.W. took me by the stream doing my
hair. Arrived 8.30. They begged B. and me to sleep in the tent, but Hugh thought
we ought not to so we cycled 10 miles home. Nice talk with Father. I should get
quite spoiled if I went another yachting tour! Poor F. Joe H. very unselfish. A.
Woodhead "It does amuse me the way we all call you Mary!!" |
 Mary
Spence Watson (R), on board the Curlew, August 1899
|
Saturday 12th August
B. and I went at 10.30 to Corran Ferry to wave to the
"Curlew". It came at nearly 12.0, and we sang "adieu, dear kind friend" etc.
Could see them quite well, and hear them say "Its Mary and Bertha" and "Have you
got the pipe, have you smoked it yet." (it had been put in my pocket.), then
they all shouted a huge goodbye, and I felt utterly wretched as we saw it
disappear. If only I could go on it again. It has been lovely and exciting
seeing them. Then B., Katie, R., and I had bathe in the loch. She is staying
with Hugh and Mabel. Afternoon we had a picnic tea by a glorious pool and bathed
again. Molly had her first bathe. Maids came also. Katie, Norbert, B and I deep
sea fishing. B caught a fish.
Sunday 13th August
Norbert, B. and I spent most of the morning in and out of
a glorious pool. Katie to dinner and we all dozed in afternoon. Still very hot.
In evening Norbert, B. and I went a walk and were nearly devoured by midges.
Monday 14th August
B. and I cycled (12 miles) to head of Loch Leven, bathed
in an enormous pool, and then scrambled up a lovely, rocky glen—the one we
passed on our old yachting Glencoe walk. Got milk at a cottage. Road lovely, but
bad for cycling. Got back about 7.0. Storm coming up. Father, Norbert and Hugh
fished and got a few small trout.
Tuesday 15th August
Rained most of the day—B. and I bathed before breakfast.
We saw Katie off and N., B. and I went in boat. Bathed after dinner. Loch quite
rough. Sketched. Lovely rainbow, double. All our water has gone and Mary has to
do the cooking in a little cottage—most awkward, especially in the wet. Laurie
came to stay with us and Dora Clark to stay with Mabel. Father and N. fished,
caught some tiny trout.
Wednesday 16th August
Poured and great wind most of day. Father, Norbert and
Hugh fished at Glencoe. Visit from Mabel, Dora and Molly. B. and I walked to
Loch Leven hotel in afternoon and met Laurie on way back. Loch quite rough.
Played whist in evening. Bathed as usual before breakfast.
Thursday 17th August
Father and Mother drove, Laurie, Hugh, Norbert, Dora B.
and I cycled 15 miles against fearful wind to Strontian. B. and I bathed there.
Had nice dinner in the inn. B. and I bought molto goodies and "bootlaces"
exactly like 2 years ago and on the same date, in the same shop. Curious
coincidence. Lovely sunset. I remembered the place and everything perfectly.
Splendid ride back, coasting most of way. Crossed in ferry from Ardgour to
Corran. Saw some deer on the hills, arrived back about 9.0. Ruth had been with
Mabel and Molly.
Friday 18th August
Charlie Weiss spent day with us. He, Norbert, Laurie, B.
and I had a bathed in the sea from the boat. Afternoon B. read "Virginibus
Puerisque" to N. and me—picnic tea by pool. B. ent in boat afterwards, but the boating here is very unsatisfactory.
Saturday 19th August
Bathed before breakfast. All went to see Norbert off at
10.0. Very sorry to lose him—he is so nice, though a great teaze. Very wet,
but fine at intervals. Laurie and I went short walk and up to reservoir. About
4.0 Mother, B., L. and I walked to farm, bathing on way and got lovely milk.
Came back by beautiful gorge. Father and Hugh went deep sea fishing. B. and I
sang some songs together.
Sunday 20th August
Mother and B. to chapel. Laurie photographed, I went to
meet him and sketched. In afternoon B. and I had a glorious bathe from the boat—Father and Hugh came down in state of great anxiety—then we walked with
Mabel, Molly etc to top of hill behind house and had a glorious view towards
Fort William. Bertha and I took Mary and Sarah for a row, which they enjoyed muchly. Glorious sunset.
Monday 21st August
All except Molly to Glencoe, by coach and cycling. Laurie,
B. and I got about half way up to Ossian's Cave. Steep pull up, and a little
climbing. After dinner at Glencoe Inn, B. and I bathed. Hugh, B. L. and I cycled
back about 6.0, not good road. People laughed at our rationals. Glorious sunset.
Father read "The Bothie" (Clough's) aloud in evening.
Tuesday 22nd August
Laurie's birthday, aged 30. B and I made a chocolate cake
for him. B. and I cycled to Fort William to shop and get my watch mended.
Afternoon Hugh and Mabel gave us all tea at the farm. B. and I had a perfect
bathe in a pool on the way. Haymaked after tea. Delightful time. Ruth and Mabel
drove there and walked back. Molly walked all the way back, in splendid spirits.
|
Laurie
Richardson, with Robert Spence Watson (R); Onich, 1899
|
Wednesday 23rd August
Bathed 3 times. Ruth, Mother, Mabel, Molly, L. and B. to
beyond Ardgour by boat. Dora cycled, Father and I walked. Dreadfully hot, but
Father sang, recited, and told me about our possession of Egypt. B. and I had a
glorious bathe from the boat, and again lying in a shallow stream. Made tea.
Hugh cycled to tea. Father repeated to me all the way home which was glorious—Tom Moore, James Hogg, Mrs Browning, Tennyson, James Montgomery, Byron, etc. V.
high tide and great current at ferry.
Thursday 24th August
We always bathe before breakfast. Pottered about. Laurie,
B. and I had a glorious bathe in a pool. Afternoon most by boat to Loch Leven
hotel where they had afternoon tea. I cycled and sketched on the way. Very, very
hot. Such a summer as this has not been known here for 42 years, we are told.
Friday 25th August
Saw Laurie off at 10.0. Father, Mother, B. and I to the
Lake—milk at farm on way. I rowed Father, but he caught no fish and it began
to thunder and rain, so we went into the farm and had tea. Cleared up, and we
had a very nice walk home, Father singing and repeating 13 miles—very good for
mother who is 62 nearly, for it is a tiring walk over long grass etc part of
way. Great wind sprang up.
Saturday 26th August
Glorious day. Cooked. Aunt Car and Edith arrived in the
morning. Afternoon Dora, Edith, B and I had a lovely bathe, undressing under the
pier and diving from the boat. Quite an audience watched us. It was delicious;
then we rowed Mabel and Molly to the point where we met all the others and the
maids and had a very nice picnic tea. Midges fearful afterwards. They certainly
are a dreadful plague round here.
