Mary S.W. Pollard diaries

After a very busy morning, packing, etc, Frank and I started, I at any rate, in fear and trembling, for our first journey with baby Robert. We left at 2.30 for Manchester and Evie met us at Victoria at 4.30 and we drove up to Withington. Elsa and Erica in pale blue silk frocks looked sweet. Evie and Ernest had turned out of their room for us, and as Evie wanted baby night and morning I got a good rest, and my piles began to disappear. They all—the family I mean—were very fond of baby, and Erica used to keep running to me and saying 'Him's laughing!'

April 12^th Friday

April 13^th Saturday

Frank, Evie and I and Elsa to Agnes' to tea in their new house. Frank to Bedford's to dinner.

April 14^th Sunday

April 15^th Monday

Left Manchester with great regret at 11.40. Evie kindly came down with us to the station and Ernest turned up there with a buttonhole for me and chocolates. We have had a most delightful and refreshing visit—all too short. Got a carriage with 2 charming children and were locked in, which was nice as baby cried a good deal and I had to nurse him. Arrived Newcastle 3.52 and Laura met us and we came to Bensham by 4.10. Mother met us in the garden and baby, though tired, smiled on her at once. Ruth had just come home from Scarboro' and was very tired. I soon put baby to bed—we are sleeping in Beaver (?) room.

April 16^th Tuesday

April 17^th

Mother had a drawing room meeting (about 25 people) about a garden city for Newcastle. I couldn't go in—cousin Jemima came upstairs to see baby and would like to have stayed out of the meeting to nurse him—thought he looked so bright. Later on Teresa went to see him in bed and then Mr Dendy, and baby opened his eyes and looked at him, and Mr D thought him splendid.

He sleeps awfully well here, and is getting much more regular as regards mealtimes, etc, which is a great help. I generally give him his first meal at 6.30 or 7.0 a.m. then bath him at 9.0. Meals again 9.30, 12.30. 3.30 and between 6 and 6.30. he gets washed and ready for bed just before. Another meal at 10.0 or 10.30 p.m. and he wakes usually again between 2.0 and 3.0 a.m. One day he slept till 5.0! He generally goes off without any trouble, sleeps a good deal of the morning in his pram (he is put in after being bathed and dressed) but is awake a good deal in afternoon. Ruth was very sick yesterday and today and in bed with bad headache. In bed till Sunday. She does have a bad time. Herbie and Olive's baby born—poor things.

April 18^th

April 19^th

April 20^th

Mother went in afternoon to stay with Mabel and family at Ampleforth—she badly needs a rest and has had no holiday for many months—a year ago was at Beaconsfield, but it was hardly a holiday for her. She and Father are delighted with baby. Father whistles to him, and sings 'Because he was a bonny lad' , etc, and baby laughs and gurgles. I always take him after breakfast to see Father in bed.

April 21^st Sunday

Frank went to Meeting—I went to see Aunt Gertie who was at Olive's. It is terribly sad that the baby has such a bad hare lip and cleft palate. Teresa to dinner and Mr and Mrs Finch to tea.

April 22^nd

Sadie to dinner. I to my first dissipation for months—with Frank to Peace Meeting in town hall to hear Lord Weardale (Philip Stanhope) and J. M. Robertson. Latter excellent. Saw many people we knew, but very small audience. Spoke to Lord W and J.M.R. Both very nice.

In the morning Frank and I sat in the garden, I sewing, he reading aloud, with Robin in the pram asleep. He only woke once for about 5 min. We did enjoy it.

April 23^rd

April 24^th

Frank and I took baby to the Park which was exquisite in fresh spring green, with Ravensworth in distance quite clear. Laura joined us and brought Robin back. After I got to part of Frank's singing lesson. He is having 5 with a Mr Phayre Loch.

April 25^th

Ruth and I took baby, driving to see Isabel Richardson and Michael and Nancy. Very nice and baby very good.

April 27^th

Mother came home, to our joy looking much better. Laura, Frank and I wheeled baby in pram to Central to meet her, and she and I drove out, Laura wheeled baby, and Frank walked by himself. Percy Alder came for weekend. He seems very nice.

April 28^th Sunday

Frank, Mother and I to Meeting. It was the first time I had been since before Robert was born, and I did enjoy it, and everyone gave me the warmest welcome, and said they had heard that baby was splendid and they all wanted to see him! Afternoon Frank, Mother and Father went to Percy Alder's Meeting in Gateshead; Father presided and Frank said he spoke beautifully for about 20 mins. Heaps of people to tea—Dr Bentham and her friend Miss Chambers, and Mr Ross and his brother from Uganda, Prof Duff, Mr Anderton, Percy, Sir Isambard Owen, Gilbert Richardson, Laurie, Dr Ouston. Drs Ouston and Bentham much admired baby.

April 29^th

Frank and I took baby a walk. Laura went back to York in afternoon to get on with spring-cleaning. Margaret Shield and Bertha came to see baby and brought me a lovely bib and long pair of socks. Delighted with him—thought him one of the nicest babies there ever was. Mrs Taylor also came. Frank and Ruth went to see Oscar Ashe and Lily Brayton in 'Othello' . Father and Mother very tired with yesterday.

April 30^th

Frank and I took baby to see Katherine O' Neill at the workhouse. She is 81 now. She was so nice, and she told Mother she was so 'dazzled' with baby that she could hardly speak—dear old thing. Then Frank wheeled the pram right up to Shipcote, where Mrs Pattinson was charmed with baby (who smiled upon her) and took him to see Mr Pattinson who was in bed. All delighted with him. In afternoon Karin Ericson, Hilda Sturge and Alby Emby came.

May 1^st

Frank's last singing lesson. Cousin Augusta sent the carriage and Mother, Baby and I went there to lunch. Frank joined us there. Robin came in and would not lie down alone, so Dolly and Laura looked after him. He was very good. Frank sang. We drove back and at 4.35 Frank and I wheeled baby to the Central and Frank departed to York by 5.6. Very sad to let him go back alone to a dismal house and spring-cleaning, and we' ve usually had such a lovely 'home-going' together with a warm welcome from Nelly. Baby yelled all the way back, and was perfectly good as soon as we got in!

May 2^nd

Terrific wind, but a great comfort to be able to wheel baby in the garden, instead of the streets. He and Father and Mother were photographed together in the greenhouse by Mr Sword. Unhappily he was sleepy, and not in his happiest mood. Amy Holmes, Carrie Davies, Gertie and little Mary, and the 2 Misses Mawsons to tea. All charmed with Robin. Father sat with baby on one knee and little Mary on the other! Mother worn out, but went to Band of Hope Meeting at Lady Runciman's.

May 3^rd

May 4^th

Baby began suffering from his teeth and was very troublesome all day. In the evening he yelled so that I was frightened and I cried from sheer exhaustion.

May 5^th

A perfect day at least—clear, beautiful and hot. Mother and I took Robin to the Park, which is very beautiful in its spring green. He slept nearly all the morning. Father is reading us G. M Trevelyan's 'Garibaldi' . It is fascinating, and especially so when read by Father.

May 6^th

Busy morning packing. Baby and I left at 1.45, darling Mother seeing us off. We could never have managed without her, and nearly missed the train. Baby was pretty good on the journey, but I was thankful when it was over. He went fast asleep towards the end and slept in the cab till we got 'home' . Frank met us. He looked lovely and said 'It is so funny to meet thee with a baby in thy arms!' When we got here Laura took him and he smiled, and then Emily (Mabel's nurse, who was arranging Marsh Marigolds the children had picked for me) took him and he beamed on her too. I got such a nice welcome. Mabel came along later. Frank had put flowers—tulips and iris and dog daisies in the rooms, and roses in our bedroom and he seemed so pleased to have us back. It has been 'desolate' for him with spring cleaning going on. When I put baby to bed he smiled so; he seemed to know and like being back in his own little cot!

Unpacking was a fearful business. We have moved to our own room and it is so squashy with baby's cot and clothes extra.

We had a lovely time at Bensham and Father and Mother were awfully kind, but it is nice to be back, and it is a relief to have Frank again at nights for baby had given me several rather bad ones, owing to teeth trouble I think. He began to improve again, when we got back. Met Willy Ede this morning when driving to the station. He stopped and kissed Robin through the window.

P.S. Frank says he sleeps much better when I'm here for he doesn't think so much. He has had the front door painted! So nice.

May 7^th

Baby very good in pram, and I went to see Bertha and the children with him, and then shopped. Afternoon 'At Home' Day. Mrs Philip Booth and Katherine Rowntree. In the evening I got thoroughly chilled and so went to bed at 8.30.

May 8^th

Took my temperature—it was nearly 101, so I stayed in bed. I had felt much worse during the night. Very awkward about baby, and in the morning I couldn't even get a charwoman, so when Laura took baby out (Bertha took them a drive) I was left alone in the house. However Frank did not go to Meeting, and Mabel came too and suggested I could get a temporary nurse. I got Lizzie (?) in the afternoon.

May 9^th

Got up about 10.30 and lay in drawing room. Cissy Gurney came to look after baby in morning. Afternoon I just had to manage. Evening Laura and Frank out—temp went up, so I went to bed. Edna and little Davie came to see me in afternoon and Edna brought narcissus. Mrs Bainbridge left lilies of the valley. Baby played with tissue paper and enjoyed tearing it for first time.

May 10^th

Louisa Fenton, a nurse between 30 and 40, came for a week to attend to baby. Seems very nice. Comes from 9—6.30 and charges 10/- Baby very good with her. We sent for Dr Fraser and she made me stay in bed all day—very tiresome.

May 12^th

To Crichton's to tea and Mr Crichton took snapshots of baby—turned out splendid.

May 13^th and 14^th

May 16^th

Father and Mother came to Station Hotel. I couldn't get to see them. Louisa Fenton left. It has been a great help having her.

May 17^th

Friday. Frank got a temperature. Father and Mother came to afternoon tea and afterwards I made Frank go to bed. Agnes came to stay with us.

May 18^th

Frank had got up a river party, but alas, couldn't go—of course I couldn't. He got up in afternoon. Father drove along and baby and I went back with him to tea at the hotel and drove back again with him and he went to see Mabel. Mother went on the river. Very cold. We have a fire in our bedroom at nights now, just while Frank isn't well and baby has a cough. Baby has been given by us his first proper toy—a rattle. He quite likes it, but broke it after a day or two.

May 19^th Whitsuntide

Neither F nor I could go to Meeting, but I tore down after it and asked people to meals. Mother came in to see us. Fearfully depressed about Mabel. Laurie and Gertie to dinner. About 24 people to tea, all very nice. Baby behaved excellently—could not have been better. Lay nearly all the time (from 3.30 till nearly 6.0) on the floor in a corner, kicking and spluttering vigorously—this latter a new accomplishment of which he is very proud! Everyone admired him greatly. He didn't cry once. A few people nursed him. The men put a ball at his feet, and watched him kick it. It was rather exciting for him, and he took a lot of time to settle when in his cot. Agnes and Basil have managed the tea for me. Laura not as good as Nelly was. 4 men to supper. Mr Brayshaw repeated funny poems.

May 20^th

Drizzling and cold, but cleared up, though still cold. Frank couldn't play in cricket match. Isabel and E.W.R to dinner. Frank and I took a cab for an hour at 3.50 and drove to the hotel, had 5 mins with Father, then on to Mount for about ¼ hour. Regular baby show. Betty, Christopher John Rowntree, etc.!! Robert greatly admired by lots of people. He was perfectly good. Frank and I had tea alone here, and managed to settle baby off in time to get to the evening meeting. We stayed there till 8.30 and then Father came out and most of the rest of us. He got very tired, but spoke very well. Mr Brayshaw's paper excellent. Frank and I drove back with Mabel and Molly and Colin.

May 21^st

Father and Mother left for London, alas! Baby slept all the morning in the rain in his pram in the yard. Norah Anderson, a child of 13 begins today coming from 2.0 till 5.0 (no meals) to wash napkins, etc. I give her 2/6 a week. I took Robin to see Mabel in afternoon. He has been perfectly good all day, hardly cried at all.

May 22^nd

May 24^th

May 25^th

May 26^th Sunday

On Sundays 'Norah' comes from 9—12, so I got to Meeting here for the first time since the beginning of January. Rather nice to go again. Mabel there too. Frank took evening reading but alas, I couldn't go. Helen Burtt had seen Father and Mother in London, and says Mother is so gracious and has such a beautiful face. Baby, who has been as good as gold lately, began to be a little fractious.

May 27^th

Frank went to London Yearly Meeting starting at 6.45. Directly he had gone baby began to be poorly; he refused his food and screamed a great deal of the day.

May 28^th

Had a bad night with baby and felt miserable. Longed for Frank. Baby still screamed so, that in afternoon I sent for Dr Hilda Whittingham (Dr Fraser's locum). She seemed clever with baby, but didn't seem to think there was much wrong—she is quite young. Esther has scarlet fever. It is terrible for Mabel, and Mabel's left hand is worse than it has ever been. Frank returned at midnight. I was thankful to get him back, and he was so sweet. We spent a lot of the night in the same bed—he said he couldn't stay away. I thought much of last year when returned from Yearly Meeting together. Baby seemed rather better. Frank brought me 'Fruits of Solitude' .

May 29^th

In evening baby seemed so poorly (after a much better day) that I telephoned to the Dr and she finally came to see him at 10 pm. It was a good thing she did, as otherwise we would have been very anxious as we had a dreadful night with baby. We were hardly in bed at all till 4.0 am, but walking about trying to sooth him. If we got him to sleep he woke again almost at once. Finally I got into bed and kept him in my arms, and after a long time I was able to put him down beside me and get a little sleep. Poor little fellow, he is suffering from feverishness and inflammation. His bowels and stomach are wrong.

May 30^th

Baby so tired and hoarse he can hardly cry, but he whined all day nearly, so unlike himself. Only smiled a very little. Had a better night.

May 31^st

Baby a good deal better. Esther going on well. Mr Sturge to high tea, in very good form. Bertha came along afterwards.

June 1^st

It has poured every day lately. Isabel and Frank to the B's to supper. I couldn't go because of baby. He is still not well. Pretty good news from Falmouth, but very cold there too.

June 2^nd Sunday

Baby's right ear began to discharge—Dr said he must have had a slight abcess in it. Poor wee fellow. With that slight inflammation of the bowels how he must have suffered. We have to syringe it 3 times a day. It takes Isabel, Frank and me and it is horrid.

June 4^th

June 5^th

Helen and Elsie Burtt to high tea. Played 'frizzler' . Great fun. Baby now much better and quite good during syringing, so that Isabel and I can do it alone.

June 7^th

At last a fine morning, so we took baby a walk. Very bad news from Falmouth. Ruth is so ill. Can eat nothing, and cannot sleep, even with sleeping draughts. Lives on apollinaris water. Evelyn went up to help.

June 11^th

Isabel went yesterday. I miss her dreadfully. Frank came back from school at 12.0 with temperature 101—by 5 pm it was 103, so I went for Dr Auden. Better night than we expected, as baby began to sleep better. Frank was off school till June 18^th as his pulse very slow and he seemed very weak. Even then he only went for part time, and ought not to have gone at all, but exams coming on.

June 14^th

Poor little Molly, on her birthday, got scarlet fever. Poor Mabel! Her own hands are dreadful.

June 17^th

Father, Mother and Ruth at last able to leave Falmouth, which they hated—went to Empire Hotel, Bath, taking Ruth's nurse.

June 18^th

Dr Fraser came and examined baby's ears. He was as good as gold, and never cried, she said 'you are the best baby in the world' . They are not quite right yet, and we still have to syringe once a day.

June 19^th

Bertha and Bowes left for 10 days in France. Heard that Ruth went yesterday into a private hospital in Bath, to undergo operation this morning of her piles. Poor Ruth. She has had a terrible time of suffering.

June 20^th

Operation successful, but Ruth very weak. Fistulas operated on. Gale going on. Watched fireworks from box room window. Very fine.

June 21^st

Frank and I went in evening to Gala, but too late—tents closed, as last day. I went on merry-go-round and 'Alpine Glassade' but wished I hadn't, for Frank said he hated it, as I had to go in such a mixed crowd.

June 22^nd

June 23^rd Sunday

Mr Baynes forgot to come to breakfast! Too engrossed with letter from Miss Bayes!! He came afterwards to apologize. I was bathing baby—sitting without a blouse on in a silk slip. Frank brought him up—baby just out of bath—he was so delighted and stayed to watch him dressed and held him, and baby played with his beard. Asked if all babies were so fat! Said he was a credit to his mother!, and looked so bright. Frank still not very well, so didn't go to Meeting, but we sat in Museum Gardens with Mabel. Still cold wind. We have practically had no summer yet this year.

June 25^th

Very cold day. Baby and I went an hour's drive in Mrs J.W Rowntree's 'Victoria' , round by Heslington. He slept most of the time. Felt very grand, we two all alone. He is awfully good just now. Dr Fraser has paid her last visit. Thinks his ears are alright now. Does not think it was at all connected with his teeth. Ruth is getting on, but still very weak and suffering. Mother Pollard arrived about 9.30 to stay.

June 28^th

In the papers saw that Father had been made a Privy Councillor. Most exciting. I had just finished bathing baby when Frank bicycled home to tell me. I said 'What is the matter and he said 'I've just come to congratulate thee on thy Father's being made a Privy Councillor. I got quite a lot of congratulations during the day. Edgar Edmundson paid us a very nice visit. F. went in afternoon to Peace Meetings at Scarborough. I went to town on my lovely new bicycle—free wheel—8 guineas. I went to Miss Hollis and Miss Rowntree's to tea, to see their new house. Congrats at once about Father, also Edna who came in. She walked back with me. F. got back about 7.0 and Edie Richardson came to call with Mabel.

June 29^th

Mrs Rowntree and Ailie took baby out in pram. At 5.50 Mother, Father Ruth and the nurse arrived en route for Newcastle. Mabel, Hugh and I met them. They were in an invalid carriage. Poor Ruth was feeling the journey very much, having come off a water bed; she has been 5 weeks in bed. It was very pathetic to see her; she looked thin and worn and sobbed so. Father seemed brisk and can walk 1¼ miles now, and mother looked better than I had dared to hope. Poor Ruth. She had 3 fissures removed, piles and something stretched—an hour under chloroform. We had about ¼ hr with them. The nurse seems very nice and kind. It was sad to let them go. We heard later that Percy, Aunt Hope and Ridley met them and Ruth had a fair night. Mother felt worn out. She wrote that Father has had over 30 telegrams and hosts of congratulatory letters. Arthur spent 2 hours here in the evening. In morning I took F's Mother to Museum Gardens and we drove back.

July 1^st Monday

We have hardly had a summer day yet this year, except 1 or 2 at Easter and we still have fires nearly every day. Frank says that yesterday A. R. spoke at Reading to the boys about Father and how since John Bright there had been no politician who had worked from higher motives, or something like that, and how proud they were to think that both were connected with Bootham. Bertha and Bowes returned today.

July 3^rd

Mother (Pollard) went home. We have had such a nice visit from her and she has been so kind and helped me a lot with nursing. I wished she would stay longer. W. L. A. Garden party at the Homestead. Very dull, and cold day.

July 6^th

Father took his P.C. before the King at noon. Had to kneel on right knee—thing read about not murdering the King, etc. Father affirmed. Took his stick in. Was only one without frock coat. Lord Althorpe wanted to borrow him one!! 2 other men presented at same time. F. and I to B's to supper. Very nice. Mr Meech there, of Northern Echo. It is such a long time since I've been to anything like that. I did enjoy it. Father came to Station Hotel.

July 7^th Sunday

Father, Mabel and Hugh to tea. Awfully nice to hear of all Father's doings. He has got about 350 letters and telegrams, which have taken us quite a time to read, from Liberals, Tories, Chamber of Commerce, Lords, Ladies, poor people etc, and lots of M.P.s. Awfully nice they are, and everyone seems so genuinely pleased. Many say he has always been 'Right Honourable' , and many wish Mother could have been included too.

July 8^th

July 11^th

July 12^th

Mr and Mrs K. Wilkinson, Mr Baynes and Miss Grubb to supper at 8.0. Quite successful—great business cooking, for baby kept waking. Laura managed alright alone, but everything cold. Mayonnaise of salmon and salad, bread buns, lemonade, sausage rolls (no one took the latter). 2^nd course—strawberry cream and fruit salad. 3^rd course cheese. Coffee in drawing room. Music. Frizzler and 'donkey' .

July 13^th Sat

Baby and I by 9.48 to Bensham. Laura saw us off. Baby absolutely good on journey. Lovely to see Father, Mother and Ruth. At 3.30 Father, Mother, baby and I in cab to Ernest Hudsons to call. Baby and I drove about, but were made to go in. Then on to Philip Spence's and saw twins. Not back till nearly 6.0. Baby never cried all day, except for few mins in his cot, I think because it was new. He looked so bonny in his silk coat, and lovely silk hat that Dora Minshall sent him. Mr Ede to supper. Ruth still nearly all day in bed, but looks better than I expected but has had terrible time. Mother very run down, and always tired. It is very sad to see her, but she is angelic as always.