Sunday 27th August
Some to Chapel. Afternoon very nice bathe at pier. Evening
some walked. I sketched from top of hill. Splendid sight watching a thunderstorm
come on. Aunt Car and I to Oak Cottage to supper. Delightful time. So nice have
Aunt Car and Edith staying with us.
Monday 28th August
Glorious day. Dora went. Bathed from boat. Afternoon
mother, B. Edith and I rowed to opposite shore—then they left me to go back
and deep sea fish with Ruth. I went up [blank]—good hot climb, but glorious
view, Loch Sunart, open sea, Eigg I think etc. I came straight down the face and
across in the ferry. Only took about two and a half hours from the far slope to
top and down again, but it was an effort.
Tuesday 29th August
B. and I cycled, rest by steamer to Fort William to see
the games. All were most interested and quite excited. Dancing of reels, etc
splendid, and a lovely sailor's hornpipe, in costume. Throwing the caber,
marvellous, a huge log, 24 ft long, almost too heavy to lift at all for us. Pole
jumping excellent 11ft 6. But the winner has done 12 ft 6 before. Danced on
little wooden platform surrounded by heather. B. and I sat on the hills. Lovely
situation.
Wednesday 30th August
Saw Mabel, Hugh, Molly and their maids off at 10.0 with
much sorrow. Fair in morning, but poured in afternoon. Edith, B. and I had a
bathe, rather cold and rough, undressing in hut on pier. Father began reading
aloud "Strange adventures of a phaeton" (Black).
Thursday 31st August
Slightly showery. All drove to Fort William, then to Glen
Nevis, which is very grand and beautiful. Some walked to the top to see the
falls, but they are not much. At Fort William we went to see a home industry
bazaar. Drove home, getting back about 8.0. Rather tired. A very delightful day.
Friday 1st September
Bathed as usual before breakfast. Father went fishing. B.
helped me beautifully to pack. She and Edith and I went to post office. I
started on "Mountaineer" at 2.0, reached Oban 4.0. Rather wet, but faired.
"Clansman" late and we did not start for Glasgow till 7.0. Had tea on board. 14
of us in ladies'
cabin, but I slept fairly well.
Saturday 2nd September
Reached Greenock 7.0. Took train to Glasgow and caught the
8.45 to Newcastle. Arrived at 1.0. Shopped. Quarries to tea, then to Bensham
with my boxes. Marg. Shields and her children staying in our house. Back to
Quarries for the night.
Sunday 3rd September
Morning Norbert and I to Bensham to pack. After dinner
Teresa and I had nice call at Wingrove. Theodore Reiser is staying at the
Quarries.
Monday 4th September
Teresa and I left at 9.30 in carriage with Freda, Cousin
Sally, etc. Uncle Theo in same train. T. taught me Greek alphabet. Frank got in
at Sheffield and I did enjoy the journey. Watched boys bathing in canal. Alice
Whitlow and I drove in hansom to Handsworth where we are staying with Milly and
Harry Sturge. Nice tea, then by cable train to reception and lecture by Canon
Rawnsley on Francis of Assisi and photos of Assisi by George Thompson.
Tuesday 5th September
Heat Tremendous. Most interesting lecture by Prof. Rogers
on "Israel and her enemies", then Rendel Harris on "a new apocryphal gospel".
Then F. and I went into shop, and he had milk while I ate sandwiches. Then
Teresa and I into R. Harris'
elementary Greek class. Lunch. Lots of us by train
to Lichfield. Cathedral lovely. Dean took us round. Stayed to service. Tea. Saw
house where Dr Johnson was born. I did not go to lecture in evening, but stayed
in alone to write.
Wednesday 6th September
Two first lectures as yesterday—Ernest Rowntree and I went to Prof. Rogers'
Hebrew class—v. nice. Alice and I to vegetarian to lunch, then to Handsworth
to change—Garden Party at Wyddrington—glorious grounds, but began to rain.
To Southalls'
to dinner—sat between William Braithwaite, very nice and jolly
and Christopher Southall. Then to lecture by J. Wilhelm Rowntree on "The
Responsibility of a Free Ministry".
Thursday 7th September
Wet. Third lecture I attended Prof. Davison on Poetical Literature of O.T.
Veg. Restaurant with F. and Alice Whitlow. After F. and I to Art Gallery and
Botanical gardens. Then I with Alice and Teresa and Milly to Illa Sturge's where
we danced. Evening lecture on "A bundle of letters 30 centuries old" by Prof.
Rogers. Splendid.
Friday 8th September
Only two morning lectures. Went to Worcester—saw Cathedral—very fine. Had
jokes with Hugh Gibbons and Frank. Then I went on the river for about three
quarters of an hour with those two. We took a cab down. Tea in a tent. Jolly
Curlew stories coming back in train. Evening lecture by Joan Fry on Tauler &
Bochure [Bochine?]. I was sleepy, having slept badly night before. "You look
ill" he said.
Saturday 9th September
Weather lovely. Two lectures. 1 p.m. started for Stratford. Teresa and I in
party D and knew no one. Mr Bayes conducted. Went to river (bridge), Memorial
buildings, Shakespeare's house, Parish church, and then met party C and had tea
together. Happily at last I got next Frank, and after he, Teresa, Hugh G. and I
walked through fields to Anne Hathaway's cottage. V. pretty. Then Mr. Barrow,
("petrified bun" man) joined us. He, F. Teresa, H. and I came back together in
train. Played "I've just come back from Paris" and adjective game.
Sunday 10th September
Adult Meeting at 9.0. Alice and I went at 9.30. Then to Bull St. Heaps spoke
and it lasted one and threequarters hours. Then to Mrs. Wilson Sturge's to
dinner. I sat next Rendel Harris. At 3.0. Annual Meeting of Adult Schools in
Town Hall, then Teresa and I to Mrs King's to tea. Nice talk with Prof. McGilbert. Saw Mrs K's Scotch sketches. Called in at Mariemont. Evening Meeting
Bull St. 6.30. Miss Wallis'
paper. Alice, Milly and I to Maida Sturge's to
supper. Reading here and hymns after our return.
Monday 11th September
Three meetings—bought some lunch and ate it in 1.15 train to Harvington. A
lot of us went. We got out at Bromsgrove and drove to Harvington Hall—a fine
old moated building, in dreadful disrepair and with nice old secret hiding
places. Then to Percy and Mrs. Bigland's to tea, and then drove back, views very
pretty. Got in at 7.0. and went to veg. for dinner.
Short talk with F. Met Mrs Clark and Roger. Lecture by J. W. Graham on Isaac
Pennington. Mrs G. tiresome.