July 14^th Sunday

Mother and I took baby to Aunt Gertie's, but the walk was too much for her, with her rheumatic sciatica. Mrs Price to dinner and tea. Afternoon some of Edmundsons came down. Hot, and baby lay on rug in the garden. Mother very worn out and went to bed before reading.

July 15^th

Baby and I to workhouse. Katherine has made him a lovely frock. She is about 80. It is touching. Garden so pretty and refreshing, and greenhouse glorious with hydrangeas. Telegraphed to F. to say not going back till tomorrow.

July 16^th

Drove in with Father, and Mother saw us off at 10.30. Baby slept most of way and F. met us, which was lovely. Mabel came along in afternoon. She has been very lonely at weekend and cried poor darling. Cocoa Works party. F. and I went about 7.0. Glorious hot day.

July 17^th

Glorious hot day, but Laura in bed with bilious attack. Very awkward, but F. got me a charwoman for afternoon. Mabel and Hugh to tea. Cricket match at Retreat. I bicycled up for short time.

July 18^th

July 19^th

July 20^th

July 21^st Sunday

High to dinner. Colin, Frank, baby and I to Mrs A.R's to tea. Baby lay on floor and was as good as gold. He sometimes now, instead of shouting 'Da da da da' whispers it. It is so pretty.

July 29^th

Helen and Elsie Burtt came to tea and to see baby put to bed. School concert. Frank tremendously cheered for 'Sound the Pibroch' —Mabel said it was 'magnificent' —so sang 'Trankadillo' . Afterwards sang 'The Lament' and again encored and sang 'Songs of Araby.' Presentation to Mr Baynes. He has been at the school 22 years. He made a very nice speech, and told the boys not to be afraid of having to wait, as long as when they went to 'her' they went with clear hands and a pure heart. Afterwards Mabel, Frank, Colin and I went to see some of his presents.

July 30^th

July 31^st

Busy packing, etc. Awful business, for the first time we have had a cot, bath, etc to take away. I got Frank to bath baby for the first time (in big bath). He got on quite well. We did our accounts. Most of our expenses have gone up a lot since we married—wages nearly trebled, food much more—but last year holidays were not much.

August 1^st Thursday

Left our house at 12.25—Frank and Laura cycled. I wheeled baby. Isabel met us at Station—Laura went back, and we went on by 12.55 train to Coxwold—got there 1.55. Robin perfectly good and fortunately a fine day, so Isabel drove up to Mrs Grainger's, Oldstead Hall, in dog cart, Frank cycled and I wheeled Robin—3 miles—hilly road and pretty tiring. He was asleep nearly all the time. Glorious place and situation and jolly rooms. Huge bedroom. After tea we strolled round and after Robert was in bed (he took some time to settle in his new cot and new room) Frank and I walked to see Evie at the Miller's (Oldstead Grange). She has to lie up at present and mayn't walk more than a mile. Jolly place and good view.

August 2^nd

Mabel and children arrived about 5.0. After dinner Frank and I cycled to Coxwold and back. We started trying to carry baby in the 'tosson' but he doesn't care for it particularly. F's mother has given us a good edition of the 'Flowers of the Field' and we are studying the names of the wild flowers.

Aug 3^rd

Started at 10.15 with baby in pram, up a very steep fearfully rough road for the Hambleton Hotel. Isabel and I pulled and Frank pushed; at last the road dissolved into a very bad path, but we struggled on and eventually reached the hotel. Came back by the White Horse and near to Kilburn, and arrived very tired at 1.0. Not very many miles, but awful roads. Frank wheeled baby nearly all the way back, and he slept the whole time we were out.

Afternoon rested and then took Robin to see Evie. Isabel photographed him all alone on a hay-cock—also on my knee with Frank standing near. Isabel and I take it in turns in the morning to wash him and wash napkins!

Aug 4^th Sunday

Evie and Elsa came and we all had a little meeting—hymns and Frank read out of the Bible. Evening between 5 and 6 Frank, Isabel and I took baby through the woods to the 'Outlook' Tower. Superb view—think we saw York Minster—but terrific wind.

Aug 5^th

Lovely warm day. Frank cycled to Coxwold to see about a chair for Evie that has never arrived. Isabel and I started at 10.30 with baby in pram and met him at Wass (1½ or 2 miles). Frank left his cycle there and we went up Wass Bank. Stopped by a stream and laid baby on a rug and had our sandwiches about 12.0. At 12.30 I nursed baby etc. Many motor cars—one ran into wall. Then went on to the Moors at the top and baby went to sleep. Too hazy for good view. Lay on heather and rested and Frank smoked. Found a few bilberries. Got back to Wass at 3.30. I again nursed baby near the wood, and we had a jolly afternoon tea in the garden of the inn at 4.0 (6d each) then Jos Rowntrees arrived in a motor, and baby was sitting up in his pram. They did admire him, and Jos said 'thou art a sweet child' . So pleased because baby smiled at him. Frank cycled back and Robin cried a bit in the pram, so when we got to the fields I took him out and took him to see the hay and horses, and he was quite good again. The Theodore Rowntrees came at 5.30 just as we got back. They are staying at the Hambleton Hotel, it has been a most delightful day—quite romantic.

Aug 7^th

Frank cycled to Thirsk and had tea with Halls. Bought a sort of small canvas hammock for baby—had it made at the Hall's shop.

Aug 8^th

Frank cycled to Hutton Sessy to see Bedford. Back to tea. Evie and Ernest came to tea with us.

Aug 9^th

Molly, Colin, Frank, Isabel and I started at 10.30 for Kilburn—baby in pram. Frank offered 2d for largest number of wild flowers. Very pretty village—lots of small bridges over tiny stream. Hill near to with grand view of Thirsk plain. Had our sandwiches early in a field, and then Frank took Molly and Colin to get lemonade while I fed baby. Then he judged flowers, Molly got prize with 47. I had 41, Frank 43 and Colin about 28. Of course Frank and I were rather handicapped by having to wheel baby. Isabel photographed. Then we walked on to come back along old Coxwold Road. About 6 miles altogether. We played cap verse, etc. At last Frank, Isabel and I lay down by road side and Frank and I went sound asleep till 3.30, baby asleep in pram. The children went home. Then I fed baby again and we got home about 4.40.

Aug 10^th Sat.

Bertha, Bowes and Cuthbert motored over, arriving about 3.0 and took Molly, Colin, Esther and me round by Coxwold in about 20 mins, and then took Isabel, nurse and the children another drive. Evie and Ernest came to tea, and all we grown-ups had it together in Mabel's sitting room. If Ruth had been here we would all have been together. First time so many of us have met since my wedding I believe. They went away about 6.0. It was jolly to see them.

Aug 16^th

Robin 7 months old today. He is 27 inches long and now roles over on the floor, especially from his back to his front. Frank and I are happy to be alone together (with him). Elsa, Erica and Miss Bigland to tea.

Aug 17^th

Aug 18^th Sunday

Aug 19^th Monday

Sunny, but very cold. Frank and I started at 11.0 with baby in pram and went a short way along Ampleforth Road. Ate sandwiches in a field sitting against a haycock. Lovely place. Baby went to sleep in pram at 1.30, and Frank and I rested and read 'Woodstock' aloud, and at 3.0 started back - baby still asleep. I fed him en route. We got back here to tea at 4.30. Colin drove down to meet Laura who arrived about 6.0.

Aug 20^th

Laura took baby out (after watching me bath him, so that we can do it in turns) and Frank and I had a gorgeous walk, up the Scotch Corner road, over the moors, to the ridge nearly above Gormire. It was very clear and blue. We could see the Minster and Rowntree's Tower very distinctly. We came back under the White horse cliffs and arrived at 12.30. I did enjoy it, for it was the first long walk I had had alone with Frank.

Aug 21^st

Bicycled to Coxwold and looked at church and Lawrence Stearne's house and back by Kilburn. Afternoon Frank, Hugh and Ernest walked to Rievaux, and didn't get back till 8.30, so I went to Evie's to tea.

Aug 22^nd

Frank and I cycled to Thirkleby to see his niece Edith, but she was not there—about 6 miles there. Mabel went to York for the night. Afternoon it pelted, but Frank and I took Molly and Colin to Byland Abbey Inn for tea (9d each, children 6d). Quite jolly and good tea.

Aug 23^rd

Frank and I walked to Coxwold to shop. Cold, dreary day. Frank went in trap to meet Mother at 6.6. She is our guest. She looked very tired, but soon began to get much better here. Evelyn and Ernest came down to see her.

Aug 24^th

Alas, Evie not well, in bed, and she seemed so well last night. Telegraphed for Dr Frawer. Bertha and Dia arrived in motor about 2.0, sent motor back for the Dr, but she came by train with Hugh and Molly, who had been to York for Molly to get a tooth stopped. At 4.0 Mother, Frank, Mabel, Robin and I drove round by Kilburn and back by Byland. I stopped to see Evie, and to see Dr Fraser myself. Evie has to lie quite still for over a week. It is disappointing. Motor arrived with Bowes about 6.0 and he and Bertha and Dia and Dr Fraser went back in it. (Baby did chuckle at the horse flicking off the flies with its tail, like he did when Frank flicked them with his mackintosh cape. He laughed a long time with that).

Aug 25^th Sunday

Very showery. Meeting. Ernest read bible and Mother read the poem about St. Christopher. Evening Frank and I took baby short walk to see the hens and pigs, and he was held on the horses' back in the stable. He takes a great interest in seeing all these things.

Aug 26^th

Dull, but came out fine in afternoon. Frank, Mother and I walked to Evie's. She was very sick yesterday and doesn't look at all well. Dinner early, and at 2.30 Mother, Mabel, Esther and Elsa started in dog cart, Hugh, Molly and Colin bicycling, for Wass and then to Hambleton Hotel. At 3 45 Frank, Ernest and I went there by the Scotch Corner road, got there in less than an hour, the others arrived before 5.0 and we had an excellent tea and at 5.30 Frank, Ernest, Elsa and I started to walk back, Frank and I arriving at 6.15. The others drove round by the White Horse. Most successful excursion. We went in to supper at Mabel's taking our own there too!

Aug 27^th

A really fine, warm day. To Evie's. Had dinner before 1.0 and started at 1.30. Mother, baby, Frank and I in waggonette (from Wass 7/6 altogether) for Thirsk. Got baby to sleep for ½ hour on the seat. Lovely views. Mother's train at 3.13, but we didn't stay to see her off, but shopped for Evie in Thirsk, I without a hat and carrying baby. He was absolutely good all the time and we didn't get back till 5.0. Very successful drive.

Aug 28^th

We miss Mother so much. A lovely day. Tuesday night poor Evie had a miscarriage and Ernest wired on Wed morning for Dr Fraser. Frank and I went up and I saw Evie who is very brave. Frank and I had a picnic tea just beyond the wood. Everyone there except Evie and Ernest, Miss Bigland, Laura and baby. Everything very successful

Aug 29^th

Aug 30^th

Our first really brilliant hot day, but we had to pack, etc, so didn't do much. Baby sucks his toes now. Mabel and family departed at 3.30. Frank and I took Robin at 4.30 to say goodbye to Evie, but Dr Fraser was there. Frank and I went again at 7.0. Poor Evie had suffered agony, and has to be moved into a home in York tomorrow—Frank Rowntree is going to send his motor. She was so sweet and looked lovely with her exquisite hair. She had craved to see Robin, and begged Dr. Fraser to let her have one kiss when she heard he was there, but it couldn't be.

Aug 31^st

Saturday. Raining pretty hard at intervals. Laura started at ¼ to 10 to wheel baby to station—Frank and I cycled at 10.10. left Oldstead with great regret. We have had a glorious time there. Frank had a puncture and it was not a nice ride. Train at 11.6. Had to change at Gilling, Malton and somewhere else. First part of journey not bad, but after Malton very crowded and train rather late. Had about 1 hour at Malton and I fed baby in waiting room. He was absolutely good all the time. Arrived Bridlington about 2.20. Jeanie kindly met us, but platform a seething mass of people and had to get our own luggage. Baby went to sleep at once in pram and Laura and Jeanie walked in the rain to C/o Mrs Ellis, 79 Promenade. I drove, and Frank cycled. Over greengrocer's shop. Rooms for us all 6 guineas. 2 sitting rooms and 4 bedrooms. Sophie and Jeanie share a room. Quite nice except for noise of main street. Can see a bit of sea from Top sitting room and are close to it. After tea, Frank went to meet Sophie.

Sep 1^st Sunday

Heard that Evie had got on well. Frank and I walked to the harbour. Lovely and sunny; and then on beyond.

Sep 2^nd

All of us went to see the Old Priory church. Much restored, but parts beautiful. Weather is like winter—sunshine only occasionally.

Sep 3^rd

Frank, Jeanie and I cycled to Flamborough and Frank joined us there as he got a puncture. Glorious view of cliffs and beautiful blue sea, but too rough for boat and high tea so couldn't see caves. Very clear—saw far beyond Scarborough.

Sep 4^th

Bitter and baby has very bad cold. It is a pity. Had a fire at last. He hasn't been sleeping very well here. Fine morning and we walked along cliffs.

Sep 5^th

Frank, Jeanie and I cycled to Boynton about 3 miles, and saw the old house where Queen Henrietta Maria stayed when Bridlington bombarded. Afternoon really nice and warm. Frank, Jeanie and Sophie went long drive on char-a-banc 2.15—6.0 to Rudston and Burton Agnes. I took baby to see waves and he spluttered with joy till he wet his bib and strings!! Then I went short walk by sea.

Sep 6^th

A nice, warm day. Mother, Jeanie and Sophie started before 10 in pony phaeton for Flamborough (North side). Frank and I cycled and got there first. We all went into Robin Lythe's hole, a splendid, large, high cave. Then went in large boat for ½ hour, and saw the Smuggler's cave. Lovely on sea, and most entertaining boatman. Full of stories about wrecks, superstitions, etc. Frank and I started back at 12.15, the others a little later.

Sep 7^th

Heard that Mabel has a sharp attack of pleurisy. It is awfully distressing. Frank, Sophie, Jeanie and I walked to South Side and read Mary Anerby (Blackmore) aloud, while I sketched. It is a story about these parts. Great excitement because Mother discovered that baby has a bottom tooth through! It is quite time. He sits up a good deal in his pram now. We took him in it for walk after 5.0 and Mother in bath chair.

Sep 8^th Sunday

Very anxious, for we hear that Mabel has a touch of pneumonia. Mother staying with the B's, but may only see her few minutes each day. 2 nurses. Darling Mabel. It is hard on her, and just when, at last, warmer weather has come. Baby weighs now about 19½ lbs. He has taken to rolling quickly all over on the floor. We went to Meeting. Afternoon along cliffs, with Mother in bath chair.

Sep 9^th

Jeanie, Frank and Sophie went for day's excursion—Spuron cliffs. Afternoon Mother and I went to café and heard the ladies' band. Very good.

Sept 10^th

Lovely bathe before breakfast in waves and high tide. Jeanie, Frank and I bicycled to lighthouse and sat by glorious sea for short time, or rather walked. Afternoon all went to café. Frank asked the ladies' to play the selections from 'Faust' that they played yesterday. Evening all but Mother went to see Zancigs. Marvellous 'thought-reading '—she said the number of Frank's bank note and that it was £5, and she said 'scissors' at once when I handed him a pair. Marvellous lightning sketches by Thornby-Dodge—also skits, and imitations of actor and 'How I saw the Gondoliers' .

Sept 11^th

Very bad news of Mabel. She is very weak, temperature still up and hardly seems to miss the children, though asks for them occasionally. We therefore decided to return on Friday instead of Saturday. Walk along cliffs.

Sept 12^th

Frank and Mother's birthdays. Last year our happy excursion to Warkworth. Sent Laura to York at 9.27. Jeanie helped a lot with baby. Telephoned to York. Mabel just the same. Dr. gives little hope. It is terrible. Packed.

Sept 13^th Friday

Left at 2.40. Jeanie saw us off, and was so kind. Easy journey. Got back to Bootham Crescent about 5.0. Laura and a charwoman had made everyting lovely, and flowers from Bertha, but I couldn't help crying to think Mabel might never come to our pretty home again, and at Easter when we got back, she came almost at once to welcome us. Had tea and put baby to bed and unpacked a little and then went to Bertha's to see her and Mother. Poor Mother, but she is so brave. Hugh came and I went across with him and had a long talk about the illness. He still seems hopeful.

Sept 14^th

Evie very miserable alone in Newcastle (Ernest there but out all day), so came to stay with us in the evening. Felt rather more hopeful tonight, but wish Molly and Colin were nearer. They are staying with the Garnets in the Isle of Wight. Esther, Elsa and Erica are at Bensham.

Sept 15^th Sunday

Spent morning with Father and Mother, partly in Museum Gardens. Father came yesterday and is staying at Miss Hollis and Rowntree's. I think either today or yesterday Mabel recognized Mother and said 'I'm delighted to see thee precious' . Generally now she is wandering or unconscious. We may not see her. One day at the beginning she told Mother all her hair was coming out and that she would have to wear a cap, which showed she expected to get better. Today we really felt more hopeful and Father and Mother came here to tea.

Sept 16^th Monday

Poor little Esther's birthday. Went along to St. Mary's soon after breakfast and found that Mabel is much worse. Ruth sent for and Evie telegraphed for Ernest who came to stay with us. A dreadful day. Frank went with us to see Father and Mother, but had a slight temperature and could not go out after dinner. In the morning he and I went up to see Mabel. She was unconscious and looked terribly ill, breathing hard and her eyes nearly shut, but rolling about. I was along at no. 12 about 8.30 pm. She was then much worse. Hugh had not undressed for 3 nights, but had been persuaded to tonight, but he was up almost at once, and Dr Auden was sent for. He said the end was approaching. Hugh and Mother were with Mabel at the end. Laurie had come over. Bertha and I went to tell Father to come, and then Laurie came here with me to tell Ernest and Evie and Frank. As we went, he said 'Mary, it's all over' . It was terrible. Ernest and Evie and I returned, but Frank couldn't come. Hugh asked me where he was. We sat, all of us, in the drawing room, weeping, and then Hugh put his arm round me, and took me to see Mabel. Evie and Ernest followed. Up to the last Hugh had hoped, but as we went upstairs he said 'It is hearty congratulations for her, for I know best what she has had to endure' . I could hardly bear it and felt afraid of screaming, but I kissed Mabel—our beloved, precious, unselfish, brave, oldest sister—who has been like a Mother to me—and then came down and returned to Frank and baby. Oh, it is hard, hard and one's heart aches for poor Hugh, and the children, whom Mabel loved so, and who were so devoted to her.

Sept 17^th

Ruth made a lovely wreath from us all and sent for myrtle from Mabel's wedding tree at Bensham and made another of myrtle and put on the verse by Jean Ingelow 'There is no friend like a sister' , etc. Heaps of beautiful wreaths were sent. Frank and I went up to see Mabel, but she looked worn and weary—later on we saw her again in the coffin, and she looked peaceful and at rest. I longed to kiss her poor hands that had been such a trial to her and that she shrank from people seeing, but they were hidden away.

Sept 18^th

In the morning Esther and Nurse arrived. Hugh met them and I went to the station too with baby, but hurried back to meet them at the house. Little Esther didn't understand a bit evidently. Molly and Colin arrived about 6.0. I could not be there, for I had to bath and feed baby, but the poor little things who had travelled from King's Cross with Edie had never been told (by the Garnett's express wish) and had been in wild spirits, saving fruit, etc for 'mother' . Hugh had to tell them in the cab and Evie said it was too terrible hearing Molly, when she arrived sobbing and imploring to see Mabel, and it couldn't be. She only stopped crying for a minute when asked if she would come and see baby Robert in the morning, and the poor child cried herself to sleep. Evie, and everyone, was fearfully upset.

Sept 19^th Thursday

A glorious very hot day. It seemed almost a mockery to put Mabel to rest on one of the days she had so longed for this summer, but which never came. Still we were thankful for it. In the morning I went to No. 12 and Molly looked after baby most of the morning. I took her up with him to see the coffin covered with wreaths. She cried quietly and I let her hold baby. It is terrible to see the empty bed. Lots of people arrived at different times—Aunt Hope, Norbert, Joe, Aunt Emmie and Uncle Harry, Fosters, Claphams etc. Aunt Car and Aunt Nelly K. (There was a Masters' Meeting in the morning - Hugh went for a few minutes.) (The school re-opens today and some of the boys and masters were at the funeral).

After dinner, Evie, Ernest, Frank and I walked to No.12, and at 2.15 there were gathered into the drawing room all of our family, and of course Molly, Colin and Esther dressed in white with grey coats and holding lovely flowers made up by Ruth I believe. Cousin K and Cousin David—Aunt Emmie, Uncle H, Laurie, Aunt Car (who drove with poor Ruth—poor because she has no husband to help her) Mr Ede and I believe one or two others. Hugh read us Mabel's beautiful letter written to Sallie Pattinson 3 or 4 years ago (and nearly broke down) and then Cousin Kate with great difficulty told us that on the 16^th the motto in her book had been 'the master is come and calleth for thee' , and I think the next day 'and she arose quickly and came unto Him' , and Cousin David prayed. Then we went out to the cabs. Hugh and children first, then Father, Mother, Aunt Car and Ruth, then the E's and Frank and me, and then the B's and Aunt E. and Uncle H. We walked the horses through Bootham (where the principal shops had their blinds down) and then went quickly to the Friends pretty green burial ground near the Retreat. Funeral at 3.0. Fielden Thorp, Cousin Thos P and Mr Ede spoke and prayed, and Father said a few words beautifully, ending with 'The Lord gave, the Lord hath taken away, Blessed be the name of the Lord.' It was pathetic to see Hugh talking to the children. I don't think they understood and Esther wanted to wait and see the earth thrown in - there was no further service, but tea at No. 12, and after coming back here to feed baby, Frank and I went along, and baby was brought too for a short time. Everyone very kind, but I don't realize it a bit yet. Father and Mother are staying at Miss Hollis and Rowntree's and Ruth at the Bs. Aunt C and Aunt N came to see baby put to bed.

Sept 20^th

Nearly everyone left. Ernest in morning, Evie in afternoon. Evie looks very frail, and was hardly fit to be here. Frank saw her off. Father and Mother left too. Ruth stayed on to help Hugh with Mabel's things, but was in bed most of the next week, very poorly.

We had to try and struggle with ordinary life again, but it will always be poorer without Mabel's overpouring love, sympathy and help.

Sept 21^st

Bertha and I wheeled the babies to the burial ground. It was a lovely day, and the place looked so peaceful and quiet and green that one could rejoice for Mabel that she was at rest. The wreaths were still very fresh. In afternoon Hugh went to Wheel Birks. I saw him off with Molly—her eyes filled with tears.

Oct 5^th

Baby and I went home by early train—found Father well, but Mother very lame with sciatica, and sleeping badly. After lunch Theo and Aunt Hope, Aunt Gertie and Sarah came. Sat in garden. Aunt Hope says baby is 'fascinating' .

Oct 6^th Sunday

Wheeled baby and Mother managed to walk with me to park. Sir J and Lady Owen to tea.

Oct 7^th

Mother saw us off at 1.45. Frank couldn't meet us, but Norah came with the pram. I had got baby to sleep in the train. Frank gave me a warm welcome here, and had put roses in our room.

Oct 11^th

Oct 9^th

Frank and I went with Bertha over their new house and garden and she, Bowes and Ruth came to tea—no it was a week ago.

Oct 14^th

Molly and Esther to tea. I began reading them 'Jan of the Windmill' . Last Thursday I went to the Essay meeting at the school—the first for a year.

Oct 16^th

Oct 15^th

Mother presided at the W.L.A. Annual Meeting in Newcastle—felt it very hard. It was brave of her.

Oct 24^th or 23^rd

Oct 30^th

Frank to London. Ruth came to dinner at 1.0 and I went to B's to dinner at 8.0. Daisie's Crichton's first birthday pary. Betty and Robert went to it—their first party. Dia there too. The 3 babies looked very sweet and were very good.

Oct 31^st

Simply pelted. Frank came back at 6.30pm. I was thankful to see him again, but we had tea at 6.30, and he was on duty about 7.0.

I forgot to say that on Oct 29^th Mother left Manchester, and spent a few hours in York. I didn't see much of her, but it was lovely, only she looked so ill and felt the strain of going to No.12 dreadfully. Frank read aloud a lovely letter about Mabel from Miss Gladstone. It was amusing too.

Nov 4^th

Mother thoroughly run down and heart very weak. Has had to go to bed and have a nurse. Ruth went home on Nov 1^st, and Hugh and Molly went for weekend. This week I was very busy making Mother a dressing jacket.

Nov 4^th

Nov 5^th

Nov 6^th

Nov 9^th

Dec 10^th

Frank's Mother and Jeanie Pollard came over for the afternoon. Mother is wonderful: 77 and would have no rest, but played with baby and talked till she went back by the 9.35. Molly and Esther to tea. Charles P. Trevelyan called at 4.15 having ¼ hour here between trains. So nice and looked 'distingue' . Asked after Hugh, and so nice to the children. I showed him the photo of Mabel with the donkey.

Dec 14^th

Evie and Erica came to stay a few days with Hugh from Bensham. Frank and I went there to supper.

Dec 20^th

Poor little Esther got measles a few days ago, so Hugh and the children can't come to Newcastle. Ber arrived in the morning with crowds of chocolates for the family at Bensham, and presents, and an enormous wooly bear that growls for Robert—such a beauty. He, Frank and I left York by the 2.40, rather a slow train—Laura went to her home for the weekend. We got to Bensham after 5.0—Mother was up, but looked very ill indeed. I put baby to bed at once. After this there were great preparations for Christmas, though the party was going to be so small.

Dec 23^rd

Laura came in the morning to our relief. Mother just gets up for short time in room as a rule.

Dec 24^th

Frank and I only ones who went to Gables party. Very nice, for everyone so kind and sympathetic. Smaller than usual. Willy Ede there and I enjoyed seeing him. Baby had his stocking filled.

Dec 25^th

Ruth sick in morning, but recovered wonderfully. Preparations well on, so Frank and I managed quite well. Frank did Christingles. At 5.0 the Aunts and Uncles and some of 1^st cousins and babies came, only about 30 this year. Children rather too much at various ages for games. Seemed funny to have our own baby, but he got very sleepy and soon had to go to bed. Ruth had got 'Joey' to do some tricks, which were most successful. Carols, songs and games and of course the 'teeny tiny woman' , and Percy dressed as Father Christmas distributed presents to the children. All went away about 9.0. I think it was successful, but of course rather sad and Mother could only come down for a short time. I think it cheered her and did her good. Ruth had arranged drawing room mantelpiece beautifully with photos of Mabel, Hugh and the children and an appropriate beautiful motto below Mabel—Arnold at the other side.

Dec 26^th

Dec 27^th

Frank and I and Ernest Merz had delightful visit to Target house. Cold and snowed after in afternoon, but lovely view and it is an ideal place almost and Norbert and Ursula seem so happy. Came back about 3.30.

Dec 31^st

1908

Jan 3^rd

Frank, Ruth and I to Cousin Augusta's to dinner. Quite swell! I led the way with Mr Sanderson.

Jan 4^th

Jan 5^th Sunday

Mr Hadow most delightful. Frank took him a walk through Ravensworth grounds. Lots of people to tea, and supper.

Jan 6^th

Mr Hadow lectured on Schubert's songs—others said it was splendid. I didn't go, but stayed with Mother. Afterwards I joined Uncle John's supper party at the Station Hotel—grand, about 30 there I think—Aunt Hope and Uncle Theo, George and Isabel, Gairs, Stephens' etc. Mr Hadow took me in and I sat by him and a dull curate. Frank sang 2 songs. Mr H. played beautifully. He is so willing. Tells lots of stories. Recommended a place in Montenegro greatly for a holiday—Cetrinje. He went on to Hindley after the supper.

Jan 7^th

Frank, Ruth and I were asked by the Ericssons to dinner at Tilly's and then they took us to the Pantomime 'Queen of Hearts' . Pretty, but far too long, and not like the nice old pantomimes.

Jan 8^th

Frank and I to Teachers Guild—arrived Manchester about 4.20. First time I had ever left baby for a night—rather jolly to feel so free. Went to get some tea with Jeanie, then reception (we changed our dresses in cloakroom!) and President's address—Miss A.W. Richardson—very good. Frank and I are staying at Fowlers.

Jan 9^th

Mr Paton and Prof Smithers on Manual Training and Domestic Economy in Schools. Quite interesting, but latter irritated me. Dinner at Dalton Hall. Frank and I went to see Arnold's room and Frank's old rooms. Then to Rylands Library and Cheetham Hospital. Latter fascinating and lovely. Frank made me drive back, so we got a hansom together. Evening business meeting, so I spent it with Evie. It was lovely. Both children have measles but slightly.

Jan 10^th

Heard that baby had bad attack of sickness and diarrhoea the night we left and is not well yet, so after the morning meeting (Sunday in our boarding schools) at which Frank made an excellent speech, and dinner at the Midland Hotel, I went to Urmston, packed and said goodbye to Mrs Fowler and Frank saw me off by the 4.5. I got home about 8.30, much to everyone's surprise.

Jan 11^th

Frank went from Manchester to Ackworth. Poor little Robin very poorly. Doctor says it is like ptomaine poisoning from the milk—he does nothing but sleep and have a little chicken broth, and he has absolutely no energy and can hardly even sit up.

Jan 12^th Sunday

Dr Bentham and many others to tea. Prof Raleigh and Prof Michel Smith to supper. Former delightful like great big schoolboy. 6 ft 4! Grasped my hand when he went and said 'it's been awfully nice' .

Jan 13^th

Jan 14^th

Poor Frank had to go home alone. I was sorry, but baby is still ill. A nurse arrived for Mother, though mother is much better.

Jan 15^th

Jan 16^th

Baby's first birthday. Frank sent him a letter and we gave him bricks and Father and Mother gave him picture books (untearable). He suddenly took a turn for the better and began to play again and to be awake. It is such a comfort. He now can have milk again and Benger.

Jan 17^th

Jan 18^th

A lovely day and I took baby out for a good walk. Mother also gets out a little which is a great improvement.

Jan 19^th Sunday

Aunt Car and Corrie Grant to dinner. Latter delightful—said baby was charming and 'he admired him immensely.' It seemed mutual, and the child is so sweet and good always. Basil Procter and Coz Alice Foster to tea. Basil came up to see baby in cot, for he plays and laughs so and keeps standing up. Basil says I haven't altered. I'm so glad. Sir R. Hudson and Mr and Mrs Hudson to supper. Father's breathing not good the last few days. How I have missed my dear husband—the longest time we' ve been separated except in Tenerife—I long for his arms round me.

Jan 20^th Monday

Left my dear old home by the 10.37—nurse McKay saw us off, and Aunt Car. Baby and I had the carriage to ourselves all the way. Frank couldn't meet us, but we had a nice meeting at the house later. Nora had left without telling me; so I had rather an awful afternoon unpacking, but baby was good. We' ve had a lovely time at Bensham and everyone has been so kind and helpful.

Jan 22^nd

Frank and I went to interesting lecture on Economics by Prof. Clapham of Leeds. Bertha and Bowes began to move to Burton Croft yesterday. It is charming, and it is so jolly having them so near.

Jan 23^rd

I had advertised for a girl for afternoons but luckily Edith Schofield, my washerwoman's daughter, offered to come, and is much cleaner than Norah. Oversight Committee with Ber.

Jan 24^th

Jan 25^th

Jan 27^th Sunday

March 13^th

I have never written here lately, for though in many ways it has been a nice term in others it has been so discouraging. Soon after leaving home, Mother got a slight attack of influenza, and has been in bed about 6 weeks, very depressed. About a fortnight ago Father had a heart attack and was seriously ill, though we heard little about it at the time. Sara Burton has been with Ruth and has been a great help, and Ruth has kept up wonderfully.

I have had much to be thankful for, for my dear husband has kept well this term on the whole, and Robert has been much stronger and less troubled with constipation. Indeed up till to-day he has been very well and jolly; unfortunately he has just got a very bad cold (so have I and has prevented my going to Kingham for the week-end yesterday and to-day.

Bertha and Bowes had 2 great 'house-warmings' —about 79 yesterday. The house looked lovely, a bower of flowers, yellow daffodils and tulips in drawing room; I wore my new wine-coloured dress and hat, and would have enjoyed it, but I felt poorly. Good music—violin, zither and piano.

I don't think very much has happened this term. We went to hear 'Carmen' with Bertha and enjoyed it. One day the Theo Rowntree's asked us to tea with them and we went afterwards to the orchestral Concert at which Plunket Greene sang magnificently the Drake songs, etc. We did enjoy the evening.

One evening we had the 5 Library boys to cocoa, cakes and biscuits (another time should have sandwiches) at 8.15, and then they played piano, cello, clarinet and sang, and I accompanied them. It was very jolly. They went at 9.30.

I have been to one or two essay meetings. Mrs A.R. is kind and sympathetic about the Richardsons. On March 7^th we went to the school and Miss Knocker, Mr Noble (organist of the Minster), Miss Willoughby and Miss Backhouse played violin, viola and piano. It was very delightful and afterwards we had coffee with them at the A.R's. (Mrs R. had tea, coffee with whipped cream in a bowl, one plate of sweet biscuits and one of buttered rusks.)

March 19^th

Baby has had a bad cold and cough for a week, and I've had a bad cold. Yesterday the Liberal Bazaar began. Frank and I were weighed—Frank was 10 st 13 lbs and I was 8 st 8 lbs. 'C.B' is very ill. It is sad. Father and Mother are slowly improving.

April 18^th Easter Holiday

A great deal, mostly sad, has happened since I last wrote. On Saturday April 4^th I got a telegram from Jeanie saying that Frank's mother had died quietly in her sleep and I had to go and tell him at the school. We went to Ackworth in the afternoon and heard details. Last Wednesday she not felt very well and the Dr. had been sent for. He knew it might be serious (kidney complaint) but she did not suffer and went to bed as usual on Friday evening, and Florrie found the end had come when she took in her breakfast on Saturday morning. The previous Sunday she had written in her budget letter:- I hope you are all very energetic working for the good of your country' . Lily and John arrived soon after us. Mother looked beautiful and so peaceful. We talked to Jeanie and had tea at Bentinck Villas, and went back about 6.30 I believe.

April 7^th Tuesday

Frank went to Ackworth early being an Executor; I got there about 1.30 and he met me and we went to the house. All the children with their wives or husbands had come and a few grandchildren. Mother still looked lovely—in fact more so. There were some very pretty wreaths—one of daffodils from the B.W.T.A. I had made one of lilies and narcissi. The funeral was at 2.30. Frank and I walked behind the carriages. Mother was buried next Albert and Fred Andrews spoke beautifully about how good it was for her to have died so peacefully in the midst of a life still active, with a keen, alert mind—how that very day she was to have read at a B.W.T.A. Meeting, etc. She was 74. It was a glorious, hot spring day, and the little graveyard looked very pretty. We went back to Bentinck Villas and had tea, and I made the acquaintance at last of all my brothers and sisters-in-law. Some went away soon afterwards. John Collinson explained the will. It was very melancholy to think of the pretty little home where Frank had taken me when we were first engaged, at first in fear and trembling, but where I soon afterwards learned dearly to love and much to admire my mother-in-law, was soon to be broken up for ever. Frank and John Irwin had a good deal to do, so Frank and I didn't get home till after 10.0.

April 8^th

Very busy trying to get spring cleaning finished. We began it on March 30^th and have had a charwoman every day, and they have done it well—she and Laura. Baby feverish.

April 9^th

Finished cleaning to-day, baby poorly, so had to put off going away to-morrow. Concert at school. Rowntrees both ill with influenza. Frank and Mr Sturge acting as heads.

April 11^th Saturday

Started with Laura by 9.25 for Grasmere where Aunt Car has again most kindly lent us Heugh Folds. Baby was as good as gold all the way and slept a great deal, and fortunately we got the carriages mostly to ourselves. He drank his milk, etc. well. Frank and I had box seats on the coach and I held him on my knee, and he enjoyed it, but was getting tired as we reached Grasmere. It was bitterly cold. Here Jane had everything beautiful, and a nice tea and after tea May Dixon, aged nearly 15 arrived and I showed her how to bath Robin. He sleeps with Laura in the nursery—May in the maids' room. He sleeps splendidly from 6.0—6.30 a.m. with a break for food at 10 p.m. and sleeps again from 11.30 often till 2.15. He has steadily improved here and got a much better appetite and is so happy and good. He loves the ducks and chickens and the little streams, and gets quite excited.

April 12^th Sunday

A lovely day. Frank and I went up Nab Scar. Saw 7 lakes and the sea. Laura and May to church in the evening.

April 13^th

Frank and I up Silver Howe by Allan Bank and back underneath the crags. Snowed a little, but fine views. Basil Procter arrived about 6.15. He and I strolled along pony path after supper. It is so nice to renew my friendship with him.

April 14^th

Frank, Basil and I left about 10.0, walked over the right side of Silverhowe to Langdale—ate our sandwiches outside the inn drinking ginger ale, then went up Bow Fell—my 1^st time up. Very good view, especially of sea and Scarfell, but so cold on top. Many snowstorms, but in between whiles the sun was very hot and the colour on the hills glorious, quite Autumnal. Came back down Rossett Gill, got a very good 1/- tea at the old Langdale Inn and walked back by Elterwater, altogether I suppose about 18 miles. Glorious sunset. It was a splendid day. Last night Basil played his violin.

April 15^th

Lazy after yesterday's exertions. Tried to get primroses, but there were very few. Evening called on the Hills up Easedale, and walked a little way further.

April 16^th

Hot. Walked round Rydal. Took a few sandwiches. Played at ducks and drakes, etc, and Basil and I slid down rocks, and he repeated rhymes he had made up, very clever—A was the, etc. he is so delightfully young and enthusiastic. We came back to tea about ¼ to 3.0. Frank and I sang in evening. Heard of Uncle John's sudden death.

April 17^th

Good Friday. Really very hot. I sketched. Afternoon sent Laura and May to Easedale Tarn and gave them money for tea and Frank and I took Robin in carrier to Loughrigg Ter. Where he played on the grass for first time in his life and was so happy and teased Frank! He is always good here. People seemed much interested in the carrier.

April 18^th

Frank and I went up Fairfield up Greehead Ghyll intending to go on over the ridge to Ambleside but cold and wind were so intense that we came down Grisedale. Met Jeanie at ¼ to 4.0. (Met A.R. and Ailie.)

April 19^th Sunday

Cold and snowy at times. Joined Mrs O' Brien's party on 4 horse char-a-banc about 9.30 and went to Colthouse meeting. Very nice. Frank spoke and J.W. Graham and young Crosland. We went to the Grahams to dinner and called on Sara Renton on our way home. Very showery.

April 20^th

At last accomplished our Duddon excursion! Rather cold and stormy looking, but turned into a beautiful evening. Drove in 1 horse trap (12/-) round by Ambleside to Coniston, walked over Walne Scar and back by Wrynose. Got tea at Little Langdale. Started about 10.15 and back about 8.0. About 18 miles. Pools of Duddon lovely green colour.

April 21^st

Poor Jeanie very stiff. Afternoon took baby and May in boat for ½ hour. He did enjoy it. Met Mr Sturge at ¼ to 4. Evening he, Frank and I walked round Rydal.

April 22^nd

Went up Nab Scar. Quite warm. Lucy and Harry to dinner and about 3.0 o' clock it began to pour and then snow. They left early.

April 23^rd

Went to Easedale Tarn, and Frank and Mr S. Walked over Harrison Stickle to Langdale—Jeanie and I by Stickle Tarn to Dungeon Gyhll and met them near there. Deep snow on mountains, but a fine day, though very cold. Got back to tea about 5.0.

April 24^th

Mr S, Frank and I up Helm Crag in morning and down other side. Perishingly cold everywhere. Snowed while we went up. We are reading 'A Roman Singer' aloud. Played an exciting game of bridge last night.

April 25^th

Very cold. Jeanie left at 10.0. We called on the Arthur Rowntrees at Tarn Foot, other side of Loughrigg. Most of them poorly. Afternoon Mr S. and Frank walked to Wythburn, I followed by coach in great snowstorm and met them at 4.30 (have got piles and didn't want to walk far). (Snow far worse in other parts of England) We went up to West head Tarn, and got an excellent tea, hot scones, cream, cake, jam beside a fire for 8d each. Snow stopped so we had a fair walk home.

April 26^th Sunday

Very wet. I stayed in bed to breakfast and lay up most of day. Frank and Mr S. had a short walk. Cleared up in evening and Sara Renton called.

April 27^th

Lovely and warm at last. Frank saw Mr S. off at 10.0 and then he and I sat in garden all the morning reading aloud, basking and revelling in the sunshine. Afternoon took Laura, May and baby for ¾ hour on lake. Robin played with the reeds and splashed them in the water and waved to the sheep on the island.

April 28^th

Very windy and showery and simply poured in afternoon. Baby, for first time, kept in all day. I only went in garden for few mins. Frank to village. Have a stiff neck. Frank and I finished 'A Roman Singer' .

April 29^th

April 30^th

Left with great regret at 10.0. Torrents of rain, so packed inside a sort of bus. R. went to sleep on my knee very soon and slept till Windermere. 2 hours at Carnforth. He cried a bit, but slept a little in afternoon in train—was very restless, but mostly good, and we had a carriage to ourselves nearly all the way. He seemed please to get home, and crawled straight to the bear in the drawing room. Took to Edith at once—seemed to remember her. Laura had worked hard and everything was nice.

May 1^st

May 4^th

May 6^th

Ruth, Ailie Rowntree, Robin and I saw Molly off to school at 10.0. Hugh took her. Poor little darling. I do hope she will be happy. Frank and I walked to Leeman Road, where I visited 2 twins - tiny babies. We crossed by ferry and were caught in terrific thunder storm. Ruth came to high tea. I do think she is splendid. Mother and Father and nurse are now at Peebles—Mother still very poorly.

May 11^th

Father in London with the B's and presided at the Peace Meeting! Ruth went to Peebles. She has not been well the last few days.