Tuesday 12th September
3 lectures. F. came to veg. with me, and then I had to say goodbye. I
bicycled with a party to Finstall Albright's country house. Most of way with
Olga and Mr. Binns. Prof. Ramsay etc. there. Came back by train. Evening lecture
on Madame Guyon by Rendel Harris. Dinner at Frederick Road.
Wednesday 13th September
Lectures. Afternoon garden party in botanical gardens. Splendid bicycle
gymkana. To dinner to Southfield (Lily and Sophie Sturge). I sat between John B.
Clark and Mr. Tangye. Evening lecture on Terste[e]gen by Horace Govan.
Thursday 14th September
Lovely fine day. To Warwick. Saw St. Mary's church, Beauchamp Chapel, Castle,
Guy's Tower, Leicester hospital, tea at Meeting House, then jail where Friends
were imprisoned, and we had a short meeting there. Got back about 7.0. Lecture
by William Braithwaite on Development of Christian Morality.
Friday 15th September
Poured in afternoon. I went by 3.35 to Wolverhampton—Mary Carr and Bessie Brockbank met me at the station, and we went over the laundry which was most
interesting (green olive oil soap for flannels!) Then had tea. Roger a dear
little thing. Evening lecture by Mr Grubb.
Saturday 16th September
Meeting for Worship 9.30–10.30. A lot of us by 11.30 in saloon to York, and
Freda and I travelled rest of way together. Dear Father met me and the train was
nearly an hour late. It was sweet of him. Lovely to be at home
again.
Sunday 17th September
To Meeting, and Wingrove to dinner and tea. Several others there, including
Theresa and Ernest. Delightful visit. Dora read me most beautifully poems by
Kipling and Victor Hugo.
Monday 18th September
V. windy and showery. Shopped in Gateshead and went to Edmundsons. Began
cleaning lower rooms. Charlie and Lily took Father and me to see Irving and
Ellen Terry in "Robespierre". Acting magnificent, but rather too harrowing. I
caught a horrid cold.
Tuesday 19th September
Stayed in all day, nearly—cold made me feel very depressed and tired.
Wednesday 20th September
To see Aunt Gertie—house-cleaning progresses. I am doing the cooking till
tomorrow when Mrs Sanderson will come to do it.
Thursday 21st September
Afternoon went to meet Bessie Highet, who had come to be interviewed at
School of Cookery. This was on Wednesday.
B. came out to-day.
Friday 22nd September
Bertha came last night, but is staying at the Quarries. She came out to
lunch, and it was lovely to see her and we did some shopping and went to see
Aunt Gertie. Laurie came out in evening. I see this ought to have been written
on Thursday. Friday. To cemetery and shopped. Poured coming back.
Saturday 23rd September
I went to see dear little Ber off at 5.0 to begin her new work at
Backhouse's. I do wish she were going to stay at home. In evening Father, Mr
Burton and I went to see Irving in "Waterloo" and "The Bells". He is a grand
actor. Waterloo was very touching.
Sunday 24th September
Father took "children's meeting" and I went in too. V. nice. Psalm 122.
Dinner together. Sarah and Eva in afternoon and Charlotte (Mrs Sanderson's
daughter) and her fine mischievous boy. To supper Mr Foster—bad tongue—I
felt ashamed though not my fault.
Monday 25th September
First music lesson with Mr Preston—very nice. In afternoon met B. Highet
and took her to her lodgings then met Isabel, and brought her home. Looked at
photos and talked.
Tuesday 26th September
Shopped and had lunch in town. Laurie to dinner. Brought us lovely honey.
Wednesday 27th September
Afternoon to Tynemouth. Sea lovely. Went into Aquarium. Romanian band.
Wonderful juggler, etc.
Thursday 28th September
I bicycled to cemetery. We made a cake which was a failure. Read "The Forest
Lovers" aloud. Evening to dinner at Quarries. Aunt Hope, Uncle Theo, Chas and
Norbert. Jolly to see Charles again. Played 'shovet'
. Got teased as usual. V.
nice evening.
Friday 29th September
Workhouse. Aunt Gertie's to tea. Jolly evening. Exciting news of birth of a
nephew. Mabel getting on very well.
Saturday 30th September
Great day cooking and preparing the house for Mother, Ruth and the maids who
arrived about 6.0 in the evening. Lovely to have them, and Ruth brought heaps of
green.
Sunday 1st October
Bessie Highet and young Mr Meiklejohn to dinner. Gilbert, Miss Webb, Miss May
to tea. Mr Skipsey to supper.
Monday 2nd October
Bad music lesson. Mr Preston said "very bad" nearly all the time.
Tuesday 3rd October
Maud Nicholson came in afternoon and she, Isabel and I went over the leather
works. Very interesting. Gertie and Laurie to tea. Father to London.
Wednesday 4th October
Singing lesson and shopped in afternoon. Mother to Mabel at York.
Thursday 5th October
Father came home. To cemetery etc. in morning. In evening to lecture on music
by Mr Champion.
Friday 6th October
Workhouse. Lecture by Prof. Vaughan on "Wordsworth and his contemporaries".
Introductory lecture. To Mrs Denton's to afternoon tea to see Isabel's "Auntie
Belle". Very nice.
Saturday 7th October
Ruth and Father to Ripon. Mother joined them there. Isabel and I read. Took
Molly to Aunt Gertie's etc.
Sunday 8th October
To Quarries to dinner. Back to tea and Miss Laing came. Very nice, and we had
great fun with Molly, who was simply delicious, and played at putting us to bed,
etc. Isabel and I put her to bed and she was so good. Then I sang to her and
left her and she went off to sleep at once.
Monday 9th October
Ruth and Father returned. Better music lesson. Afternoon Isabel and I went
over Sunbeam electric lamp works. Uncle Johnnie took us round, and it was
extremely interesting. Ruth taught us a new patience in the evening.
Tuesday 10th October
Isabel went away.
Wednesday 11th October
Monthly Meeting. Laurie, Gilbert, Herbie, Edgar, Phyllis, Norman and I to
Peace Meeting about Transvaal. Got there at 20 mins to 7.0 and never heard one
word. Thos. Burt in chair. Chas Fenwick etc spoke, but Father never got a
chance. Fearful noise. At 10.30 rush made for platform. I was terrified. Father
pushed people down, and police came to rescue, but it might have been serious.
Plummer and Runciman (greatly) to blame and Tory agent Appleby.
Thursday 12th October
Laurie to dinner.
Friday 13th October
Workhouse. Olga, Freda, Teresa and I met at meeting house for Bible study.
Prof. Vaughan on Wordsworth. I went to cemetery and to Friends'
Soirée Committee
(Food) at Horrie Holmes'
.