May 14^th

May 15^thFriday

Went with Father and Robert by 1.42 train to Bensham. Felt very homesick. It was awful having no Mother there, but Elizabeth asked me to order the meals and after a day or two I settled in, and Robert and I greatly enjoyed it. I loved being with Father, and R enjoyed the garden and the change did him good. I took him to the Quarries, to Dr Bentham's, Gertie's, etc and we had some visitors at Bensham. Maud looked after him and he was always good. On Friday 22^nd Frank came over for the afternoon and it was lovely. Robin hardly recognized him for a minute or two. (The next day Frank went to Yearly Meeting at Birmingham for a few days, but first for one night to Oxford to a dinner given him by the 'Cork and Water Club' .)

Robin and I stayed till Tuesday, May 26^th and then returned by the 10.30 train as Christine Irwin was coming for her guitar lesson in the afternoon. Baby went to sleep about 11.0; I had to wake him at York, and at ¼ to 1.0 I put him into his cot and he slept well after 2.0. Frank did not arrive till between 11 and 12 p.m. He was so sweet. (3 lines crossed out)

Friday May 29^th

Frank and I bicycled in afternoon to Skelton Woods and got bluebells. It was an exquisite afternoon and our first ride for so long together. We were caught trespassing, but the man didn't mind.

Tuesday June 2^nd

To concert, Herr Padel (?), violins, etc, and explanations by Mr Tendall. Very nice.

June 3^rd

Bertha and Bowes took me to see Lingh Lovel's Co. in 'Rosmersholme' (Ibsen.) Splendidly acted, but tragic. Very few there. I enjoyed it hugely.

June 6^th

Long Committee at Mount. Whitsuntide. I spoke a good deal, aftern in opposition to Miss Sturge. The (Enkes?) arrived after 2.0 to stay with us. They, F and I, Mr Sturge, B & B, Elsie Burtt and Sarah Edmundson went on river at 2.30. We' ve had a fortnight of perfect hot weather, but to-day was very windy and very cold. However we enjoyed it, and had a good tea, but I caught a bad cold. Didn't enjoy the evening meeting.

Sunday June 7^th

Meeting. Only 12 people to tea. I didn't go to evening meeting, but along to B's to see Father. (He had been to see us in afternoon.) Very nice visit at dinner from Roger Mennell. He is delightful. I went to the reading at Bootham.

June 8^th

Took Robin to give Father birthday greetings. He is 71. Then to cricket match. School won by 2 runs. Evie came over for the day and night from Goathland. Fine, but chilly. Very nice to see Geoffrey Morland again. Did not enjoy the Mount much, though Mr Mennell carried Robin about, and Mrs John S.R. said she had come partly to see him. He did not enjoy the Mount either (or Bootham). New plan to tea—none at Meeting House. Frank sang in concert—Mohaes Field, and Soldier Rest. Father presided all the time at Evening Meeting, but it was too hard for him, though he got on well on the whole. Mr Mennell spoke beautifully about his birthday and having been made a P.C. and how Mother would be missed.

June 9^th

Evie, Ernest, Elsa, Father and Enkes (?) to dinner. Enkes left at 2.0 and the E's went by same train. It has been very nice having the Enkes here. It was lovely to have a peaceful evening alone with Frank.

June 10^th

Father went home alone, hardly fit for it. Fell twice in his room. Mother (much better) still at Peebles with Ruth who is not at all well. Poor Father. Yesterday he and I and Robin drove to see Mabel's grave. It was very pathetic to see him, and last year she was with us. I have not enjoyed O.S. though things here have been successful. Took Robin to see Father in bed. He seemed rather queer and not able to take things in so we didn't stay. Later Bertha said he had had 2 falls (yesterday he often nearly fell and I had to support him—I noticed he could hardly walk) and cut his nose, but he would go home at 2.0 o' clock and would not let her go with him.

June 12^th

Frank, Mr Cudworth, Councillor Clarke and I drove to Naburn at 6.30 and standing by the Maypole in the trap on that exquisite evening they all spoke on the Licensing Bill to 20 or 30 people. Frank did splendidly and began with a very good story (posting bills up 'when the Licensing Bill passes this house will be closed' ). I was surprised (though I shouldn't have been) to hear how well he could speak in an open air meeting like that.

June 13^thSaturday

Bertha and I and 4 or 5 others from York started at 6.40 for London to join the Great Womens' Suffrage Procession. I felt very sick when we got there and B. had a headache, but we got remedies at a chemist's and some lunch at Lyon's, and then after securing the York banner, managed to find our place in block I on the embankment. We walked 6 abreast—Alice Impey, Miss Westrope, etc with us. The procession was about 2 miles long (10,000—12,000 women) and when we started at 3.0 led by Mrs Fawcett and Miss Emily Davies, it was a thrilling moment and most exciting. Drs in gowns and many splendid banners. Walked up Regent Street, past Hyde Park to Albert Hall where we arrived before 5.0 and I found my seat on the platform, Bertha not far from Evelyn in a balcony. Meeting began 5.15—grand sight—speeches short but good. Got some tea and met Bertha and Evelyn at King's Cross. Came back by 8.40 with some others, arriving York 1.5 a.m. It had been a great and memorable day. A great cheer during the procession from Brian and Robert Mennell! Met lots of people from various places that we knew.

Bowes met us, and alas, said that Father had got a slight attack of congestion of the brain and mother and Ruth were returning home from Peebles today.

June 15^th Monday

I went over to Bensham for the day—a surprise visit. I got there 11.30 and saw Mother for the first time since Xmas. It was glorious to see her again—R was out when I got there. Both nurses said I could see Father. He knew me and said 'Mary, I thought you' d come' and asked after Bobbo. I only stayed 5 mins then, but after tea Mother and I went up, and he was wandering and begged to be taken home to Bensham, but at last we raised him and he saw the hill and seemed content. I gave him his tea (he can't move much yet) and then he talked perfectly sensibly and made me fetch a very old cane out of a cupboard to look at and wondered if he should leave it to Bobbo, as his namesake. He was so loving and sweet, sometimes amusing, as when he said, 'Have you poisoned this tea' ?! I had a nice talk with Mother and Ruth in the garden. It is perfect to see Mother taking an interest in things again like her old self and able to dress herself, etc. Ruth not at all well really. Dr ? thinks seriously of her. I left by the 7.8 and Frank met me near the station.

June 16^th

To one of the Chamber Concerts with Frank got up by Herr Padel and others. Mostly violin quartettes tonight.

June 19^th

Frank and I played tennis with Helen Burtt from 4.30—6.30 on a court near the Meyers. It was jolly to play again for I've only played 3 or 4 times since my marriage. Yesterday we went to the Gala for an hour. The flowers were glorious. We showed Robin the fireworks (the high ones) from our bedroom window at 10 p.m. when he woke, and he did enjoy them.

June 20^th

To Hugh's to high tea to meet Mr Cholmley from St. Paul's School and other Assistant Masters. It was a great success and afterwards Mr C spoke at Bootham on 'What is efficiency' , and there were refreshments afterwards. Mr Glauert from Pocklington stayed the night with us.

June 21^st Sunday

June 22^nd

At 7.0 Frank and I to A.R's to supper. Very nice evening. Had only scrambled eggs with veg's (carrot and French beans - no toast) gooseberry fool and cranberry sago, cups of tea afterwards.

June 23^rd

Lovely day. B took me at 2.30 with 2 others in motor to Stamford Bridge; back by Buttercrambe. Got some lovely pink wild roses. Back by 4.30. Frank and I had a lovely time reading on the river from 7—8. Went as far as the Procters.

June 26^th

A heavenly day. Frank and I started at 3.15 and bicycled through Stamford Bridge to Bishop Wilton, nearly 15 miles. There was a strong wind against us and we didn't get there till about 5.20. Had a very good tea at the Fleece Inn. The ride there was lovely, the blue Wolds in front, and on either side of us hedges full of wild roses and meadows full of flowers. It seemed like riding through a meadow. I had never seen them prettier I think. Or fuller of sweet scents. It was lovely to get to the hills again, and I was so happy, for I have done so few things like this with Frank lately.

June 28^th Sunday

Frank took evening reading on John Stuart Mill. F. Sturge said it was magnificent, one of best address he had ever heard him give. I felt so proud, but wished more were there to hear him.

July 1^st

July 2^nd

July 4^th

Frank to Castle Howard for cricket. It looked like rain, so I didn't go, but it kept fine. Ber and I took the 3 children and her nurse and Edith on river for ½ hour. They were all sweet and dabbled their hands in the water. The first time Robin, and I think Betty have been on the Ouse. They came here to tea. Betty is a very fine, jolly child, and Dia always attractive. Father is now well again, for which we are thankful, and Mother writes cheerfully. How thankful I am to have letters from her again. June has been a perfect month, day after day of cloudless sunshine, very hot, about 70 but not stuffy. July 1^st was a quite perfect evening. I could read easily at 10 p.m. and found out afterwards it was owing to Aurora Borealis.

July 7^th

Had a very successful party 7.30—10.0 to meet Mr and Mrs S. Davies. They, Mr Meyer, Mr Lacy, Rev Stewart, Miss Hammond, Bertha and Milly Sturge—W. Sturge was coming, but too poorly. This is just the right number for our room. They came rather late—soon after 8.0 we played the musical game which was a great success; we began supper about 10 to 9.0 and had 3 kinds of sandwiches, sausage rolls, strawberry cream shape, chocolate cream, fruit salad, strawberries with cream and biscuits, lemonade and coffee. After supper Miss H played, Mrs Davies sang and Frank sang and B recited. They stayed till ¼ to 11.0 p.m. I had Edith stay to help Laura, but had made everything except the sandwiches. I got 1/6 cream and there was a little over.

July 11^th

Am beginning to feel miserably suspicious that I'm in for a certain event. Each day goes to confirm my suspicions.

July 14^th

Started at 3.0 in motor boat hired by the B's, with Arnold Rowntree, Ernest Taylor, Mr and Miss Bellerby, Cuthbert Morrell and Geoffrey Thompson to go up river. Fine day, but not hot. Went to Aldwark. Lovely place. Got out, made fire and also got water from inn and had a truly sumptuous tea. I enjoyed this part best, as boat was rather noisy. Got to Aldward about 6.0 and back to York about 9.0. It was a jolly day.

July 15^th

Esther to stay here, as she may not go to school from St. Mary's while Colin has chicken pox.

July 18^th

To B's to high tea and meet Arthur Henderson M.P. who has come to speak at a meeting in connection with the great Weslyan conference being held in York. Quite cold today.

July 19^th

July 20^th

July 21^st

Nurse (Crowcroft) who had really finished her holidays, came to help, but it was a miserable week, frightfully stuffy weather and I was not feeling at all well, sick and miserable.

July 23^rd Senior Excursion

I managed to go and enjoyed it greatly, but I think it was too much for me, for I felt so done up afterwards. It was about 15 miles, and not long to do it in. We went to Richmond, saw the view from top of Castle, and walked over moors to Bolton Castle—grand walk. Mr Baynes had come to join the party which was nice. A.R. jolly at lunch. Frank and I came into tea a few mins late and everyone clapped as I was the only lady who went walk. Mrs A.R. joined us at tea.

July 28^th

Nurse and Esther went to St. Mary's and I got a charwoman in for evening so as to go to school concert. Presentation to Frank Knight.

July 29^th Mary & Robert Pollard, summer 1908

Sent Robin to stay at Ber's (with Edith to look after him) and Frank and I to London about 12.0. Lunch in train. Stayed at Whitehall Residential Hotel, 4 and 5 Montagne St. 5/- a day for everything except lunch and very comfortable. Heat terrific in London, and I did not enjoy it much—did not feel well. Franco British Exhibition very fine, especially collection of English pictures; it was interesting to see originals of many pictures one knew. Went to House of Commons and heard Asquith, Birrell, Walter Long, T.P. O' Connor and Cherry. Saw Maud Allan in 'Salome' dance. Stayed week-end at Sophie's and on Bank Holiday went to a place near Marlowe and boated to Maidenhead. Exquisite. Very hot. Came back to York on Aug 4^th and fended for ourselves till Aug 6^th when we took Robin to Bensham. Stayed there a week. Lovely to have Mother pretty well again. Robin slept badly and was not very well. Mother and I had a nice call on Dr and Mrs Wilson at Tynemouth. Canon Ede (now Dean of Worcester) came to a farewell dinner and teased me much about my having wished he had 'gone to another place' !

On August 13th Thursday we took Robin to: C/o Mrs Marshall, Yeavering Bell Cottage, Kirk Newton. We found our landlady most kind and had nice rooms, but I wasn't very sorry when we had to come back to York, for it was such a contrast to last year at Oldstead and the first few days when hot and fine I did not feel at all well; then the weather rather broke. We stayed 3 weeks. Edith came as nurse for the last fortnight, and we would have been much freer, only for about a week Robin was really ill and so feverish.

However we got a few nice excursions—over the hills to Kirk Yetholm, to Hethpool where we explored the College Burn and had our one and only bathe, up Cheviot (no view)—we went by train to Wooler, drove in an awful tub 5 miles to Langleford, splendid drive, up Cheviot and drove back to Wooler and then on to Kirk Newton (8/6). We went several times up Yeavering Bell and had a splendid view—weather grand. One day cycled to Ford. On Sept 1^st Father, Mother, Ruth, nurse, Molly, Colin and Esther came to Bridge of Alan Hotel at Whittingham. I went to see them by train in afternoon.

Sept 2^nd.

Much better day for travelling than yesterday. Frank cycled to Morpeth and reached York 6.30. Edith and I and Robin left at 11.0—most of family met us at Whittingham. We got to York a little before 4.0—R was as good as gold the whole way and slept well. Very nice to be back. Laura had everything nice and lovely flowers from her home in the rooms.

Sept 20^th

School has now begun again. Frank began it with a bad cold, but it has not lasted very long. A week ago (a glorious day—most of the weather has been close and depressing) we went the Friends' Cycling Club ride to Skipwith (13 miles the way we went.) It was lovely. We meant to go 2 miles further on to Ricall and take train back after tea, missed the way, went 5 or 6 miles and just missed the last train—went on 3 miles to Escrick. There it was dark and we had no lamps, and had to get a waggonette, put the bicycles on it and drive to York. I think I got a chill. Anyway I was sick and miserable in the night, sent for Dr Fraser next day and was a day or two in bed, but luckily nothing dreadful happened. Father and Mother are now at home again—Father rather knocked up with fishing.

October 3^rd

I went to Bensham by morning train. Glorious to see Father and Mother again. Father goes to Office for 2 hours, but has to keep his feet up at home, because of swollen ankles. Mother not very well—Ruth still at Sara Renton's very ill. Uncle Theo to lunch. Aunt G, Eva, Gertie, Laurie and the 2 children and Dr Stuart to tea. Garden lovely, but noise of trains and trams dreadful.

October 4^th Sunday

Mother and I to Meeting. Uncle Johnny in afternoon and Mary and Breta Gurney to tea. I had to go home by 7.10. Mother made me have a cab. Frank met me at 9.16. I had a lovely time, but felt anxious about Mother.

October 7^th

Frank and I on river for an hour. Heard Mother in bed ill, but not seriously, with inflammation of bladder. Very distressed.

October 9^th

Knights 'at home days' . Afternoon Evie and Erica came. Simply lovely to have them. Hugh to supper.

October 10^th

Evie, Robert and I drove to cemetery. Evie and Erica went to Bensham by 2.5. Jeanie came to tea and supper, and was delightful. Laden with good things for us. I watched football match in afternoon. I forgot to say that on September 22^nd Laura left, having been here 2 years, and I got Minnie Hutchinson, aged 21 (£17). At first I thought she wouldn't do at all, but I hope she will.

October 12^th

October 13^th

Frank and I are getting up music for a Gilbert and Sullivan evening and had first rehearsal here to-night at 6.15. Only Mrs Davies and the 2 Adams girls came. Gave them coffee. Quartettes went fairly well. I played. At 7.15 I had a committee (oversight) at Meeting House. Adams' drove me there.

October 14^th

Frank at Monthly Meeting. Colin and Esther to tea. So good. We actually played whist and taught Vida who came in, and Robert played quite happily all alone. Edna came in later and helped me with the 'gibba' I am making for Robin.

October 15^th

I forgot that yesterday afternoon I went to hear Dr Clouston of Edinburgh lecture on 'Modern Hygienic Principles in relation to the Mind.'

This afternoon Ber took me to the hospital to see Mrs Morrell open the new balcony of the childrens' ward. The children looked so sweet and pathetic lying out in it in their little cots. They have most beautiful wards. Evening I went to the Senior Sharp Practise Debate—very amusing—'Are co-education schools advisable' , 'Should bicycles be allowed in the school' etc.

October 16^th

Frank and I to Theo Rowntree's to dinner. Robin came in afternoon and it was warm enough to sit in garden and he played. The Rowntrees were very kind.

October 17^th

Mr Mills came to stay week-end. Evening 'Staff' Concert at Bootham. Frank sang 'Bugle Song' and 'Two Grenadiers' and I played for him. Mrs R. played and Frank Knight read a funny thing and Miss Gray sang. We went to coffee at the Rowntrees and roared over Mr Mills funny stories.

October 18^thSunday

Mr Mills and I sat together in Meeting in 'my' seat! Hugh to dinner. Miss Horsnaill and Miss Sanders to tea. Robin so good. Minnie gave him his tea. He gets on well with her. I went to school reading.

October 19^th

October 20^th

Took R. to Mrs A.R's to tea. Ailie gave it him in nursery. He was so good. We had tea in caravan with Miss Harlock, but Mrs R was not nice to-day.

October 31^stSat.

Isabel came for a week. O.S. football match in afternoon. Really exciting—I did enjoy it, thought horrid day for watching. Bootham won 3-2 (19-1 against last year!) Good many I knew. Isabel arrived at 6.0, so I could not go to the tea, but Frank went, and Isabel and I went to the concert afterwards got up by the Old Scholars. Hugh Gibbins, Billy Barber, etc sang and we had refreshments in museum after it.

Nov 1^st Sunday

Nice Meeting. Christine and Muriel Whiting to tea. Billy Barber and F. Sturge to supper. Very jolly evening. Read 'The Tabloid Honeymoon' aloud.

Nov 2^nd

Municipal election day. Isabel and I worked a little in Micklegate in afternoon. To Book Meeting at Mount in evening to hear Prof. Grant. Bowes in second. Very disappointed he wasn't top of poll. Ber and he have worked so hard.

Nov 3^rd

W.L.A. Committee. I reported on Wakefield Meetings. 'At Home' day. Had Mrs Coning, Norah Mennell, Miss Till, Mrs Knight (whom I missed) and Miss Gray. 'Puppy' arrived.

Nov 4^th

Went to Preparatory Meeting. Frank to London to Education Committee. We all saw him off. Esther to tea.

Nov 5^th

Isabel and I to blind school concert and saw over school, and very good gym. Performance of blind young men. Frank returned at 6.0.

Nov 6^th

To Helen Burtts' to tea. To Bertha's to supper. She recited and Frank sang beautifully.

Nov 7^th

Football against 'Foxes' (?). Isabel and I watched a bit and then I saw her off at station. Frank sprained his knee badly, but walked home with help of Mr Lacy so as not to alarm me.

Nov 8^thSunday

Frank stayed in bed. Knee hurt much and he slept badly. Christine and Eric to tea. Mrs J.W. Graham to supper and Minnie out. I did feel tired out.

Nov 9^th

Sent for Dr Turner, who seemed to think Frank's knee bad, a lot of water on it, and he has to have hot fomentations every few hours. I managed to go to the orchestral concert which was grand and took Helen Burtt, but I longed for Frank. Very good seats in gallery. Leonard Borwick played beautifully and orchestra played overtures and Freischutz, 'Wilhelm Tell' etc.

Nov 10^th

Eric went away this evening; rather a relief, though he has been out to many meals, but with Frank in bed and Robin with bad cough and fractious I have my hands full.

Nov 11^th

B. brought flowers and salsify. Also I had a call from Rev Wardroper. Frank still in bed.

Nov 16^th

Nov 18^th

Ber had huge Literary Society Meeting—I went, but Frank couldn't alas. Seebohm spoke in favour of taking over control of railways, Bowes against. Bowes was excellent—both good.

Nov 18^th

Robin went to his first real party. He had been to Davie's when a small baby and this year, but only Betty and Dia were there too. To-day we went to Mrs Seebohm Rowntree's 3.30—5.30. About 20 or 30 children there from 6 months old to 3 or 4. Robin very shy for a minute, and then played perfectly happily all alone till tea-time with a 'puffer' train. Behaved very well at tea and ate lots of cakes! Given a great ball with chocolates inside. Most of the children played by themselves. Davie Crichton there, Betty, Dia, Christopher Rowntree, Jacqueline Rowntree, etc. We took Robert and Davie in a cab. Robin did enjoy it, and he did look lovely all in white and was delighted with his new white slippers, the first pair he has had!

Nov 20^th

Robin to Dia's birthday party. He seemed to enjoy it immensely and wasn't at all shy. There were more big children there, and the noise was terrific. Robin trotted all over and would hardly eat anything but chocolate biscuits at tea. After tea there were fireworks and he seemed to find them very amusing, he chuckled so. He had on his new pinky (?) frock that Ruth embroidered and it looked lovely.

Dec 8^th

Literary Society at the Tennants. Our 'Gilbert & Sullivan' evening went off very well. Mrs Philip Burtt said to me that Frank's singing is 'divine' . I enjoyed it all immensely. Both papers good especially Miss Horsnaill's. It has been great fun getting it up. Ber looked lovely and was much praised to me for her looks!

Dec 9^th

Dec 10^th

Meeting of Elementary School teachers at Bootham (between 60 & 70 came) to hear addresses on 'Peace, with regard to Education' . Frank spoke first and was excellent—how other things should be taught in history than making too much of the battles. [Next sentence illegible as printed G & S programme has been stuck on it] Sam Davies not very good. A.R. good as usual.

Dec 12^th

Robert and I to Bensham for the day by 9.48. Bowes in same train and we all got a carriage to ourselves. Bertha, Betty, Dia and the nurse met us, and I went by train to Bensham with the children and nurse. Mother was up, looking frail, and after Robin had been inspected I put him to bed. Father and Mother both down to lunch for the 1^st time for a long time. Afterwards I took R in garden and gave him a swing, and then he played in the house. We left by cab at ¼ to 7. 7.8 rather crowded but I laid him down, and he slept nearly all the way to York, only crying for a minute or two at Northallerton. Frank met us and carried him to a cab, and when we got here he seemed so pleased to get his clothes off and be put straight to bed, after a drink of milk. He was as good as gold all day and gracious to Father and Mother.

Dec 21^st

Dec 22^nd

Dec 23^rd

Dec 24^th

Busy doing Xmas tree, etc. Jeanie arrived about 4.30, and helped to decorate, etc.

Dec 25^th Xmas Day went a walk. Lots of jolly presents and letters. Robin was rather afraid of his sock. It had in it a tiny apple and a little tin of toc tocs (chocolate) and a bit of holly. When he at last condescended to put his hand in, he was delighted with the things. Frank gave me a hair brush, 2 clothes' brushes on a copper plate and a French book. I gave him one of my sketches framed. We didn't give Robin anything, as he has so many presents. Father sent us 2 boxes of gingerbread biscuits and a game pie, and darling Mother made me a Xmas cake and iced it herself.

Robin has a cold which is a pity. Edith came for the day. Dinner at 12.30—spiced beef, artichokes, and a grand plum pudding. Bertha, Bowes, Dia and Betty arrived about 4.0 and we lit the Xmas tree up and gave them their presents. It did look so pretty, and then the children danced round it to Father's carol. We had tea in the dining room, but Robin wouldn't eat his, and went happily off to the kitchen. Hugh's lovely cake with the wreath round and a robin and candles on it, Mother's beauty, Jeanie's Madeira, etc.

Afterwards we played with the children with R's various delightful mechanical toys etc. They went away about 6.0, Bertha and Bowes returning at 8.0. We had boned turkey, bread buns, lemonade, mince pies, ginger cream and chestnut cream. Too much stuffing in the turkey. It would have been better hot and not boned. Afterwards we played a very good game Jeanie had brought, jumping cardboard frogs on the floor, and sang Father's carols.

We had a happy day, though I thought much of 2 years ago at Mabel's and of their party only to tea at Bensham this year.

Boxing Day

Went to jolly party at the Adams' in evening. Frank went as 'Father and Son' with a photo of Robin round his neck. I went as 'we two' '2' on a big sheet of paper.

Dec 27^th

Dec 28^th

Dec 29^th

Then ensued 2 or 3 peaceful days for Frank and me together, reading aloud etc. One afternoon had Mrs A.R., Joan and Ailie to tea.

1909

Jan 1^st Friday

The year that has passed has had many joys and sorrows, the chief sorrow of which was the death of Frank's dear Mother—we miss her greatly, and I miss her ever ready sympathy. There has been much illness in my own family, and anxiety. We had a glorious Easter holiday at Grasmere, but I did not enjoy Kirk Newton, not feeling well. The autumn term was specially enjoyable.

We started this new year delightfully. Edith was able to come and sleep in, so we started about 10.0 for Middleton-in-Teasdale. Had a very slow journey, but nice sandwiches, etc, and the day which was thick fog in York got nicer and nicer. Reached Middleton at 2.0 and drove 5 miles (both in front of dog cart) to Tees High Force Hotel (7/6 day). We have the hotel to ourselves, so have meals downstairs, but have a cosy sitting room upstairs with bedroom next it, both with a glorious view of the falls. Went out at once to see them. Very swollen with melting of snow and therefore very grand, and great icicles all round booked like fairyland. Went on a little further and returned to a very good tea at 4.0. Dinner, also very good, at 7.0. Nice man attended to us.

We are reading 'Justice and Liberty' by Lowes Dickenson, and 'Mrs Crewe's Career' by Winston Churchill aloud, and are enjoying both immensely.

Jan 2^nd

Oh, it was lovely to get a really good long night with no getting up after Robin or 'Frisk' and to have a late breakfast. Very mild. Roads dreadfully muddy. Walked to Winch [?] Bridge and back on other side of river. Long rest and sleep (for me) after lunch, and then about 1 hour's walk.

Jan 3^rd Sunday

Lovely, sunny day. Walked long way up other side of river. Grand view of mountains. Just a tiny path. Could not cross higher up (except too far) so came back same way. Another short walk from 3.30 to 4.15.

Jan 4^th

Alas, our last walk—mostly on the road towards Landon Beck. We have been lucky to have such fine weather. The air is grand, and the country magnificent, far more so than I expected, and I feel so much better for the rest and change, and it has been lovely to be alone with Frank with nothing to mar our holiday, and especially nice as in the summer I did not feel very happy. We left the inn at 1.30 and caught the 2.30 train. Read a good deal, sometimes aloud. Reached York 6.15 and found Robin in his bath. He smiled at us and kept saying 'Dadda' and then 'Mumma' . He looked very mischievous and fatter and very well. It was lovely to see him again. Minnie and Edith have got on well, and Ber has kindly generally had Robin to tea.

Jan 6^th

Robin and I saw Frank off by 9.50 to Tunbridge Wells to the Teachers' Guild Meeting with Sam Davies, and Mrs A.R. I did hate having to let him go alone. I went to lunch with Bertha, a most delicious lunch. Am busy making box room into a nursery. It is a relief that 'Frisk' has gone away to learn better manners!

Jan 9^th

Frank got back from Tunbridge Wells earlier than I expected in afternoon which was a joyful surprise.

Jan 10^th Sunday

I saw Frank off at 10.30 to Bolton where he is going to speak in the evening, and then went to Meeting for first time for a month. Colin and Esther to tea. Were sweet, but seem unhappy with Miss Wilson.

Jan 11^th

Met Frank near station about 12.15. So thankful to have him back. Have felt so nervous and lonely without him.

I forgot to say that Robert went to Betty's birthday party on Jan 7th. It was a tremendous success and he was a good as gold.

Jan 8^th

Jan 14^th

Frank and I have done some shopping for Nursery. This afternoon went by 2.47 to Holtby, walked slowly to [?], got tea there and back to Warthill, arriving here at 6.0. Found Robin who had seemed alright when we left, had been very sick, and looked poorly, but I soon got him to bed. Very nice walk.

Jan 15^th

Jan 16^th

Our little one's birthday. 2 years old! He got some nice presents and was delighted with a horse we gave him which he can ride (5/-), but he isn't very well. We had Christopher and May, Phil and nurse, Edna and Davie and Mrs Davies to tea. I had made christingles and an iced sponge cake and the table looked so pretty, but R wasn't good or happy. Betty not well either and couldn't come, so only these little boys. I think they enjoyed it.

Feb 2^nd

R really had an attack of influenza, (so Dr Fraser said) and for about 10 days hardly had any solid food and got very run down. I didn't get the Dr till after about 10 days. I think her medicine did good and he began to improve. Frank went to Manchester, to give the Sunday evening address on Jan 24th, stayed at Dalton Hall, and had a good time and a very good audience—very appreciative. He is constantly being asked to different places to speak on peace and other things, and I've been much congratulated lately on his speeches in Quarterly Meeting etc. (Prof. ? Martin said 'splendid' to him)

Tomorrow we were greatly looking forward to seeing Father and Mother and Ruth en route for the Isle of Wight, but Ber got a telephone message today that Mother has got influenza, temp. 102 and they can't go. It is frightfully disappointing and I feel very anxious. Ruth is just recovering from an attack.

Feb 7^th

Expected hardly anyone to remember my birthday and got flowers from Esther, Hugh, Jeanie, Molly, Helen and Elsie Burtt, a book from Evie, £1 from Mother and a letter in her own handwriting, letters from Father, Ruth, Nurse Probart, Teresa, Norbert. So sweet of Molly (at Croydon) and Esther to remember. This week-end we had Cyril Edmundson staying with us and he is delightful as ever. We had the Rowntrees to supper one night to meet him.

Feb 12^th

Had Hugh, the Knights and Miss Walton to supper. Father, Mother, Ruth and Levy the maid arrived at station hotel 6.30. Ruth stayed with Bertha. I saw none of them this night.

Feb 13^thSat

Took Robert in a 'bab' (cab) to see Father and Mother, and spent about half an hour with them. They both look very poorly and weak. Father was in bed. It was glorious to see them again. I had to arrange with Mrs Boyes to go and rub Father's legs. Afternoon Mother called with Ber, Dia and Betty to take Robin to tea at hotel and they seemed to have a very jolly time. Edith went with Robin. Ruth called and saw Frank and me for few mins before we started there for dinner. Hugh there too. We left about 9.0.

Feb 14^th Sunday

Lovely day. Frank's long duty day. Edith came in afternoon so that I went with the B's and Ruth to lunch at hotel and stayed on all alone to tea with Father and Edith brought Robin.

Feb 15^th

Said goodbye (with Robert) mournfully to Father and Mother, for they don't seem at all well, and Mother clung to me so, and said she couldn't let me go. In the evening Daisy Wright (19) arrived as nurse for Robert (£12 a year). During the next few days his wailing for me was pitiful. He couldn't get used to being up in the nursery for sleeping and meals, etc, though I tried not to make the change too abrupt, but of course it really was so. He got quite upset for a day, (physically) but at the end of a week seemed quite happy with Daisy, though always glad to come to Dadda and Mumma. He is the sweetest and bonniest little laddie.

March 3^rd

In the Isle of Wight, as everywhere it has been very cold. Father seems slowly improving, Mother has walked about 2 miles, but Ruth has been in bed nearly the whole time with sciatica, etc. We have just had our bedroom spring-cleaned and white-washed and distempered, while Frank was in London for a night.

March 10^th

Evelyn came in morning to stay 2 nights with us. Afternoon she and A.R. and Miss Wood went to the Mount to judge for the recitation prize we sisters are giving: the 'Mabel Spence Richardson' prize. 18 girls entered and the standard was very high. The poems we chose were 'How they brought the Good News' and 'Where lies the land' and each girl chose one of her own also. Dear Aunt Car came over for the day and she and I and Frank and Bertha drove up to hear the final girls. Hugh also was there and a good lot of the girls came in to listen. We had tea first with the mistresses and then went up to the library where the 5 final girls recited first the poems of their own choosing and then the others. Muriel Corder got the prize. She did very well indeed.

I suffered dreadfully in the evening from haemorrhoids. I have been lying up on the sofa now almost all day for I believe 10 days.

March 12^th

Evie went. Her visit has been lovely and she was so sweet to Robin, but of course I was disappointed not to do more with her.

March 13^th

'Frisk' came back in afternoon. We had to pay 15/- for him. Colin and Esther to tea. I read to them and lay on sofa playing cards. They went about 6.15 and soon after I remarked to Frank that I felt rather queer as if waters were breaking. He had to take duty from 8 to 9. When he came back I felt pretty sure of it, so he went again to the school to telephone for Dr Fraser, and I got Minnie and Daisy to work moving furniture, etc. Dr Fraser was at a case, but she came and examined me, and said we must get a nurse. Sent a telegram to Nurse Probart who was at Nottingham, then Frank went to B's for Nurse Hepworth's address. Couldn't get her (Mrs Morrell drove Frank) so got Nurse Hornby from nursing home. She arrived about 11.30: I showed her where things were and she lit my fire and advised me to go to bed. I did so, feeling pretty bad, but not expecting anything to happen till next day. Frank sat up by fire reading 'Martin Chuzzlewit' aloud to me for short time, but I began to be dreadfully sick, so after a bit Nurse came in, and I got up and tried to walk about while she made my bed, but between pains and fearful 'reaching' and the piles which hurt dreadfully I felt awful. At, I think, about 2.0 a.m. she sent Frank for the Doctor. The end was very sudden and extraordinarily quick. I was sick nearly all the time. I was given chloroform, but it had no effect, and I can hardly imagine more awful agony—worse than the first time I think, only very much shorter, and therefore after effects not so bad—the piles got worse and worse, and I lost all control of myself and simply shrieked repeatedly.

March 14^th Sunday

Baby was born at quarter to 4 a.m.—a little girl, beautifully formed and with good features, but not as pretty as Robert, who was a very exceptional baby. Frank came in to see me. I never saw her till the next afternoon! After Doctor went, I was attended to by nurse, but slept very little owing to pain of piles. Robin came in to see me and baby but hates my being in bed and seemed frightened of baby. Very heavy snowstorm. Ber came in morning, very surprised, as she was with me till 11.0 last night. Nurse H had to leave at 11 a.m. so Ber stayed to help. Dr. came about 12.0. Ber came again in afternoon with lovely flowers. Nurse Probart didn't arrive till 5.30 having had an awful journey. It was a great relief to get her, and she was so nice about the disappointment. Frank had to go to Burton Lane Meeting in evening. The first few nights were bad, as baby slept all day, but she improved. After about a fortnight we named her 'Margaret Watson' . She is a wonderfully good baby and hardly ever cries. First 6 days bad weather, then improved, and she began to go out a little. She gained nearly 1 lb a week during 1st month and I had no difficulty in feeding her. My piles went after a few days and then I began to enjoy the rest in bed, for I read a lot of novels, Nurse P was very kind, and made me lovely meals. Minnie managed nicely and was very economical, Robert was very happy with Daisy at Manchester, whither he went on March 18th (it was a great relief not to have the noise overhead). Frank was sweetness itself and so loving and often and often called me 'darling' . Bertha came every day, often with the children, and I got heaps of presents and letters, far more than I expected or deserved. Of course I thought much of last time and dear Mabel's visits, and then I also had Father, Mother, Ruth, and Frank's Mother. Now alas, Father and Ruth are very ill in the Isle of Wight.

Cheque £20—Father and Mother; 7/6 and bonnet—Jeanie; 2 vests—Katherine Rowntree; Bonnets from May Henderson, Mother, Sarah Edmundson, Ursula Merz; Bibs from Olga Ball, Lucy, Mother, Edith Davies; Pinafore—Edith Pollard; Jacket (wooly)—Aunt Hope; Jacket (silk)—Sophie and Lily; Head flannel—Cousin Sally; Tray cloth—Cousin Kate; Long frock or Nightgown and shoes—Aunt N. Kuhlmann; Ball—Vida Crichton; Book—H. Williamson and H. Eddington; Flowers from Mrs Crombie, Miss Crombie, Miss Wilson, Mrs Jos Rowntree, Mrs Naish, Helen and Elsie Burtt, Mrs John Kitching, 'Jacqueline' , Mr Crichton, Miss Sanders, Mrs A.R., Mrs Seebohm R., Sophie; Eggs—Mrs Jos Rowntree; Muslin Jacket—Mrs J.W. Graham.

I got up to tea first on Thursday, March [Granny has written April, which is a mistake] 25th (I was allowed out of bed after 3rd day) for half an hour. In drawing room on Sunday 28th.

Monday 29^th

In the morning Robert and Daisy came back. Robert looks ever so much fatter and better, and now that I am beginning to get up he is growing more friendly which is a great relief. It was funny when baby first cried when he was in the room to see his alarm! He nearly cried too, but he soon began to like peeping into the cot, and often kissed her head. He says 'Baby bed,' or 'baby bap' (bath) or 'baby tea' meaning she is having a meal.

On April 5^th May Rowntree took Nurse Probart, baby, Robin and me a drive for an hour. Everyone has been extremely kind and my room has been a mass of flowers all the time—such a delight.

April 6^th

April 8^th

May Rowntree lent us the carriage, and Frank, Nurse P, baby, Robin and I went a drive.

Good Friday

Boiling day. Frank went to Ackworth and stayed night. Nurse and I sat in school garden and I fed baby there. In evening we washed hair, played bezique and pounce patience, etc. Frank, nurse and I have had some good games of bridge.

April 10^th

Frank returned to dinner. Nurse Probart left at 2.30. Robin and Daisy went to see her off. She has been so kind, and looked after me well, cooked me nice meals, played with Robin and given him lots of things, and managed baby better than before I think. I shall miss her greatly, but rather enjoy having baby to look after.

April 11^th

April 12^th Easter Monday

April 13^th

April 14^th

Frank to Monthly Meeting at Harrogate. He is clerk now—has been for a bit. (3 lines crossed out)

April 15^th

Frank went to speak at Manchester Quarterly Meeting on Education. He started about 7.30, so I could not see him off. He went on to Grasmere to stay with the E's (Evie and Ernest) at Heugh Folds. Eva and I in afternoon to Mrs Morrell's to meet Hamar Greenwood. Walked there, and had a cab back.

April 18^th Sunday

I got to Meeting for first time for weeks and sat in doorkeeper's seat, so as to come out early to feed baby at 12.0. Eva and I to B's to supper. The Seebohm Rowntree's there.

April 20^th

I saw Eva off at 3.30. She has been jolly and kind and I should have been miserable without her, especially as Minnie has been so tiresome and stupid. I think the shock has told on her, poor girl.

April 21^st

Frank came back about 4.40. How thankful I am to have him! I met him at the station. [Five lines blanked out]

April 22^nd

April 23^rd

Frank and I took Robin for half an hour in a boat. He was fearfully excited and pleased—shouted all the way along Bootham and kept saying 'boat, boat' ! He has only been across once in the ferry, and last year on Grasmere, so it was quite new to him. He is immensely interesting now, because so interested in everything in the streets and so observant. Frank and I went to Hugh's to tea to see Miss Lee who has just come. She seems very nice.

April 24^th

Colin and Esther to tea. It was funny to see Robert when they were playing with Frisk rush up saying 'ta, ta,' and seizing him from them, with great difficulty hauled him up in his arms. He soon dropped him again!

May 24^th Monday.

Last night Frank went to London Yearly Meeting till Tuesday night. He stayed at the Bedford Hotel. This morning Robert, baby, Daisy and I left at 9.48 for Newcastle. Robert was in a wild state of excitement and got into 'bab' (cab) long before anyone else and sat there all alone. I am letting Minnie go to her sister's till Wednesday, so poor Frank will return to an empty house on Tuesday night. We had a very easy journey, a carriage to ourselves and baby slept all the way. We had to drive out to Bensham. It seemed strange without Father or Mother or Ruth, but the servants gave us a warm welcome and everything looked beautiful in the house and the crab apple trees in the garden gorgeous—also the cal[y]cularias in the greenhouse. In afternoon I took the children with Daisy to the Park and then to see Aunt Gertie. Aunt G. and Uncle J came to see me in evening.

May 25^th

May 26^th

Gertie brought little Mary to see me, and Olive brought John. At about half past 5.0 Father and Mother arrived from London (day before left Ventnor). Everyone, maids and all, were fearfully excited—little Robert was dancing about shouting Gackie and Granny, and he kissed them both very affectionately. Father looked very weak and ill and Mother well,—but Father sat up to dinner and looked better after it. The next week or two was very happy—not lovely hot weather, but still Robin used the garden a lot and simply loved it, picking daisies and getting Daisy to make him daisy chains, etc, and wheeling his go-cart about, and playing on the little sand heap Mother got Taylor to make for him.

Father and Mother were delighted with both children and thought Margaret a little angel. Both of them loved to nurse her. Father said she would be the last he would see and he was always wanting more of her than he could get, and Mother was most devoted. One day I took Robert by tram to Walker where Margaret Shield and her husband and Bertha were enchanted with him. We had tea there. R. loves going in a tram. Mother and I went to tea to Coz. Augusta's. We had a good lot of visitors—one night Stephen and Basil P. and Gilbert R. who were all very nice.

One afternoon, June 4th, Frank came over and Mother, he and I, Daisy and the children drove up Lobley Hill and walked to the beloved bluebell wood, but alas, though pretty still, its glory had departed. I have missed O.S. with being away. Frank seems quite to have enjoyed it and has had a few visitors. Mr Mennell presided in place of Father.

Father, though he says he is worse than before he went away, seems better. The dropsy has gone, and though he can hardly walk at all, he has been once or twice to the office, and to preside at the College Meeting, and he and Mother were photographed with the children by Sword, very successfully.

One afternoon Daisy took Robert to South Shields, bought him a spade and bucket, and gave him a ride on a donkey. It was his first visit to the sea since Bridlington.