Saturday 14th October
Oh! Joy. Mother came home. Earl Grey to stay with us. Aunt Hope, Uncle Theo,
Charles and Marie Bonnet to dinner. V. successful. I did not go in. Afterwards
R. sang and I played the pipes. Earl Grey admired my Quaker dress.
Sunday 15th October
To Meeting—then I took Lily Watson's Sunday School class—got on pretty
well. Thos. and Mrs Burt, Mr and Tishy Eole, Mr Virrian, Mr Fisher, Mr Whitburn
(used to be an engine driver), Miss Tooke, Mr Maddison M.P. to tea. Then we went
into Earl Grey's lecture on "Industrial Cooperation". He, Father and I walked
home together.
Monday 16th October
Earl Grey went. Mother, R. and I to Mansons to tea to meet Mr and Mrs Jos.
Swan. R. and I also called on Cousin Alice Watson.
Tuesday 17th October
I took Tommy short cycle ride—he had a nice swim. Father to speak at
Alliance Meeting at Manchester.
Wednesday 18th October
Singing lesson. Mother and I to lecture in evening by Marie Bonnet in French
on Physcology [sic] of French Literature.
Thursday 19th October
Afternoon Mother and I went to South Shields to North of England W.L.A.
Conference. Began at 2.0. Largest gathering ever been. Most
interesting. Lady Trevelyan in chair. Mother spoke beautifully and carried a
resolution against government proceedings in sending us to war with Transvaal.
Papers on Woman's Suffrage, Better Housing of Poor etc. Evening W.S. Robson M.P.
spoke and Mrs Mallet, who left only a few mins. for Mother.
Friday 20th October
Workhouse. Interesting class on Job. Lecture on Wordsworth. Militia have been
called out.
Saturday 21st October
Expected Mr Morton but he did not turn up.
Sunday 22nd October
Geoffrey Garrett and Aunt Nellie Kuhlmann to dinner. I took Lily Watson's
class and explained part of Ezra. Mr and Mrs Keeble to tea. They were most
amusing.
Monday 23rd October
Music lesson. Bicycled to cemetery and shopped.
Tuesday 24th October
R's birthday—she was in bed with bad cold. Mother and I to chamber concert
in evening. Sarasate and Neitzel who accompanied him. I did not enjoy it much.
Wednesday 25th October
Helped to cut up, and decorate Meeting House. Lunch in town with Mother.
Friends'
Soirée 7–9. Very successful. Music—cinematograph, shocks, wonderful
coloured photos, etc. Nice to see Basil again, he has been away so long.
Thursday 26th October
To lunch at Cousin Kate's to see
Daisy Fry who was very nice indeed. Then to Meeting House—children's party
from 5 till after 7.0. They seemed to enjoy it immensely. Cinematograph. Joe
Hayward showed his engine, etc.
Friday 27th October
Workhouse. Lectures etc. Feel horribly depressed. Dinner party but I did not
go in to dinner—[illeg.], Lily Spence and Mrs Teddy Hodgkin, P[...] and Mrs
Gurney, Bedsons, and Mr Windley. Mother very sweet and made me some lovely
buttered toast for tea, etc. and tried to comfort me, but I felt very cross.
Saturday 28th October
Ruth to York to stay with B. and then Mabel. Mother, Father and I arrived at
Wetheral soon after 3.0 p.m., had tea and went a lovely walk in the woods by the
river—trees a very fine colour. Very nice old fashioned inn "The Crown" close
to the station.
Sunday 29th October
Very damp, but fair at the beginning of the morning. Walked in the woods and
Mother and I sketched. Then it began to pour and continued all day. I went a
short walk in afternoon alone, but it was dreary. Read a great deal, wrote etc
and made paper boats and boxes. Very nice restful day. Early to bed.
Monday 30th October
Lovely and fine. Father went into town by 8.0 train. Mother and I went a walk
and went by 9.45. Reached home after 12.0. Evening to Y social. Lady Cecilia
Roberts and Dr Vickerman Rutherford spoke, and mother moved vote of thanks.
Temperleys very nice.
Tuesday 31st October
Stayed in all day and sewed, etc. Evening Father and Mother to Denelys'
to
dinner—I to lecture by Mr Morton on "Astronomy".
Wednesday 1st November
Singing lesson. Shopped. To Theosophist Meeting in evening. Subject "Unity of
all Being". Rather interesting, but great deal of rubbish talked.
Thursday 2nd November
Aunt Hope and the Telfords called in the afternoon.
Friday 3rd November
Horrid time at workhouse. Dear Cousin Eliza Wigham died—I am glad I got to
know her so well in Edinburgh. Fearful wind and rain, and we got soaked going
from 'Job'
to the College.
Saturday 4th November
Ruth came home. I cooked, did flowers and went to see Aunt Gertie and Eva,
both in bed. 4.30 to 6.30 about 30 people came to hear Mr Rowley on 'Ancoats'
.
They had tea first in dining room. Interesting. Percy and Nellie stayed to
dinner. Mr Rowley and Miss Alice Garland are staying weekend with us.
Sunday 5th November
Bessie Highet, Charles and his friend Mr McClelland to dinner and Dr Webb, 2
Herberts and Mr Mundahl to tea. Lecture on Influence of Religion upon Art by Mr
Rowley. Miss Garland gave me interesting account about the Transvaal.
Monday 6th November
To lecture in evening on Judolan [sc. Jenolan] caves of New South
Wales by Father Gurrin.
Tuesday 7th November
Father to London. Laurie to tea.
Wednesday 8th November
Joseph Rowntree, and Laurie, to tea and to speak on his book. Mother and I
went to the meeting. Discussion after—many speeches, esp. Guy Hayler's very
bad. Mother and I paid calls in afternoon and had afternoon tea with Mrs Keeble.
Went to cemetery.
Thursday 9th November
I don't think anything special happened.
Friday 10th November
Workhouse etc. Cousin Jennie, Olga, Freda, Aunt Ermine, Uncle Harry, Olive
and Nellie to dinner. Olga, Fred and I sang before the other came. Pleasant
evening.
Saturday 11th November
Father and Mother and I in afternoon to cookery school. Saw diplomas
presented by Lady Dale. Dear old Volkhovsky to stay week-end.
Sunday 12th November
Norbert, Aunt Car, Herr Stinnitz (?) to dinner. Volk and I had nice walk to
the park.
Monday 13th November
Earl Kimberley arrived to lunch. Dinner in evening, but I went to Miss Rees'
concert, and also was short time with Mother at a W.L.A Meeting in Newcastle,
where she presided beautifully. Basil set me to station after concert.
Tuesday 14th November
Bicycled to cemetery. Miss Balgarnie to lunch. Great Liberal Meeting in
evening. (Sir?) Earl Grey in chair—spoke beautifully. Lord Kimberley, Thos.
Cairns, Fenwick, Ald. Stephens and Sir Jas. Joicey spoke, and Father made a
beautiful speech, getting far more of a reception than anyone
else. How proud Ruth and I felt of him. Earl K. told us interesting things at
suppertime.
Wednesday 15th November
Earl K. departed, rather a relief, tho'
he is most interesting. Ruth and I to
see Benson in Richard III. Very fine performance. Father and Mother to peace
lecture at Meeting House.
Earl Kimberley's Visit Nov 13—15th
1899
[from Mary Spence Watson's Commonplace Book]
Most interesting stories about his one and
three quarters years in Ireland as Lord Lieutenant. Most cleverly
put down Fenian Rebellion in 1864—wrote to Prime Minister (Lord Palmerston) saying an important blow was about to be struck—of
course he would answer any questions, but as secrecy essential, he
would be glad if he might be trusted as far as possible. Lord P.
answered that he would ask for no information at all. He suspended
Habeas Corpus act, and only 1 hour before appointed time, police
were informed, and searched head office, finding masses of
treasonous papers. Many put in prison, and they grew frightened, and
the rebellion was soon put down.
He had letters threatening his life—some
rather amusing:– "We must inform you that we intend to shoot you,
but wish you to know that it is not a personal matter at all!"
However he even walked about Phoenix Park alone (after a time with
loaded revolver in pocket) and never was insulted—castle guarded
all night, every corner with sentries. He had not liked Irish before
he went, but in spite of his rather trying time, grew very fond of
them. Says this is a remarkable fact, as [and?] the experience of
many others.
One of the leaders Steele (?) escaped from
prison. He was informed by telegram just as speaking at some affair
at Waterford—felt it great blow, and thought he must have shown
bad news by his face, but told afterwards that he had not moved a
muscle. One man who knew said "Oh you don't know my people, they'
ll
think he escaped by aid of the government and you'
ll have no more
trouble" (he feared another rising) and to his surprise it was so.
Scientifically (he tried) impossible to prove
there is a God ("can a man search God" 'Job'
) but no reason why we
should not believe in God through other ways, and Earl K does, but
he said many people lose their faith and belief through scientific
searchings and cannot get beyond and feel that there are other ways
of knowing God.
Taught his delicate son himself—must have
been splendid teacher—only about 1 hour a day, but all through his
parliamentary office work he kept it up. Son took curious fits and
would only be held by his father—at last cured in wonderful way by
taking Indian hemp.
Met 2 delightful Americans—gentleman and his
wife. After travelling with them all day, exchanged cards. She
exclaimed "Oh my, have I really been talking to a live earl"!? Man
said to him "I'm in Perry's Pens, what are you"?
He brought a valet here who helped to wait—had dinner and other meals with the servants.
Story of speech about alkalis of which he knew
nothing, with Lord Salisbury, great chemist, sitting opposite. Also
of naval architecture—congratulated afterwards on having such a
knowledge of the subject, when he'd just been coached up a few
minutes before.
Also he had to answer Mr ( )
when he had not heard his speech. Terrified, but tried—at last Mr
( ) got up and said he had never said such things,
so "What did the Hon. member say?" said Earl K. and then of course
the Hon, member repeated (not knowing Earl K. had not heard his
speech) and with a clue to go upon Earl K. was able to answer him.
|
Thursday 16th November
Father to Carlisle. Mother to York for a week.
Friday 17th November
Evening to "School for Scandal"—simply splendid. Went behind afterwards,
and saw Benson and Mrs Benson. Father to London.
Saturday 18th November
Ruth and I to South Ashfield to evening on "Friendship". Very nice, but as
usual I was left till almost last before anyone would take me in to supper. Alan
and Basil played beautifully, Ruth sang "Ein gute Kamerad" and "Meeting of the
Waters", and we all read extracts on 'Friendship'
—Joe H. and Kathleen there.
Sunday 19th November
Only Mr Morton to dinner. Benson, (awfully nice), Sadie, Teresa, Ernest,
Basil, Carl and Ethel Leyel, Dr Bentham to tea. Basil and Sadie to supper.
Monday 20th November
I went to Dolmetch's lecture in evening on Music of Shakespeare, illustrated.
Viols lovely. Lecture good but rather long. Mr. Morton, Father and Ruth to
theatre.
Tuesday 21st November
Benson sent 2 tickets for stalls, so Basil and I went to the "Rivals". Father
and Mr Skipsey in dress circle. Most amusing play.
Wednesday 22nd November
Evening Father and I to "Macbeth". Splendid performance. Afterwards went onto
stage and had jolly talk with the Bensons, Mrs B. looking very handsome in her
ordinary clothes. She did Lady Macbeth splendidly. Ruth to dinner at young
Runcimans.
Thursday 23rd November
Theatre Royal burnt down in the night. Terrible for Benson. Dear Mother
returned home from York. So nice to have her again. Ruth and I called on
Mayoress, and Sheriff's wife.
Friday 24th November
Evening to the choral concert in Olympia. Richter conducted. Great success.
We took Dr Webb. I sat next Laurie. All dresses in white and looked v. nice.
Ruth sang in it. Brahms'
'Song of Destiny'
and Beethoven's "Choral Symphony",
and overtures etc played by orchestra.
Saturday 25th November
Mother and I to cemetery, and then to Maple St. where Mother presided and
spoke beautifully at a "Teachers at Home". Mrs Pease there and spoke and Miss
Cleghorn from Sheffield. Interesting account of the N.U.T. Mostly board school
teachers there. Stayed to tea. Ruth and Laurie to see Benson at Byker. Asquith
to dinner. Father, he and Mr Morton had been to meeting at Ashington. Asquith
said Chamberlain did not hold himself at all responsible for the war and does
not seem to mind about it.
Sunday 26th November
Mr Drabble, Bessie Highet, Miss Trustram to tea. After tea Mr Morton and the
others gave riddles and puzzles and we had great fun. Edgar to supper. Mr Morton
told most interesting things about J.K.S. Father read chapter in Revelation
ending "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes," and Lyza Germanica "Rest
of the weary" and "Christ shall gather in his own." Poor Father and Mother and I
have not helped them a bit!
Monday 27th November
I made a cross. In afternoon to cemetery. Ruth and I made the grave look
lovely. Taylor had a wreath, Evie lovely cross, Ber a lovely wreath, Joe Hayward
had sent an exquisite kind of cross, Laurie lovely flowers. Mother went up in
the morning, and yesterday with Father. F.E.P. sent flowers to Mabel. Oh what a
long 2 years, and how dreary the future without Arnold. Wickham Howard came in
evening to paint Mother.