June 10^th

Left Bensham very sorrowfully, (except for the joy of seeing Frank again) by 9.30 train. Mary White coming with us for the night. It was lovely to be with Frank. He met us and gave me lilies of the valley and Minnie had everything nice. I greatly enjoyed Mary's visit and she sang me in the evening, and Frank sang after he got in. Hugh came to high tea.

June 11^th

Robin doesn't seem very well. Mary went at 12.0. Frank and I to garden party at Jos. R's for half an hour. I made rhubarb jam. Mr Sturge to supper. He has only just been able to return to school after 1½ terms off. It is very nice to see him again. He greatly admired R's photo, taken by Mrs Burnell [Burrell?].

June 12^th

June 13^th

June 14^th

R. still feverish—we are having a difficult time looking after baby and him, for he can't go out. Basil Procter arrived about 12.30 and it was a glorious day in afternoon. I took him to call on Miss Woodhead wheeling baby pram.

June 15^th

Basil left at 2.20. We had fun last night looking at old photos. I have enjoyed him greatly, except that I was so occupied with Robin. R took to him at once. The fever at last has gone, but the poor child is so weak and washed out. He was a long time in bed today and I put him to bed again at ¼ to 5.0.

June 16^th

R. has had nothing but milk and a few biscuits since Friday night, and he would have no breakfast. I think it must be his last tooth that is upsetting him. Frank and I went to Gala in afternoon Frank having been given a ticket—Ber took her children. It was glorious—flowers superb, and Ber and I went in balloon (captive) 700 ft. Most interesting view of York, and lovely sensation. People seemed astonished at our daring to go! I had to leave at 5.0. because of baby.

June 17^th

June 23^rd

B's had a huge Liberal Party (garden) from 7–10 p.m. and at 7.0 it literally poured down. It cleared at last but ground sopping. Very cold weather too.

July 9^th

Hugh to supper, and as I opened a letter from Mother to me, we heard the terrible news of Ernest Merz's death, and for days could think of little else. He was so good and sweet and loving and such a dear cousin. Ruth left the home at Ventnor a week ago, and has been at Ber's, but not well, so she was not told till the next day. It is so terrible for the dear Quarryites, and Mother was quite frightened of telling Father.

July 13^th

Ber and Bowes were at Ernest's funeral. They stayed a few days at Bensham with Dia.

July 21^st

July 22^nd

I took Mother and Ruth and Esther down river for an hour. Esther rowed us all beautifully once or twice. Mother and Ruth most enthusiastic about old buildings. Baby Margaret is quite bewitching.

July 29^th

The Great York Pageant is proceeding. B & B gave me a guinea ticket yesterday; it was one of the few really fine days, and I sat next Miss Hamar Greenwood and enjoyed it immensely—I went out at 5.30 to go home and feed baby, but returned for the final magnificent grouping of the 2000–3000 performers and march past. Colin looked sweet singing. Today May Henderson arrived at 2.0 and I met her. Then Frank and I went to the Pageant (5/- seats). Frank came out about 5.30 in a fearful downpour and bicycled home. I did not go back, but was so sorry for Frank for they couldn't have the march past. We—May, Frank and I went to supper at the school—a delicious supper, creams and raspberries, etc. and then places etc were read in the library. A good many parents were there. This was the breaking up day of the school.

July 30^th

B de S came for the Pageant and to stay night—May went to stay at the Mount. We had Basil and Edna and Ruth to supper, and some delightful singing. May came for a short time. Mother stayed with Hugh. Lovely to see her.

July 31^st

May and Basil went in morning. Chrissie Mennell came in afternoon and Mother and Ruth to tea. Then darling Mother went home.

Aug 1^stSunday

Frank went to Scarborough in morning to take the half hour's reading in the evening. He stayed at William Stickney Rowntree's. Chrissie and I to Meeting. Poured during afternoon. In evening a very nice call from Harry and Leontine and Sydney Robson. Actually had to light a fire.

Aug 2^nd

Frank went on to Bootham Camp near Robin Hood's Bay and stayed the night there. Chrissie left at 2.30. She has been delightful and I have enjoyed her visit.

Aug 3^rd

Frank returned about 11.30. Our wedding day 5 years ago. Father and Mother wrote sweet letters, and Ruth gave us glorious carnations and lilies of the valley. In evening we went a short bicycle ride to Huntingdon.

Aug 4^th

Spent most of day doing accounts. Minnie rude in evening and I said she must leave next day. Poor girl I've since discovered a reason for her having deteriorated. It is very sad. I felt very unjust.

Aug 5^th

Paid Minnie and she left in morning. Got a charwoman in afternoon and Frank and I had tea at Border's and went to supper at B's. Ruth still there. At last a lovely hot day. Very busy packing.

Aug 6^th Friday

Summer Holiday Busy morning. Silver to bank—Frisk to gardener at school, etc. Had a charwoman to help. Left by 2.5 train. Very crowded and I had to feed baby in lavatory. Changed at Durham and arrived Bensham 4.12. Taylor met us and Levy; and Mother at bottom of garden. A boiling day, so Father in garden too and we all had tea there together, Robert too, and baby lying kicking on the grass. She was good on the journey and all the time. We were glad to get to Bensham and the garden looked exquisite, so gay with flowers and many improvements. Mother has and [had?] the old tennis posts utilized and a seat made round the ash tree, etc. Both Father and Mother seem pretty well. Summer really seems to have come at last.

Aug 7^th

Aug 8^th Sunday

Frank and Mother to meeting, and Mother said Frank spoke beautifully. Amy Holmes whom I met another day, said so too, and said he looked lovely; that she had always admired him. Uncle Johnny came down in afternoon and Miss Burton and Mr Swinbourne, Percy, George, etc, to tea, which we had in the garden. Percy stayed to supper.

Aug 9^th

Mother, Frank and I took Robert by tram, etc to the station whither Daisy had wheeled baby, then D returned to Bensham and we took the children and the pram to Cullercoats by a train about 10.15. Rather crowded, but when we got there very few on the sands—mostly gone to Whitly. Called first on Mattie and her newly married step-daughter, then wheeled the children to the sand. Baby refused to have her meal, I think owing to the intense heat, so she went to sleep in the pram and slept till 2.30. The sea a splendid blue colour and it is ages since I have seen it, so I did enjoy it. Disappointing not to get a bathe, but no horses owing to the bad season (up till now) and machines too far off. Then we ate our sandwiches, etc, and then Mother and Robin lay down, but he wouldn't go to sleep, so Frank and I took off his sandals and we all plodged. Trying to pick up stones to throw in he over-balanced and got soaked, so we took all his clothes off and put them to dry in the sun (which they soon did) and let him run about in the water naked, and succeeded in giving him a bathe, all but his head. After he was dressed again and baby had had a meal, Frank wheeled her to Tynemouth—I gave Robin a ride on a donkey up the hill. We got home about quarter to 5.0. The children had been very good—baby as good as gold. Drove out in cab with pram on top. Father very pleased because his nominee—W.H. Hadow—has been appointed Principal of the College. Very successful day.

Aug 10^th

Frank and I to town and cemetery. Mother and I to Mayor's Garden Party at Leazes park. Mr Hadow came to stay. Father sick today.

Aug 11^th

Father a good deal better and took Mr Hadow to see College. Teresa, Mr Smidt, and Geo R to dinner. Mr H played afterwards and Frank sang. In afternoon Frank and I took Robin to the Quarries. Poor Aunt Hope and Uncle Theo. It was very pathetic to see them.

Aug 12^th

Town with Mother. Nelly Corder and her children, Lionel, wife and child, Mr Dendy (to see my children), Aunt Gertie, Eva and Gertie to tea in garden. Great success. Children loved swinging. Mother and I played patience in evening, and Mr H played and Frank sang.

Aug 13^th

Mr Hadow and Frank left by 10.5, Frank to pick up some of our things at York. Another glorious day. Daisy, Robin, baby and I left by the 2.45 for Dacre via Harrogate, Daisy wheeling baby into the Central. I felt very, very sorry to leave darling Father and Mother, but long to get into the real country and have some quiet, for Bensham is very noisy now, though so exquisite. The train was not a corridor, and our carriage was very full, and a man in it too, so I felt as if I daren't feed baby though a meal was due at 2.30 and it was not late. She didn't seem to mind, and lay wide awake and perfectly happy, never crying, till we reached Harrogate at quarter to 5.0. Here we changed trains and met Frank, Evie, Elsa and Erica and I gave her a meal at once. It was a great scrimmage getting the luggage across in time. Robin had been rather fidgety on the journey. We had cups of tea now in the train and gave him milk and sandwiches. We arrived Dacre at 5.20. There was a cart for the luggage and a dog-cart. Daisy, baby and Robert sat in front, Elsa and Erica behind and Evie, Frank and I bicycled to Dougill Hall (Mrs Myers), Summerbridge, via Leeds. Warm welcome from landlady and daughter and it looks a lovely place—jolly big rooms. Baby couldn't be put to bed at once, as the luggage hadn't arrived, but she was so good. Frank and I have a large sitting room on ground floor, and a little one behind for a nursery—a large bedroom on 1st floor and a bedroom for Daisy and Robin. Evie has a large sitting room on 1st floor and bedrooms on 2nd. There is a nurse here too with a baby and small boy and she has another sitting room. Nice little garden. We had a lovely supper at 8.0—thick cream, gooseberry pie, egg, meat etc. Robert has a small bed for 1st time and of course, fell out. Daisy went up when she heard a bang. He said 'Fall, Addie' .

Aug 14^th

Another very hot day. Explored a bit—walked down to river Nidd; lots of lovely old farms about. This one is marked 1722. Afternoon went to a field where the hay was being taken in, and Elsa, Erica, Frank and Robin were hauled on to the top of a hay cart and had a ride. R saw the cows milked. May Weiss came to stay with Evie.

Aug 15^th Sunday

Very hot. Had reading with E's children in a field, and sang 'We plough the fields' . Then went to river and Evie and I had a bathe in a rather public place. Shallow but refreshing. Early evening I took R to see a 'pheasants' nest in a field with 11 eggs. Later Frank and Evie went a walk and I sketched the house. Daisy was out, so I came in to look at the children. R looked asleep—I kissed him and suddenly he began to be frightfully sick all over the bed. It was awful. I called for help and we got his nightgown off and bed remade. Later on he was sick again.

Aug 16^th

R seems feverish. Frank and I took him a short ride in go-cart as soon as a thunderstorm was over.

Aug 17^th

All of us except Bobbo went out for the day. He wasn't quite well enough. We went along road towards Ripley, then down by a pretty mill, crossed the Nidd and pottered about by the trees and heather on its shore. Had lovely lunch there. Baby slept well in pram, and kicked on ground watching trees, and was as good as gold. At 3.30 Robert met us near the mill. Daisy brought him in his go cart, and we went home (2 miles). Evie and her children and May W returning another way.

Aug 18^th

Tremendous rain in morning. Cleared up in afternoon and a lovely evening. Frank, Evie and I lovely walk high up above the fields.

Aug 20^th

Poured all day. Afternoon Evie, Frank and I cycled to meet Ernest who was coming for week-end. Evie went to Blubberhouses. Frank and I turned back before and at once my back tyre punctured, but I had to go on riding. Got pretty wet. Cleared up in evening. Fire all day. Lovely.

Sept 1^st

Mother gave us 10/- for a drive and we all (except baby) had a splendid one in waggonette with 2 horses from 3.0 to ¼ to 5. Glorious afternoon and we had grand views over the moors near Blubberhouses. Poured as we were getting back.

Sept 2^nd

A heavenly day, fresh and hot. Went by 9.40 train to Lofthouse—Frank and I cycled (12 or 13 miles). Lovely ride through lanes from Pately bridge and then by lake (Bradford Reservoir). Here Frank punctured back tyre—got it mended at pretty village of Ramsgill. At Lofthouse—a little further on—met Evie and all the children—baby in pram. I fed her, and left her and Robert and Edith in a field. R slept (he is so good about it) and they had lunch, while we explored the marvellous cave of Goyden Pot. Amusing deaf old man of 76 took us in. Said he would get me a young man! Country round is 'a bit lumpy' . Erica very plucky, Colin too. All except Frank and I went back by 3.0 train. We mended a puncture in my tyre, then went quickly to see Howstian, lovely stream with path almost cut out of rocks on the side. My tyre alas, flat, and at Ramsgill had to have 10 punctures mended. Fortunately wind behind us and we had a grand ride home, doing 10 miles in 50 minutes.

Sept 3^rd

Colin had to go to Stocksfield. He has been so good and helpful. Made his first sketch, which was good. Evie and children met Ernest at Fountains Abbey. Frank and I had a very restful, lazy day.

Sept 4^th

Sept 5^th Sunday

Most of us went to meeting at Danby, 2 or 3 miles off, which is held once a month, Frank and I cycling—rest walking. Isaac Mason, a missionary, there. Frank spoke too. Afternoon had delightful picnic tea, everyone, baby included. Made fire on hillside.

Sept 6^th

Sept 7^th

Went for day's drive in waggonette. Very cold and rather showery and not a suitable day for my children. The moors near Blubberhouses glorious and it looks a lovely place.

Sept 8^th

Frank and Mr Sturge to Monthly Meeting at Harrogate. Evie and I went nice walk in evening.

Sept 9^th

Frank and Mr Sturge to Lofthouse for day. In afternoon Robert and I drove to Pateley Bridge to meet them. Very cold.

Sept 10^th

Evie, Elsa, Erica and Mr Sturge all went by 10.20. We saw them off. It has been lovely having them here. In afternoon Frank and I went splendid cycle ride nearly to Greenow Hill. Moors grand.

Sept 11^th Saturday

Awfully sorry to go. Packed hard. Left by 1.42 train and had 1½ hours in Harrogate. Got to York about 4.0. Edna kindly met us. Daisy and a charwoman had made things nice, but it seemed queer to have no proper general servant. Edith stayed to help and came at 7.0 next day.

Sept 13^th

Women Liberal Association Committee. Alice Elliot, a very nice looking girl came in afternoon and we soon began to settle down again. She is much superior to Minnie and very quick. Ber had been away for weekend, but came back today.

Sept 16^th

Sept 17^th

Had Molly, Colin, Esther and Alice Rowntree to tea. Uproarious and jolly time. The 3 former have improved enormously under Miss Lee and are so sweet and affectionate.

Oct 12^th

My first dance since being married. It was glorious. The Davies' gave it in the Folls Hall, 7.30–1200, and we had supper at their house. Every detail lovely. Everyone dance a Sir Roger, Frank and I together. Plenty of room and I did enjoy the dancing. 11 of us went in a bus together.

Oct 27^th

Oct 28^th

Nov

Busy getting new carpets (stair) etc for our new house, which we took a short time ago. Shall be fearfully sorry to leave our first home where we have been so happy and where Frank's Mother and Mabel and others have been to see us and will never be able to give us the joy of their presence in our new home, but the 2 extra bedrooms and small boxroom will be a great convenience. Of course we shall greatly miss our lovely view and it really is very, very hard to leave, but it is made easier by the excitement of planning and buying new things for which Father and Mother have so kindly given us £15.

Nov 18^th

Sophie is with us for a few days. We took R to the Chrysanthemum show. I thought the flowers were most disappointing and I don't think Robin knew they were flowers, for he never asked to 'hell' (smell) one, but he enjoyed the band and the Highland Pipers. In evening I went to boys' debate on vivisection and we had Hugh, Dolly Richardson (Lewis' wife) and Mr Sturge to supper.

Nov 25^th

Daisy and I took the children to the fair in the market. R was much interested in 2 small black bears and in watching them eat, and then he went on the childrens' merry-go-round, all alone, sitting in a small motor car. I expected him to cry when he found we were not coming, but he sat beaming like a little king—no other children were on it. It was most amusing. Most of our carpets have gone to be shaken, and we keep carrying things along to the new house.

Nov 28^th Sunday

Robert, baby, Daisy and I went to sleep at Bertha's. Of course 'Alice' began to be feverish in afternoon and I had a fearful time trying to get someone to sleep at Bootham Crescent. Finally about 11 pm (I was not yet free from baby) I got her future mother-in-law and Frank was there too. He and I did a good deal of packing, etc, during the day.

Nov 29^th Monday

The eventful day at last. The men were coming at 8.0 (Swaby—4 men and 1 horse about 33/-) and before that I rushed along to see how Alice was. She was better, but I sent for Dr Fraser and finally got her packed off to her mother-in-law's till Wed: which was a comfort, though it was very awkward without her. Of course it poured early on and was fearfully muddy all day. It was 6.30 before the men finished and they were tired. We worked hard all day too. Frank arranged things at our new house: 44 Queen Anne's Road and I stayed at Bootham Crescent. It was rather fun.

Nov 30^th

Had a charwoman, but the house was in a fearful muddle and gas brackets had to be put up, etc. The kitchen looked hopeless and the dining room floor was strewn with books. Frank had to sleep all alone in the 'new house' as Bobbo calls it, till Alice came back. Thanks to the help of Bertha, Edna and Edith Davies we were all able to come in on Friday Dec 3rd and were very glad to get settled and to have most of the house in order. Bertha has been tremendously kind, and I don't know what could have happened if we hadn't gone there. Already I think we shall like this house. There are 2 small bedrooms extra and a box room extra and a small bathroom, a larger dining and drawing room, and a beautiful nursery on the 1st floor, same floor as bathroom. It does make a difference, and it is nice having a day and night nursery. Frank has been tremendously good doing all the pictures and books. We have a better kitchen and a scullery. Alice is so anaemic and not at all thorough that I have had to give her notice. Got fairly straight before Sunday.

Dec 7^th

Our Irish evening (Lit and Debating Soc.) held at Mount. Very successful. Ruth came over and stayed with Bertha and sang beautifully. Quartetts lovely, and all 4 so good looking! Very cold, though and on Dec 9th I was in bed all day, having, I expect, caught a chill. I felt wretched, but soon got better. Usual entertainments towards end of term. Boys act splendid. 'She Stoops to Conquer' . Frank and I still busy over house until F's exams, etc. stopped us. We are very satisfied with our move. I feel very tired, but am weaning baby and though I have loved nursing her it is the greatest relief not to be tied absolutely, any longer. I finished just before the holidays, and suffered no pain, but after Christmas, I grew very uncomfortable and had to put on plasters.

Just a week before Christmas Bertha got influenza. It was dreadfully disappointing, for she couldn't go home, so the children went to Bensham and she and Bowes were left behind. Evie and her family couldn't go either. We had some very cold weather, I believe 22˚ of frost and a lot of snow before going away.

Dec 22^nd

Frank and I heard Sir E. Shackleton lecture on his voyage to the Antarctic—most interesting and splendid views, cinematograph too.

Dec 23^rd

Left with Daisy and the children about 2.0 for Newcastle. Very quick train—no stops. Sent Alice home with Frisk, but am having her back for a bit. Baby took her dinner in the train alright. Drove up to 11 Victoria Square with pram (new mailcart) on top of cab. Mother, the darling, there to meet us and stayed to tea. She and Father are most kindly paying for our rooms, food etc. Had wanted to have us all at Bensham on Christmas Day, but, alas, it was impossible. The landlady is Mrs Bowman, a lady, and we have splendid large rooms, and very convenient situation. Baby and Robert sleep in a dressing room leading out of Daisy's room, and at night they sleep splendidly, baby till 7.0 next morning and Robert sometimes till 8.0. Baby still has her 10 pm meal. In the day she often sleeps only about ½ hour and is irregular about it. Robert sometimes doesn't sleep at all. They are so good, especially baby. R is wildly excited with the trams.

Dec 24^th

Frank and I went over to Bensham. Father wonderfully well. Evening to Gables. Mother and Ruth there. Most delightful party.

Christmas Day Saturday

Children had their stockings hung up, but Robert does not like putting his hand in his. All of us went to Bensham by the 10.15 train. Jolly Christmas dinner. Party from 4.0–7.30. I think about 40 altogether—a good lot of children. Baby and Robert did look sweet, R in a new white tunic embroidered in green, white socks and red slippers. We had the usual games, teeny tiny woman, etc. also fireworks, which baby much enjoyed. Dia, Colin and Betty did a tiny act 'Where are you going to Franky Panky' —very amusing. I sent the children back to Victoria Square in a cab with Daisy starting after 6.0—past baby's bedtime, but she never cried or got cross, but fell asleep directly she got into the cab. Frank and I and Hugh and Molly stayed on to supper. First time we had been at the Christmas party without the usual big supper, and it was rather a relief to be more quiet.

December 26^th Sunday

Dec 27^th

Mother, Ruth, Frank and I, Edie R, Colin, Molly, Esther and Sarah and Eva had a private excursion to Barrasford—walked to Chollerford (I believe 3 miles) saw old Roman Bridge, got into the trap which had come from Hexham, and drove there. Had tea at the Abbey Hotel (v. nice) and got home about 6.30. Jolly excursion, though rather muggy day. Father and Mother and others have supplied us with quantities of good things in the way of eatables, and the children and we too have lots of presents. Father's poems about places exquisitely got up with photos—an unique gift. He only got 24 copies altogether.

1910

Jan 2^nd Sunday

Jan 3^rd

Frank went back to York alone—slept alone as Alice was returning next day—to speak at election meetings (to be chairman out-of-doors.) Daisy and I took children in afternoon to Jesmond Dene. Baby dropped asleep in my arms while I was carrying her to the tram! Mother went to sales with me in morning. Very unsatisfactory and she got so tired.