Tuesday 28th November
To sewing meeting at Amy Holmes'
and then to call on Percy and Nelly and
Archie and Manya. Then to half of Prof. Vaughan's lecture on Charlotte Bronte.
He puts her higher than Geo. Eliot. (sic)
Wednesday 29th November
Singing. Sarah Edmundson to dinner and then to lecture by J. Stevenson
Rowntree on "The Book of Discipline".
Thursday 30th November
2 years ago was Arnie's funeral. I went to the cemetery. Also to dentist's.
Friday 1st December
As usual. Wickham Howard still here. Mother's portrait very nice. Some to
Wingrove.
Saturday 2nd December
I went to Hexham to play pipes at a penny concert, and stayed week-end at
Maiden Cross. Mr Briggs played violin, Mr Meagher sang many songs that Joe
Wigham used to sing, Beattie Davies sang, etc. Laurie there and very kind to me
for my pipes were a dead failure. Room hot and I very nervous and had to give up
after 2 trials in despair. Most humiliating. I felt quite miserable.
Sunday 3rd December
To service in Abbey. Played pipes in afternoon. Went a walk with Olga and
Frida and called on the two Miss Lobbeys. Began to rain.
Monday 4th December
Damp, but Olga and I went splendid walk to farm houses with parish magazines.
Country round is beautiful, and people said they loved it so and would hate to
live in town. 2 Miss Ridleys to afternoon tea—Read "King John" aloud in
evening.
Tuesday 5th December
With Olga to her singing lesson. Very wet. Afternoon to National Home Reading
of King John. Someone read a paper, then discussed. Curate sat at head of table—all ladies round. I caught 5.30 train, and went to Prof. Vaughan's lecture on
Victor Hugo, and then had a warm welcome home. Mr Morton to stay the night.
Wednesday 6th December
Arnie would have been 20 to-day. I went to cemetery. Pouring day. Aunt Hope's
to tea and then to hear Thos. Hodgkin on "The Sacraments". Most interesting.
Mother, (rather against the grain, esp. to-day) and Ruth and Father to the
"Private Secretary".
Thursday 7th December
Mrs Lovibond etc called. Mother to preside for Mrs Sheldon Amos at Wallsend,
and I to W.L.A. in Gateshead. Dr Ethel Williams read paper on the "Better
Housing of the Poor."
Friday 8th December
Prof. Vaughan appealed to me in lecture to pronounce something in French as
he said his French was so bad!! Mine would be worse!! Mrs Ellis Griffith (Miss
May Owen) came.
Saturday 9th December
Horrid (I thought) party in evening. Several brides, Basil, Claus, etc. Music—Mrs Griffth sang, and Ruth very well, and Basil played etc. I was very cross
to Basil.
Sunday 10th December
Miss Tooke to dinner. Miss Moberley to tea. Mrs. Griffith gave very good
lecture on "Welsh National Melodies" and sang beautifully Welsh songs to harp
accompaniment. There was also a lovely quartet unaccompanied. Mrs G. is very
nice and says amusing things—unconventional.
Monday 11th December
I went to Cullercoats to lunch. Aunt Nellie rather poorly—then to Wingrove
to afternoon tea and Merz's—Ernest, Theresa, Lewis R. and I had splendid
sledging down Denton Bank—2 sledges. It was delightful. I got
home about 10.0.
Tuesday 12th December
To see Miss Mawson. Very kind, and I am made treasurer of the W.L.A.
Afternoon we had a sewing meeting, but it was very small. Mrs and Miss Gunns,
Aunt Car and Cousin Kate. Mrs Morton arrived to tea. Father to meeting at
Birkenhead.
Wednesday 13th December
Mother went to M.M. then Town Mission Bazaar. Afternoon meeting and evening
at Quarries. She is splendid.
Singing lesson. Monthly meeting—lunch at Town Mission Bazaar. Many there I
knew. Laurie then helped me to choose a barometer. Ruth to stay with Spence's
till Saturday. Father still away—in London now I think. Mother and I to
Quarries to dinner to meet Robin Hodgkin and Dendys. Electric shocks. Still
freezing and I've walked all the way home. Mother is wonderful for 61.
Thursday 14th December
Father came home.
Friday 15th December
In evening I went to party at the Gunns'
and played my pipes. Amusing, but
rather nice time.
Saturday 16th December
Theresa, Ernest and I by 10.15 to Gosforth—no skating—walked home by
cycle track—great fun, but v. tiring walking in snow. Finally got about 15
mins on v. bad ice on the moor (Bull Park). Evening Mr Morton came to stay—pipes contest. Ruth sang beautifully. Mowat played splendidly—Clough got first
prize. Mowat does not compete now, as he has got the gold medal.
Sunday 17th December
I stayed to Aunt Gertie's to dinner. Herbie Edmundson to tea. Carols etc.
Monday 18th December
Rehearsal of act. Sarah Ed. stayed night. Percy to dinner. Shopped.
Tuesday 19th December
To Gables on business in morning. In evening, Claus, Ernest Merz and I to
Spohr's Last Judgement with orchestra in Cathedral. Evelyn arrived. Joy! Dear
old Mr Morton went away.
Wednesday 20th December
Shopped with Evie in morning.
Thursday 21st December
Hugh, Mabel, Molly, Colin and the nurse arrived at lunch time. Evening Ernest
arrived. Mother is simply marvellous. She remembers everything—has to arrange
all about Father's reading at the Schools, get tickets distributed, arrange for
our huge party, etc.
Friday 22nd December
Busy all day. In evening rehearsal, dear little Ber arrived. Father read the
Xmas Carol and Ruth sang 2 songs to about 250 poor people from this
neighbourhood in a Board School close to here, and we gave them all tea. Of
course, as I was rehearsing, I unhappily had to miss this, but believe it was
very successful.
Saturday 23rd December
Ber and I to cemetery—Evening at 6.0. Gables party. Awfully jolly. Laurie
gave me a pocket atlas. We played jolly games. I knocked off 3 lumps of sugar,
sitting on a basket on a stick—I did enjoy it. We also played
sitting opposite a person blindfold and putting goody in his mouth with a spoon.
Ruth was too tired to go.
Sunday 24th December
Father spoke beautifully in Meeting. We all went but Ruth. Evelyn and Ernest
to North Shields in afternoon. Sent notes to Santa Claus in evening. Heard waits
in night. Threw them 2/-.
Monday 25th December
Mother went to Workhouse. Jolly xmas presents. Fearfully busy all day. First
arrivals about 4.0. Others at 5.30. Children sweet. About 80 people altogether I
think. Act successful. Mr Collins proposal scene—Eliz. Bennett, Sarah Edmundson, Mr B. Ernest Weiss, Percy Mr Collins, myself Mrs B. Scene—strawberry picnic Mrs Elton, Sarah, Louis R.—Mr Knightly. Party awfully jolly.
Lovely supper. Everyone nice. Went at 10 o'
clock and we cleared up.
Tuesday 26th December
Lovely day. Hugh, Ernest, Evie, Bertha and I to Haltwhistle and walked to
Bardon mill—about 27 altogether. Ernest and Teresa, Basil, Phyllis etc. Tea at
Hot Bank. Hard frost, but got svaking [?] Crag Lough frozen and we slid on it.
Wednesday 27th December
Bertha and I, Teresa, Ernest and Louis to Gosforth by 10.25. Evie, Ernest and
Ruth later. Ice fair. Came back by 4.10. Mabel in bed all day poorly. In evening
most to Tudor Lodge. B. Gilber, R. Lewis, Katie, Teresa, Ernest and I to
Maskelyne
and Cooke's. Rather vulgar, and not nearly as good as some things I have seen.
Rather tired.
Thursday 28th December
Complete thaw in afternoon. Mabel still poorly. Most of us to a childrens'
party at the Gurneys (White House). Evie and Ernest to Quarries to dinner.
Friday 29th December
Pouring. Molly gave me an imaginary breakfast. Bertha to see over Uncle
Harry's farms at Ashington. Laurie came out in evening. Evie and Ernest to stay
night at Shields. Ruth to sing at the Blind concert in schools in Gateshead. I
played for her. Geof. Worsdell played, Mr Burton sang etc.
Saturday 30th December
Mabel, Hugh and the Babies went to the Gables. In evening South Ashfield
Party—delightful. Little Holmes'
and Baumgartners acted "Amelia and the
Dwarfs" most beautifully. Ruth sang. Albert Richardson took me into supper.
Frida Sturge recited. Very nice party.
Sunday 31st December
Father took childrens'
meeting, and we went in. Norbert and Aunt Car to
dinner. Mr Genns to tea. Edgar and Cyril to supper. Mother has a bad cold. Most
of us sat up. Father read Tennyson's 2 poems to us, and before we sang "Here's
to the year that's awa". The ending of the old year is very sad and I feel
depressed. It seemed so different before Arnie died.
Diary entries from her commonplace book
January 1900 I got a sharp attack of influenza
quite suddenly, & was nearly a week in bed. Everyone was so kind, &
send me fruit, flowers, jelly etc. On Jan.
Father, Mother & I went to Grange over Sands, and stayed at
Rigg's Hotel. Ruth came on Friday, & Evelyn & Ernest for one night;
Agnes Thompson on Saturday & stayed till Tuesday. It was v. cold, &
first days snowy, but cleared up & became frosty. The view from
Hampsfell Hospice, across the Lake mts. Bow Fell, etc, covered
w. snow like gt. alps was simply glorious, & Morecambe Bay in
another direction, the sea all glistening w. the sun.
We went excursions to Furness Abbey,
(wh. is fascinating, tho' rather spoiled by the railway,) wh. we
combined w. Swarthmore Meeting house & Hall. We cd not
see over the hall, as a lady were there v. ill, but we saw the
staircase, & Geo. Fox's desk & the window he preached from.
We went to Cartmell Church (priory)
built in the form of a gk. cross, statue of Lord Fred. Cavendish—v.
big church. Agnes & I went to meeting at Cartmel, splendid sermon
about the war from Herbert Midgeley. To Levens Hall,
beautiful old building, v. curious yew trees, cut like cocks, bears,
etc. Rather disappointing in a way, esp. as we cd not see inside the
Hall, & Sizar Castle 2 miles further on is really the site of 'Helbecek
of Bannisdale', at least so we were told.
On Tuesday I went to York, & stayed 2 nights
w. Bertha at Acomb—heard the result of the York election at the Lib.
club.
Mother & Ruth came next day to stay w. Mabel &
we all went home tog. on Thursday.
Visit of Mr and Mrs Henschel February 14th–27th 1900
Extremely nice, simple and easy to get on
with. Mrs H. rather like 'Rosa'
in appearance, very taking, and
dresses prettily. She is American, he German. He is 10 years older
than she—I think she was married when about 22—they have one
daughter of 18. We had Alan, Mr and Mrs Frank Marshall, Lily and
Cousin Charlie, Mr Pattinson and Katie Marillier to meet them on
Saturday. The Sunday and Monday lectures, or rather musical recitals
were glorious. They both sing splendidly, he accompanies. They are
fun together, he gets so excited and springs about like a child.
They seem absolutely devoted. He gave Ruth one of his songs. Told
some interesting stories about his life. In Germany used often to
stay with Princess Alice of Hesse, played duets with her. She had 2
books of Scotch and English songs, given her by her husband , and
promised if he went to England ever that she would get him some, as
she could not give him those. 2 years after he came to England, and
one day found the books in his lodgings!
Before he married he gave parties to people
like George Eliot, Alma Tadema, Browning etc. Knew Rubinstein,
Brahms; of course has played and sung before the Queen more than
once. Princess Louise was a pupil of his, but he advised her to give
up music, as she had better talents in other directions. Met her
bicycling alone in Bedford Park at quarter to 8 in the morning,
spoke to her, she would not mount while he watched!!
Is now a naturalized Englishman. Says no one
who grew fond of England could ever want to live anywhere else, so
much freer, and your next door neighbour does not know exactly what
you do, as even in Berlin!
At end of conducting his opera in Dresden was
called before the people 16 times.
He took "Tommy" a short walk. Mrs H. says
Tommy has one of most beautiful faces she has seen. She grew so fond
of him, but did not admire his figure.
They sang at the Tyne Theatre and at the Lit &
Phil.
Later—Mrs H. has written a charming letter
to say how much they enjoyed being here, hope they may come again,
and that we will go to see them in London.
|
[Foregoing transcript by Katharine S. Coleman, with her permission.]
[Selective transcript by Ben
Beck, with additional notes, in italics, made by Mary's daughter Caroline, many years
later:]
Switzerland. 1900
'Ruth went to Zermatt with Sarah Richardson from
Plombières; Father & Mother went a short tour in Germany, & Bertha & I joined
them all at Zermatt a week later.'
Saturday, 1 Sept
'I left Newcastle at 1.0, Lily Spence bringing me grapes
for the journey; met Bertha at York at about 3.0, changed to train for Harwich,
J.B.M. seeing us off . . .'