Jan 4^th

I went over to Bensham to say goodbye—alas. We left by 1.45 train—nice porter got us good seats. Frank met us in York, and we soon settled in. I feel sorry to have to have baby again at nights, as she doesn't sleep quite so well with us. Next week or two busy always with election work. Frank went to Sidcot to Teachers' Guild from Jan 5^th–7^th. He spoke at a good many out-of-doors meetings, very well when I heard him.

Jan 12^th

Bertha and I got seats for overflow conservative meeting and heard Balfour. Meeting was largely Liberal and great uproar before he came, but he is a good speaker and they listened well to him. Arguments poor, but whole thing great fun.

Jan 14^th

Enormous Lloyd George meeting in Exhibition Buildings, also Festival Committee Rooms and Fishergate skating rink. Frank was reserve speaker in the latter. I was scrutineer in the Festival Committee rooms of the ladies and then went back to Exhibition Buildings and got a splendid seat on the platform. Thrilling meeting and Bowes in the chair. Made a speech exactly right. I was excited and Ber looked sweet. Lloyd George spoke splendidly, and Harmar Greenwood and A.S. Rowntree. Afterwards we went to hotel and Bowes introduced us to Lloyd George, who was very nice and asked after Father and Mother. I wished Frank was with us. We saw Lloyd George off in the train. All most exciting.

Jan 16^th Sunday

Robert's birthday. We gave him a small musical box and money box. He had Davie, Dia and Betty to tea.

Jan 27^th

Jan 28^th

Evie arrived after 2.0, having sent Erica and the nurse on to Bensham, and Evie, Mother and I left York by 3.30 train, being seen off by Frank, Robin and Margaret, for Goathland, arriving there 5.37. We stayed at the Goathland Hydro (Mrs Burn) and though only 2 or 3 mins from the station were thankful for a trap, as deep snow everywhere. Pretty little sitting room with good fire and jolly big low windows, and all very nice bedrooms in which we had fires every night for nothing. Mother most kindly paid for Evie and me—I believe it was 6/- or 6/6 a day. We had very good meals, and were most comfortable. It was the first time I had left Margaret for the night, and it was a treat to get a complete rest from the children. We were always talking, politics, Womens' Suffrage, children, domestic things, etc, and laughing. I had not laughed so much for months. Also we read and wrote, and I read Sir W. Lawson's Life aloud, and it is most entertaining. We read to ourselves, also, a peace story by Miss Sturge called 'The Patriot' which Mother was reviewing. We had one glorious day with sunshine, but we could not walk far for the snow was so deep, and when the thaw came it was like walking in pools. I stayed till Tuesday, Feb 1^st and left about 4.20, Frank meeting me at York. Robert was in his bath looking exquisite and so pleased to see me again. I had thoroughly enjoyed the time with Mother and Evie. They stayed over the next week-end, and then went to Bensham.

Feb 25^th and 26^th Friday & Saturday

Our 'house-warming' —had about 29 people the first day, 23 the next. The first I enjoyed greatly and both were successful I think. Friday was a glorious day, but Saturday horrid. Bertha and Edna helped a lot, and Bertha brought splendid plants and we made our drawing room exquisite. I made all the cakes myself. Bertha poured out on Friday, which was a great help and most people were shown straight into the dining room—rather a good plan. Everyone was extremely nice, wished us health and happiness in our new home, and it was almost like being married again, only nicer than being a shy bride who knew hardly anyone! They began coming about 3.30 and went on till about 5.30, so there never was a crush. We asked them from 3.30–5.30 and put on R.S.V.P.

March 3^rd

I took Robert by an excursion train to Bensham. It was a 'race' train and we left York at 10.10 and did not reach Gateshead till about 1.0, poor little Robert, though good, was very fidgety and talked all the time. Women in the carriage quite nice. Father and Mother and Ruth were surprised to see Robert with me. None of them looked well and as it was Mother's 'At Home' day we saw little of them, and our train left Newcastle again about 6.0. We had a nearly empty carriage to Darlington and Robert was sweet; then 3 awful women got in who swore and drank. Fortunately I got Robert to sleep, and he slept nearly till York which we did not reach till nearly 9.0.

March 20^thSunday

After a long time of suspense and uncertainty I at last entered the Nursing Home, Monkgate, for an operation on haemorrhoids. I put the children to bed, and then Frank and I drove along, arriving about 6.30. The matron, Miss Morgan, took us up to a small room which I had for the night, so as not to see the preparations in the morning. Frank left me to go to Meeting, and I had a bath and then Sister came in and prepared me and Frank came back for a short time. A small cup of bread and milk was the last solid food I had for days! I had a very good night.

March 21^st

More preparations. Frank came about 9.0 to say goodbye, which was awful and then Edna came and stayed till the Drs arrived. The operation was to be at 10.30, but was a little later. Dr. Hood did it, and Dr Fell gave the ether: there also were Dr Gostling, and Dr Fraser, sister and 2 nurses. Dr Fraser held my hand till I went off. I was under chloroform about ¾ hour I think; the operation was done very thoroughly to prevent the haemorrhoids recurring, and about ½ inch taken off the lower end of the bowel. Dr Hood put some morphia in, as he knew I would suffer a lot, but really the pain after I came round was terrible. I hardly knew what I was doing and clung to Nurse Chapman, my very nice nurse. Dr Fraser thought I would doze, but the pain was far too bad and the time went so slowly. Frank came to see me in the afternoon and evening and Dr Fraser came too, and later on I was given morphia, and I slept a bit in the night.

For the first few days I had nothing but sips of milk and water (I was not sick at all) and then I had a cup of tea and tiny bit of toast and then custard pudding. I suffered a lot, and had dreadful spasms of pain. Ber came to see me I think on Tuesday afternoon but I wasn't well enough to see Robert and Margaret till the 24^th. My legs and muscles went quite stiff with the stitching and I could not turn myself over in bed. People were very kind and I had lots of lovely flowers. After a few days I could read a bit and the pain was not so bad. Dr Hood came to see me 6 times and was very sympathetic. I dreaded the end of the week, but on Saturday with 2 or 3 doses of medicine and an oil enema and an ordinary one I did not suffer much pain, though it was all very horrible. After this I began ordinary food and very nice it was.

On March 30^th my precious Mother came to see me—she stayed 2 nights with Bowes (Ber was at Bensham nursing Betty with measles) partly to go to the poetry competition at the Mount on the Wednesday afternoon. Mrs Baynes, Miss Wood and Hugh were judges. The poems were 'The Forsaken Merman' and Wordworth's sonnet on the Thames. Frank had Mrs and Mr Baynes, Hugh and Mother to dinner first. It was simply lovely to see Mother but the time went far too fast. She came again on March 31^st for an hour, but went home by the 12.40 I think. As I got better I began to get very tired of being in the home, especially as my nice nurse went on night duty, so I had others. She had slept with me nearly all the time, and I did like her.

April 4^th Monday

At last I went home. On April 1^st I sat up in a chair for an hour, next day about 1½ hours and today I got up after tea about 4.30 and dressed for the first time, feeling very shaky, and Frank came for me at 5.15 and we drove home. Edna met us at the door, and helped me upstairs. Alice came to greet me; I went and lay down on the drawing room sofa and Robin came rushing in, and then little baby. She sat on the floor warming her hands and chuckling with joy. It really was a heavenly home-coming, and my beloved husband had put lovely pink and yellow tulips and narcissi in the room, and the Burtts had sent daffodils. Oh, I was thankful to get home again.

I should say that the whole fortnight I have been away has been glorious weather. Easter was very hot. Rather disappointing to miss it all. I forgot to mention that the stitch which was several inches long, finally came out on April 2^nd but on April 8^th the wound is still not healed. I stay in bed till 10.30 when Dr Fraser comes and dresses it, then I get up and go to the drawing room sofa for the rest of the day.

April 7^th

I drove in to the town while Daisy shopped for me. It was nice to get out again.

April 10^th Sunday

April 11^thEaster Holidays

At last Dr Fraser has consented to let me go to Grasmere, so we all started at 9.30 with Daisy and Alice. Frank and I went in a separate carriage most of the way. At Windermere we met Aunt Car's housemaid—Edith. We had a private bus, so that I could drive up to Heugh Folds, which I did by having an extra horse put on at the Prince of Wales (16/- altogether) and we had a jolly drive, all sitting on the outside.

April 12^th

April 13^th

Went in the boat, but I found it hard work getting down the hill for my legs are so weak.

April 14^th

A heavenly day and quite hot, but the only really good day which we had all the time. I managed to get to the village. Eva Edmundson arrived before 4.0 and while we were at tea I heard Robin yelling—he had tumbled, when throwing stones, into the duck pond, and was soaked through, all except his head. It didn't hurt him. He does love feeding the ducks and seeing them scramble for bread. At 6.15 Cuthbert Atkinson (*****) arrived. He looks very delicate, but is nicer than ever and fun. Teazes Eva.

April 15^th

April 16^th

Brian Sparkes arrived at 9.15 and though a very showery day he and Frank and Eva and Mr A started with sandwiches and walked to Dungeon Ghyll via Blea Tarn. I drove there in the afternoon and had tea with them at 4.0 o' clock and then drove back again, but they walked.

April 17^th Sunday

The 3 men went up Helm Crag. Eva to church. After tea went on lake for a short time—Robin with us.

April 18^th

April 19^th

Showery, but quite a nice day. Leila Jackson came over from Kendal, and at 12.0 we all started in a waggonette and drove first to beautiful Tarn Hows, where we ate our lunch, walked down by the stream to rejoin the trap below, drove to Tilberthwaite, where some went up the glen (though it was pouring) and Frank and I waited in a farmhouse till they returned for tea. Saw spinning, and the loom. It turned into a beautiful evening and we had a lovely drive home, but I got a card from Evie with rather bad news of Father. He is ill again and has a nurse.

April 20^th

Leila and Eva went away. Mr A, Frank and I walked to Easedale Tarn, much the longest walk I've been yet. It began to pour on way back and went on all day.

April 28^th

Pouring, but Frank, Robin and I sat on outside of coach—Daisy and baby inside, and baby went to sleep. Grasmere has done us all good: I am like a different being, Margaret has advanced greatly and Robin's appetite has improved, but he seemed glad to get back home, and for a wonder even I was glad to leave the country, but domestically things were not nearly as nice as before at Heugh Folds, and I have not enjoyed the holiday particularly. At Carnforth we gave the children dinner in the waiting room, and then as it had cleared, Daisy and I took them a walk nearly to the sea, baby in go-cart. It was very pretty. We started again at 2.0 and both children slept for about an hour, and we were home soon after 5.0.

April 29^th

School re-opened. Gave Alice notice. She wept afterwards and I'm afraid I've been rather unfair. To Ber's for supper.

April 30^th

Dr Fraser for last visit. I am practically healed and left off dressings 2 days ago, but the skin is still thin and I have to be careful. It is now over 5 weeks since the operation.

May 1^st

Lovely day, and it was nice to get to Meeting after 5 or 6 weeks absence. Sturge and Hodgson to tea. To school reading.

May 2^nd

May 14^th Whit Suntide.

Isabel came before dinner. Glorious afternoon and I did enjoy the river not having been the last 2 times. We had Dora Clark, Sarah and Eva, Ruth, Bertha, Hugh, Esther, Mr Sturge, Isabel and Frank and myself. Very good tea in the garden at Poppleton. Isabel and I went straight up to the Mount afterwards. Very long meeting. I spoke once. May Henderson gave address. Things supposed to be quiet this O.S. because of King Edward VII's death a week ago.

Note: I forgot to mention that on May 12^th Frank had an interview with the Leighton Park Board. On the whole we are glad he did not get the appointment of Headmaster.

May 15^th

Isabel is staying with us. We had heaps of people to tea, and I enjoyed it all greatly—used the nursery for washing up. I had Mrs Allen for the day to cook (5/-)

May 16^th

Robin came to cricket match and shouted 'Farver' to Frank who was batting much to everyone's amusement. Turned into a lovely day—took Robert in to concert at Mount for few minutes. Children were very good. My first year of new supper plan (I was away last O.S.) in the De Grey rooms—quite successful. Next few days Isabel and I went servant hunting, etc.

May 21^st

May 20^th

Frank, Isabel and I to service at Minster for King Edward. Not as impressive as I expected.

May 24^th

Ber took Isabel and me a glorious motor drive about 60 miles, to Helmsley and back by Kirby Moorside—near Helmsley masses of tall forget-me-nots and a field ablaze with purple orchis' —cowslips everywhere too. It was enchanting. We started about 3.0 and got back at 8.0 having delicious tea by roadside near Helmsley. B. drove a lot of the way.

May 25^th

May 27^th

May 28^th

'Alice' left and on May 30^th a girl called Lena came. She seems an improvement on Alice, but can't cook at all.

June 6^th

Lena gave notice to go back to her old mistress. It's a shame, for she suits me very well. I now had a great hunt for another girl.

June 10^th

June 11^th

Frank and I to stay with W.S. Rowntree's at Scarborough. Got there at 7.0. After supper all went a walk in the gardens which are a mass of colour, and then to listen to the band and get coffee. Met Ber, Bowes and Ruth who are staying in lodgings for June (with Betty and Dia).

June 12^th Sunday

Frank and I walked to Cayton Bay as such a glorious morning, and actually got a dip. The B's and Ruth, Howard R and his wife and 2 other people to tea and Mr Brayshaw. Evening meeting Frank read a paper on 'The Saint of Rationalism' , and he and I left by the 8.0 train. It was the first time Daisy had been left alone with the children with only another maid. The Rowntrees were most kind and hospitable and the house comfortable and pretty and I did enjoy it. It is so restful to leave our bonny, but tiring bairns, and I have felt very tired lately, and we rarely visit anyone to stay with, except at Bensham.

June 14^th

Frank and I to see 'Diana of Dobson's.' Got splendid seats at 7.15 in pit for 9d each. Excellent company and the play is most clear and a good moral. We both liked it greatly. Shows evil of 'living in system' . First scene when the girls are going to bed gave us a shock at first, but was very real and amusing and perfectly all right. Heroine Diana Massingberd splendidly taken [by] Eleanor Delaporte. Miss Eva Leonard Boyne charming as Kitty Briant and Mr Leslie Rea very good as Cap. The Hon. Victor Bretherton. who came over from Scarborough.

June 15^th

Took Robin to Gala for first time, with Ber and Dia and Ruth. He liked the merry-go-rounds fairly, and the baby motor car immensely, but we all got pretty tired.

June 17^th

Frank and I 3 lovely sets of tennis at Ber's. (They are still at Scarborough) I got 2 games in each set. Weather lovely and hot—has been for days—and the garden looks exquisite. Children played there a bit so happily.

June 18^th

Frank went to play cricket at Bridlington (Assistant Masters) so Daisy and I started at 2.15 with the children in 2 go-carts, taking tea, milk etc and strawberries and walked to Rawcliff (2¼ miles). Got a lovely clean field full of buttercups where baby and Robert played so happily. Not many wild roses about. Baby kept tumbling in the long grass, but just laughed.

June 25^th

The children went to a garden party at Mrs Jos Rowntree's. Daisy took them, said they were very good, and enjoyed it very much.

June 20^th

July 3^rd

2 boys to tea. I had them alone till Frank came in at 5.30 and got on very well. He and I went to supper at Philip Burtts.

July 4^th

Robert and Marg to 'coffee' ! with the masters. Robert had scraped his knee badly and wasn't very happy. He minded his shoes getting scraped and dirty much more!

July 5^th

Frank and I to very nice garden party at Seebohm R's and about 6.30 to Cocoa Works party. Played terza. Began to rain a little before 8.0. Strawberries and cream at 8.0. Saw Mr Gretton and May Henderson for a short time at Edna's.

July 7^th

Dinner at school in honour of Fielden and Amy Jane Thorp's Golden Wedding. Uncle Johnny and 12 or 14 'old boys' there. Most interesting occasion. Presentation of address afterwards in John Bright Library, and amusing speeches. Fielden's rather touching, about his young bride, etc. I did enjoy it.

July 8^th

Frank and I by 1.10 train (after early dinner) to Ackworth General Meeting. Fortunately fine, though not sunny. Jeanie gave us each a cup of tea and at 3.0 the Pageant began on the Terrace. There were said to be about 700 visitors! It was really quite splendid, and touching in parts. It was the history of Ackworth from early times, about the time of the battle of Stamford Bridge, then when the school was a foundling hospital and then when Dr Fothergill took it over as the 1^st boarding school of the Society of Friends, I think. All the children spoke very clearly and it was delightful. Lovely maypole dance. The scene I like almost best was the little Quakeresses dressed in their pretty frocks and caps, sewing samplers and repeating—cap verse!

After a very good tea we went to the Meeting House and heard Frank Andrews' excellent address. He told us he had a letter from an old boy describing his 4½ years at Ackworth without going home, and how he came in a coach and then in a cart drawn by an ox—now some scholars come in motor cars! It is hard to believe anyone is living who has seen such changes as that man!

We talked to Uncle Alec, Cousin Thos C. Watson, Mrs Moorhouse etc, and listened to music and then left by the 9.20 train after a delightful time.

July 9^th

The motor car came at 9.0 and at ¼ to 10 Bowes and I left for Buttermere. Brian Sparkes had stayed the night here—Frank rushed home from school to see me off; the poor little children cried. There was a bitter wind at first and up to Thirsk it was very cold, and then the sun came out and it turned into a glorious hot day. We had our lunch somewhere near Richmond by the road-side. We went through Barnard Castle, and on Bowes moors the view was magnificent, and all the Appleby part. At Penrith we filled a bottle with tea and got cakes and scones, and then went on and had the tea almost at the foot of Saddleback. The ride got more and more exciting and splendid, through Keswick, along through the beautiful woods of Bassenthwaite (I had never been near it before), till at last we reached Crummock. About a mile from Woodhouse (Mr and Mrs Rigg's where Father, Mother, the nurse, Ruth, Ber and her children are staying) we got a puncture, so Bowes and I walked on to the house, arriving on the party at dinner about 7.15. it was a joyful meeting indeed. Father looked almost better than I expected, but I've only seen him once since Christmas, such a terribly long time.

July 10^th Sunday

Another perfect hot day. Ruth not very well. Mother, Bowes, Ber, the children and I rowed across the lake and walked up to Scale Force, a very fine waterfall, 120 ft high I think. On our return, Bertha and I had a glorious bathe, diving from the boat, which Bowes rowed for us. It is a treat to get a swim again, for I've hardly had one for several years. There is a lovely bathing place here, all made with steps, etc. In the afternoon we snoozed, I in the garden. In evening I made a fairly successful sketch with Mother's things, while some went in the motor car.

July 11^th

Another very hot and rather stuffy day and unfortunately hazy with heat. Bathed before breakfast. Mother, Ruth and I went in the car to Wastdale, Ber and Bowes walking there over Scarf Gap and Black Sail Passes, about 8½ miles. We had to go a very long way round, about 35 miles—the first part by Lowes Water was lovely; then there was a very dull part through sordid streets of towns, and then lovely as we came near Calder Abbey, an exquisite ruin, very old, in red sandstone, near a river. Partly Norman, partly Gothic English. We ate our lunch near here, and then stopped at Gosforth to see a wonderful Old Runic Cross like that at Ruthwell. Father and Mother went to see this one years ago. Soon after we went along Wastwater; I had never approached it from this side and it is wonderful—such fine precipices. I think it is the finest way of seeing it. At Wastdale Head we found Ber and Bowes very hot. We got there at 3.0. After some not very nice tea at an inn we—Bertha and I—started to walk back, Bowes going in the motor with the others. I enjoyed the walk, but it was so hazy that we had no view, and I found it tiring.

July 12^th

Had meant to go home yesterday or today, but am staying till Thursday. Most of us went with children on lake and gave them a bathe, Ber and I swimming with them on our backs. They are plucky little things. Persuaded Father to go in the Motor car, so nurse and Bowes went with him, and they went very slowly to the end of the lake and quite enjoyed it. Afternoon rested and some motored to Ennerdale and sketched again. It is lovely getting good bathing twice a day.

July 13^th

Bowes hurt his foot bathing. Mother, Ruth, Ber and I motored to Seatoller, round by Lodon, and Rossthwaite (too narrow roads for a motor car; it is unfair on cyclists and walkers)—saw the cottage where Frank and I had a happy holiday—alas there is building not far off it now. At Seatoller we left Ruth and Mother and walked home over Honiston Pass; having a glorious bathe in a pool close to the road. We had to sit in it so as not to be seen by 2 cyclists! In the evening while sitting outside reading, Bowes said a white owl passed close by my head. Father was so interested. Alas, nurse says she thinks he has grown weaker instead of stronger. It is so sad, and he went prepared to fish! Poor Father.

July 14^th

Bowes, Ber and I left very sorrowfully at 9.30; they left the children behind. It has been an almost perfect little holiday. We motored to Keswick, Penrith and then came back by Wensleydale, Masham, Ripon. I think I liked the Bowes route best. At Bainbridge I thought much of the old days. We bought some more provisions at Lyburn and had tea in a lovely hayfield. We didn't reach York till 9.0. Frank had been an excursion to Scalby and returned at 9.15. it was lovely to see him again.