Monday, 3 Sept
'Changed at Visp where there is a grand view of the
Balferin horn, & arrived at Zermatt, coming up the steep little railway, at
6.20. Went to Hotel Zermatt . . .'
Tuesday, 4 Sept
'Left Zermatt by the electric railway at 8.20 & got to
Riffel Alp at 9.0 where we met Father & Mother. . . . Went at once to see Ruth
who was still in bed, & Sarah R. & Ernestine, who was going off climbing.
Father, Mother, Ber, Sarah & I walked to see the Findelen glacier, & B. took
some photos. Poor Father can hardly go up hill at all which is v. disappointing
both for him & us.'
'There are nice little bedrooms for it is really quite a
little inn. Just before we went [to bed] Julen came & said he was sorry a German
gentleman wd have to sleep through our room, "but he is married, so it is
alright"!! (Julen speaks English) We got to bed, & then this gentleman came,
blew out his candle & rushed thro'
the room, exclaiming "I do beg your pardon,
misses".'
Friday, 7 Sept
'Had tea at Zermatt, then toiled up to the Riffel Alp,
just in time for dinner. I had a short talk with T.P. O'
Connor M.P. who had just
come.'
Mary and Ber climbed the Breithorn (13,685 ft) staying at a hut en route, and
roped for the glacier—Ernestine also was there.
Saturday, 8 Sept
'I did want to do some more climbs. Guides said we
cd do the Matterhorn, but we wd rather do something easier!! Came by train to
Visp, (Vüge) where we had lunch at the Hotel du Soleil, a nice old-fashioned inn
wh. Father & Mother stayed at in 1863. Splendid view of their mt. the Balferin. . . .
At 2.40 came by train to Aigle, past Martigny; reached there at 5.0, &
stayed at Hotel Beau Site.'
Monday, 10 Sept
'We passed a pretty village called Gsteig, where we got
some tea in the pretty chalet inn, & then came to Gstade, where we stayed
in the pretty inn (The White Horse), & had a good dinner of eggs, milk, trout,
etc. (Of course I did not touch the trout!) Almost all the houses are chalets.
It looks a lovely place, but alas! soon the railway is going to be brought
here.'
Tuesday, 11 Sept
'Started to drive about 9.0 a.m. to Zweisimmer—went
over 2 covered bridges—not a v. long drive—we got there about 11.0 & left our
luggage at the Krone hotel . . .'
Wednesday, 12 Sept
'Drove past Wimmis with its fine castle to Spiez (Hotel
Spiezerhof) on Lac de Monne . . . the hotel right on the margin of the lake.'
Impressed by Diablerets mountain . . . .
Thursday, 13 Sept
. . . 'we did enjoy it, only it is so sad &
disappointing that Father can no longer come with us, & of course Mother & Ruth
cannot either.'
Friday, 15 Sept
'Started at 10.0 by steamer & went down (or up?) the lake
to Interlaken, whence we drove to the Hotel Jungfrau Blick . . .'
Visited many more places,
mostly at Interlaken, walked extensively and sketched, bathed etc.
Mention of the amazing Trummelbach Falls . . . .
Tuesday, 18 Sept
'Those hateful tories! Father got a telegram saying that a
dissolution has been decided on, & that the writs must be out by Tuesday, so he
says he must go home to-morrow.'
Wednesday, 19 Sept
'Father packed, & we went a short walk into the town.
After lunch B. & I walked to the station to see him off. Just before the train
went he & Mother arrived, & he had just got a telegram to say he needn't be in
London till Tuesday, wh. is much better. It was lucky it came in time, &
we are so thankful, for it would not have been half as nice without him, &
besides his health can ill afford to have his holiday cut short.'
Thursday, 20 Sept
'We heard an old man playing an 'alpen horn'
on the way,
wh. made a splendid echo, but I think it is never actually used for the cows
now. There is rather a pretty yodel wh. a boy sings to the cows nearly every
morning outside my window.'
'It has been one of our nicest days, if only Father,
Mother & R. cd have done the walk with us. It is sad to see the contrast
in Father since last year in Scotland, all owing to that
overwork during that horrible electric light business in May, in London. He has
never recovered from it & can hardly walk at all, which is most disappointing, &
almost makes us not wish to go walks, for it seems so queer without Father, who
used to be so strong. It is a pity he has not a hobby like Mother for
sketching.'
Saturday, 22 Sept
'Packed, & left Interlaken w. great regret by the 11.5 for
Basle . . . We arrived at Berne about 1.15 . . . Arrived at Basle about 4.0; R.
drove, the rest of us walked to "Les Trois Rois" hotel, where Father & Mother
stayed on their wedding tour.'
Notebook includes a loose printed slip, with engravings of
the 'Hotel des Trois Rois à Bâle. C. Flück Propriétaire.'
Sunday, 23 Sept
'Father was obliged to start at 9.55 on his journey for
London (because of Parliamentary business.)'
Monday, 24 Sept
. . . 'as we arrived at Mainz at 4.30, Ruth said she was
dreadfully tired, so Mother suddenly decided to stay there, & hustled us all out
of the train. We went to the Central Sta Hotel opposite the
Station . . .'
Tuesday, 25 Sept
. . . 'we did not reach Cologne till nearly 1.30. We went
straight to the Hotel Ernst, & had a good lunch, & got letters, which brought
the sad news that Albert Pollard has got consumption, & told us of Martha Hack's
sudden death from an accident.'
'We went on again by the 4.50 train, got some tea & food
on board, & reached Rotterdam about 9.15 by English time . . . We drove to the
Hotel Weimar . . .'
Wednesday, 26 Sept
. . . 'I don't much care for Rotterdam. A curious fashion
has lasted all this time, wh. much struck Mother, when she went there as a girl
of 18, of hanging little single or double looking-glasses outside the windows,
so that the people inside may see those passing down the street. Nearly all the
houses have these glasses outside.'
Thursday, 27 Sept
'Had a horribly rough passage. We were all ill, even I.
The water came down into the saloon, & the engines suddenly stopped, & Ruth & I
were afraid we would drown. Reached Harwich late, & were in rough water till the
last minute.'
Caught train eventually and were met at York by Mabel—stayed night. Then . . .
'Mother & I reached home at 8.15 & were given a nice welcome by the servants &
the new cook—Jane Robertson. Father had not got our telegram which we had sent
home, & was staying at the Quarries, which was disappointing.
'We have had a splendid holiday, only too short (for B. &
me!) & seen heaps of beautiful places & lovely interesting things; travelled in
almost too much luxury! but one gets tired of hotels, & home is very delightful,
even if the sky is murky & gloomy!
'But I am grateful to Father & Mother for all the
splendid holidays they give us.'
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