July 15^th

July 19^th

July 20^th

Don't feel well, but better. Afternoon Musical Festival began. Poor Frank couldn't go, (school) so Denis Milver [?] bought his ticket and I sat by him. Splendid concert. I particularly liked 'Pianoforte Concerto in G Major by Mozart. Fanny Davies accompanied beautifully. Some of Elgar's 'Sea Pictures' sung by Miss Phyllis Litt, but they did not quite suit her voice—Elgar conducted, also his Overture 'Cockaigne' , etc. Evening Frank went with me to 'Elijah' which was dramatic and thrilling. I simply loved it. Soloists were Miss Agnes Nicholls and Phyllis Litt, Gervase Elwes and Herbert Brown. All sang easily, clearly and in good taste and had very good voices. Great N.E. Strike has suddenly begun and disorganized all Newcastle work and trains. May spread to York.

July 21^st

Senior excursion. Mrs A.R didn't go, and I hardly felt fit for it, but it turned out a glorious day and I was so glad I went. We got out at Levisham and walked to Cawthorne Camp (Roman, not much to see). Distant views and heather glorious. Burley picked flowers for me. Then Lastingham, and saw lovely church. Here Frank and I separated from the boys as we wanted to get an early train to get to Festival in evening and walked on to Hutton Le Hole, where we hoped for tea and a trap, but hearing the trains were stopped we hurried on to Kirby Moorside and got there very tired to catch the 4.20 alright. We had walked about 12 miles pretty quickly. Got back after 6.0 had tea, and then went to hear Elgar's 'King Olaf' , conducted by himself. Very fine, but I was tired. Same soloists as for 'Elijah' except not Miss Litt. Also there was a dramatic suite by Granville Bantock (Snake Dance, etc) very fine and some of Pageant music.

July 22^nd

Feel very dissipated—all this gaiety so unusual. Evening I went to hear Mr Cranage on Monastic Life and Building. Very good. The Cambridge Summer Meetings are being held in York this year.

July 23^rd

2^nd lecture of Mr Cranage. In evening to Bootham. Senior girls and boys had a social evening. Lots were drawn and they had to repeat poetry or play music. Great fun. Mildred Corder got prize for a very good poem called 'the wind' which she did beautifully. Frank greatly encored for 'Trankadillo' .

July 24^th Sunday

Bootham scripture exam. Rather different this year. Mr Rowntree did all the questioning and the boys did very well. They had written essays and repeated passages of scripture. Unwins to supper.

July 25^th

Bertha and I called on Miss Tennant and Effie Clark, who are shortly leaving Holgate Hill House where we used to go to such jolly parties when we were at the Mount. The I went to Bootham to meet some of the Summer School people who went there to a garden party.

July 26^th

Last of Cranages lectures. Afternoon to Bootham Junior School which was started in January. The 4 pupils (there are really 5) sang very well, and we saw some of their work. I think Mr Unwin must be a very good teacher, and so good at Natural History. He gave us tea. I was asked, having a 'prospective son' and felt quite important.

July 27^th

To lecture on English Ecclesiastic Architecture by Rev. Walter Marshall. A little too advanced for me. Then Dr Hodgkin on 'Roman Wall from Tyne to Solway' . Very interesting. Afterwards Bowes took Bertha and me and Miss Till to see a most interesting old bit of Roman wall just found in York in Milburn the Sculptor's yard, in very good condition. Afternoon I went to 'At Home' at Mrs K Wilkinson's to see the baby boy who is only 3 weeks old. Mrs Butt called.

July 28^th

Holidays began. 'Will' arrived after 10.0 last night, and at 3.0 a.m. he and Frank got up and went off to Kendal to Malcolm and Leila's wedding. At 12.0 I went to A.R's lecture on 'Wars of Roses' . Had Edith Davies, Mrs Quayle and Mrs Carpenter to dinner, and at 2.30 went with latter 2 round some of churches in York. Harrison Thompson took us round. Most interesting. They came back to tea. I met Jeannie at 7.0. She came to stay.

July 29^th

Frank came home about 2.0, but Jeannie and I were out. We started with Ber and Miss Till at 11.0 in motor car for Beverley. Took lunch and tea. Rev. W. Marshall was showing the students round the Minster and the church (St Mary's). It was immensely interesting. Started back about 5.0 and had tea by side of road. Barmby Common (we went a little round) is a most lovely place—or would be jolly for an excursion. Got back at 7.0. Supper and then I went with Frank to hear his speech to the Bootham Ward electors. Very good indeed and he was much congratulated.

July 30^th

Jeannie to see a brother. Frank and I to Bootham camp. Trains crowded. Had dinner and tea there and got back at ¼ to 10. Very jolly.

Aug 1^st

Bertha and Bowes out, so we took the children and tea and had a most successful picnic in their field. How baby loved it. Then Jeannie, Frank and I played tennis after Daisy had come for them.

Aug 2^nd

To Prof Grant's lecture on 'The Pilgrimage of Grace' . Bowes, Bertha and Miss Till to high tea. Sausage eggs much liked—also poker patience which we taught Bowes.

Aug 3^rd

Our wedding day. Mother remembered, and Jeannie bought us white heather etc, and at 2.30 (about) we started up the river (her present to us) and got tea in garden at Poppleton. Home about 7.0. Mushrooms from Jeannie for supper! So jolly altogether.

Aug 4^th

Jeannie had to go. We were sorry. Ber, Miss Till, Frank and I started about 1.0 in car and went to 'Fountains Abbey' . Glorious day and it was most beautiful there—a glorious ruin. Mr Hamilton Thompson took us round—a great many there, and the lecture on it for 1½ hours or more very tiring, but most interesting. We had tea just outside the Abbey grounds and got home in time for Frank to take chair at an open air meeting.

Aug 5^th

Darling Mother over for day (N.E.R. shareholders!!) Here to tea—also Mr H. Thompson and many others. Mr Cranage couldn't come. It was lovely to see her. To Ber's to vegetarian dinner in evening.

Aug 6^th

Aug 8^th

Aug 9^th

Frank and I played tennis at Ber's and stayed to a lovely vegetarian dinner. (The Theo R's and Prof Chapman to tea.) Mr Cross there too. Poker patience. The last time Frank got 111 and I 108—not much tonight though.

Aug 10^th

Children to B's to tea. Rob fell into wet grating and got soaked. I went to Mrs Thorp's allotment, and was introduced to her gardener as the daughter of Dr Spence Watson.

Aug 11^th

Aug 12^th

To Theo Rowntree's to dinner. Edith Davies called. All this week Father has been very ill—2 nurses (he has had 1 nurse since March) and wandering in his mind and we are very anxious. I am longing to get there.

Aug 13^th

At last we got off. I let Daisy go for her holiday and took Kate to look after the children which she did well. Came by 2.5 to Durham and then changed. Very hot and crowded and baby very restless and cried a good deal. Got here about 4.30, and darling Mother met us at the station. Ruth in bed. Father asked for me and knew me at once—also Bobbo. He seemed better than I had expected. We had tea, Robert having it with us.

Aug 14^th

Mother and I thought Father seemed much better and quite different. He seemed clear all day and asked for Frank and Margaret. She was quite good with him. Bobbo hugs him and takes him flowers. Frank and I to meeting. Frank spoke, and Mrs Yates prayed for Father and for those who were watching lovingly beside him. Went round by Aunt Gertie's. Percy came to supper, interesting as usual. Frank and he sang.

Aug 15^th

Alas, Father had a very bad night last night, being nearly violent and the nurse could hardly manage him. However he still usually knows us, though he wanders sometimes. Lovely weather and the children are blissfully happy in the garden, or going to the park. Dr Stewart gave Father morphia to-night to quieten him.

Aug 16^th

Father sat up in bed as usual for his breakfast. Seemed better, but mouth horrid with the morphia. Seems very hungry and thirsty, and always moving hands as if trying to find something. Told Mother he thought the end was not far off. Still he tried to do a 'cock' (cockadoodledo) for baby! It is very pathetic to see him. Dr S came in evening, and said with an ordinary patient he would say it was only a matter of hours. I felt dreadful, and Evie is still in Germany, though on her way home.

Aug 17^th

Father better, and gradually improved all day, except he became confused. Dr Hall and Dr. S had a long consultation about him. Ruth still in bed, and Mother doesn't seem well. It is marvellous the way she keeps up. She is so brave. Ruth seems very poorly indeed. Frank and Robin went to Aunt Gertie's to dinner, and I went up afterwards with Margaret. In the evening Mother said that Father made her a long political speech—except for one or two mistakes really a good one. Then he said 'Is there anyone else who wants to speak?' She said, 'It is late, and I think the meeting had better come to a close' and he was quite content. Called me 'darling' . He is always pleased to see the children.

I forgot to say that last Monday, as he seemed better for a bit, we took the children driving, Mother taking us, to see Aunt Hope and then to Cousin Jeannie's where Olga and her children are staying. Very nice visit. Robert and Margaret were so good, especially as they had tea in the nursery and I hadn't taken Kate, but they behaved so well with the strange nurse.

Aug 18^th

Father very confused and extremely difficult to understand. I found once he wanted a very old cane out of his wardrobe. Bertha came over for the day, arriving with Evie at 11.30, the latter just got to England. Evie, Frank and I went to Sadie's Wedding. Poor Ruth too ill to go. Very nice and simple, but muddly, and Sadie and Guy dreadfully sentimental, always holding each other's hands. Had a muddle over their rings in the Meeting. Sadie got in long before the bridesmaids and Guy never stood up. Afterwards to the Assembly Rooms. Nice tea and ices. Sadie and Guy went off to catch 4.30 train to London. Poured afterwards. Hugh to supper. Charles for a call.

Aug 19^th

Frank and I took the children to the park; fed ducks and all went in the maze. Poured coming back, but lovely afternoon, only very windy. Dr thought Father so ill this morning that he told Evie she ought not to go away to-morrow; thinks he had a cerebral infusion in the night. However all day Father gradually improved. I took Margaret in after tea and he knew her and said 'She is canny' , but she is rather frightened of him. Then I took Bobbo who hugged Father, and said 'What's Gackie poorly for' , and showed him his 'puffer-train' . Father always seems delighted to see him. He got up to-day and dressed and sat in a chair—he will do it, and I think it's good for him. I didn't see him then. He often asks for Mother and to-day he kissed her hand. He knew me too, and Frank and said 'Well, Frank is a nice name.'

Ernest, Elsa and Erica arrived about 4.30. Unhappily he didn't know them. Ernest and Elsa are staying at Aunt Gertie's. Erica and Bobbo had a bath together. Ruth still in bed. She has moved into the dressing room so Bobbo has to sleep on sofa in our room. How Robert and Margaret love the garden and the swing. Baby roars with laughter when I give her one on my knee, and she is so plucky and rolls down the little hills.

Aug 20^th

At last we got a ½ water bed for Father and I think he seemed more comfortable and slept more. His side had begun to hurt. He always lies on his right side and it must make it sore. He likes a good many drinks, sometimes has tea in the evening. To-day he said it was 'glorious' . He has begun to be much more quiet—has left off picking at the bed clothes and searching for things, and can speak quite plainly again. I think it was last Wednesday when Mother was with him that he made a long political speech, most of it really good she said, about peace and war, temperance, etc, and not breathlessly said. He ended with; ' Is there anyone else who wishes to address the meeting?' , so she said 'It is very late and I think the meeting had better close' , and he was quite content.

Robin has been so happy playing in the garden with Elsa and Erica. Mother said to me to-day, 'Doesn't he look well?' and I said 'It suits him splendidly being here.' We played at throwing a ball and he had lots of swings (baby loves the swing too) till he seemed suddenly tired and I took him in. After he had gone to bed at about 20 to 10.0 I heard him cry, and rushed upstairs, but Kate went also and said he was alright. When we went to bed at 10.30 he was awake and evidently very feverish, so I gave him 2 drops of aconite and put him in the bed to sleep with me. He could not sleep and during the night I gave him 2 more drops of aconite at last at 3 a.m. he dropped off, but woke at 5.0 again and hardly slept any more. In the morning I took his temp and found it just over 102˚, so I did not let him get up, but gave him a little milk and toast in bed. Frank and I had been going to Aunt Hope's to dinner on the Sunday, Aug 21^st, but I would not go, so Evie said she would go instead of me, and Frank went off to Meeting. After breakfast Robin begged so hard to get up and to have his white dress on, that at last I let him and took him downstairs where he sat quite happily on my knee looking at pictures. When Dr Stewart and Dr Hall came Mother asked me if I would like Dr S to look at Robert and I said 'no' , as he seemed much better. Once or twice I noticed he gave a sort of twitch or jump on my knee. Evie came into the dining room and we talked, and I was just saying to her, 'Do look at Robert, he is giving such funny twitches' when he began having a fit. I was terrified and could do nothing, but hold him on my knee, while Evie rushed for Dr. S who fortunately was still here. He put him flat on the sofa and watched him and he soon came round and then dozed for a few mins, while Dr S and Dr Hall and the rest of us watched him. I longed for Frank. Dr S then sent for a powder for him and was so kind. I put him to bed, and he gave the powder. He says one should give a hot bath for fit if bad. Also that often temperature rises if digestion is wrong and that a good dose of castor oil, (2 teasp or more for child like Robert), may be given with advantage.

Frank came home about 3.0 and was very sweet. Robert would not let me leave him. About 8.30 the powder acted and Dr S who came again later on and saw the result said it was no doubt due to accumulation that Robert had had the fit (though he had not seemed constipated). If this is true, it is rather a relief. We just gave Robert drinks of water, or milk and barley water, during the day and night. He slept fairly well, and was much better on:-

Aug 22^nd

Mother and Evie have been so kind and I was so sorry to give this extra trouble just now. Evie and her family departed for Coldingham. After Dr S came he said Robert might get up, and I took him in go-cart in garden and in afternoon he had a long sleep and went early to bed. I took him in to see Gackie who said 'My sweet boy,' twice. When Robert called out 'Goodbye' he said 'Is he going' and I said 'yes, for a little walk,' so he said' Tell him I hope he' ll have a nice one.' Once when I went in to the room he looked up, and said 'Mary, canny' , and when I took baby in, he tried to play with a watch chain she was holding. One day he put his hands as if he was trying to 'here's the church, here's the steeple' for her, and this was when he was very ill. After we had had dinner (late) Mother and I were with Father, and he wouldn't have his. He said 'I will not' with some of his old vigour. Mother said once to-day he did not know her—for the first time. He knew Frank and me to-night and said he was so tired. I spoke of Bobbo's being tired and he said 'He is a canny lad' . I said Bobbo wanted him to get better to play with him and he said 'so does Gackie badly.' Late in the evening he looked at me with a twinkle in his eye and said, 'Art thou going to 'bee bee' ? (bed) and said 'goodnight, hinny, sleep well' . One day he asked Bobbo if he had liked the letter he had written him shortly before we left home (between Woodhouse and this illness).

Aug 23^rd

Father rather restless last night, but has had no morphia the last few nights. He asked to-day what day it was, or what day of the month, I don't know which. Frank and I took the children in 2 go carts to top of Lobley Hill. Margaret is very cross—perhaps getting a tooth. Then Frank and I went to town. In evening when Robert was in bed I said 'Wilt thou send they love to Aunt Evie?' He said 'yes' . 'Wilt thou send thy love to Elsa and Erica?' 'No' . 'Won't thou?' 'I want to keep my love, I want my love for Mother' .

Aug 24^th

I sat by Father for a good bit. Aunt Hope came up to see him and when she got up to go, he said 'Don't go' and begged her to stay. It was very pathetic to hear him say 'I don't care about anything except to go home.' He thinks he is not at home, and yet he remarks on his 'pretty room' and the portraits and he knows all of us generally. Bobbo wouldn't kiss him to-day and I think he was rather vexed, for when Bobbo turned on the electric light he told him not to, and I thought it rather a good sign.

Very suddenly Frank and I, as the day had improved, decided to go to Blanchland, so took small knapsack between us and left by 2.12 train for Riding Mill. Started from there at 3.0—it looks just the same as years ago—and at once got on the wrong road, and by dint of trespassing were hardly on the high road at all, but went through lovely woods, fields etc to Healy Hall, then along the road a bit, struck off over fields to the Coal Pit and then on to the road over magnificent moors with splendid far-reaching views. It was fine, but my mind dwelt much on Bensham. We had one terrific shower, otherwise it was a beautiful evening. Got to Blanchland about 7.15. It is, I believe, 16 years since I was there, and it looks exactly the same, except that the Lord Crewe Arms has been altered a little inside. We had high tea and played games by a roaring fire.

Aug 25^th

Fine morning, but disimproved. Started about ¼ to 10.0 and came back to Shotley Bridge. The first part over moors to Edmundbyers glorious, the rest of the way not as nice as from Riding Mill. At Ed. Byers got biscuits and chocolate, all we had to eat. Near there we met Willy Ede, Beatrice and Oswald, a dear little boy, in the motor car. 2 or 3 miles from Shotley Bridge it began to pour. Got the 3.30 home and found things pretty much the same—children all right.

Aug 26^th

Mother and I went a drive along the old coach road. Cold and windy, but still we enjoyed it. The weather is very blustery and cold and wet.

Aug 27^th

Frank and I went by 2.12 to Stocksfield. Delightful visit. Laurie and Gertie there, and we played hide and seek in the hay with Molly, Colin and Esther. Came back laden with peaches, ripe figs for Father, grapes etc.

Aug 28^th Sunday

Mother came to Meeting for 1^st time for ages; she hardly ever leaves Father. She did get a warm welcome. Aunt Gertie spoke, also Frank. Aunt Hope said it was most interesting and well put and she wished they always had Frank there. Father seems a good deal clearer. Yesterday he got out of bed when Frank and I were helping him and he fell, but fortunately did not get hurt. Ruth and Frank sang in evening. Ruth sang 'When will you come again my faithful Johnny?' and a beautiful thing from Freischutz.

Aug 29^th

Played in garden with children. Afternoon to town. Father sat in chair in bedroom a bit. He is much more like his old self; did the 1d trick for Robin (transferring from one hand to another), and seeming so pleased to see the bairnies. Frank and Ruth went to see 'Candide' .

Aug 29^th

Left Bensham with much sorrow. Kate went back to York. Granny picked Robert some lovely flowers, and gave the children a bucket, spades, a beautiful boat to sail or run on the sands, and gave us fruit too. We left by 3.55 train, Daisy meeting us just before, both children being delighted to see her, and got to Chathill at 5.5. Gave children a meal in the train. Motor car met us (advance of times!) and cart for luggage. Baby mystified with car. Robert loved it and laughed at the hooting. Came the 3 miles in about 8 mins to C/and Mrs Hall, Alexandra House, Beadwell. Baby fell at once on the road and went head over heels and scratched her dear little face. She was tired out before we got her to bed. Robert sleeps in bed with Daisy, and Margaret in cot in their room. Frank and I went a walk to explore the sands and shop. There is only 1 shop, and it is very difficult to get what one wants.

Aug 31^st

At last a lovely day though windy. Met Leila Ashford (Allbusen) who lives here. Took children with Daisy to the sand and they were so happy. Baby put her little feet in the water and watched the waves come over them. Managed to get some herrings for dinner. Great difficulty to get eggs or meat! The sands are about 7 mins off, through a nice field. We face the Cheviots from our nice sitting room, but can see the sea too. The children see it from their nursery. Frank and I saw the herrings being dried for kippers. There is a bathing house and we had a nice, but very cold bathe. Rather shallow. Hardly a soul about. Afternoon we explored the promontory and rocks. The herring boats are so pretty. Prof Sampson and family arrived for rest of house.

Sept 1^st

Lovely, still warm day. Frank and I started before 10 and walked along hard sands of Beadwell Bay, then over to road for short way, then along jolly path at top of sand hills through bracken and wild geranium to Dunstanburgh. Very fine cliffs and more of castle remaining than I remembered. We found an ideal place for a bathe—deep clear water and flat rocks to undress on sheltered at one side. Unfortunately some people arriving at the Castle made me have to jump into my clothes. There are heaps of jelly fishes! Ate sandwiches and saw castle. Walked home inland over fields. About 13 miles in all I think. I was tired. Tea and played with children. Read. I get very sleepy about 9.0. Slept from 10.30–7.0, such a nice long night!

Sept 2^nd

Rather a better account of poor Evie who is in lodgings at Coldingham. Pouring. In afternoon started for walk with children and it soon faired up. After tea took them to the sands.

Sept 3^rd

Quite a gale and rather cold. At about 5.30 started for an hour's sail with Robin. Great fun though just before the end he was beginning to feel sea-sick. He was so good and sat quite still watching the great waves. A very nice, talkative young sailor took us. He had to row us back. He wouldn't give a charge, but seemed satisfied with 1/-.

Sept 4^th Sunday

Read and had a hymn with Robin. Beautifully sunny, but terrific wind. Frank and I walked to Tughall, where there are slender remains of the oldest church in Northumberland. Afternoon took Robin to rocks and stood on them while tide came up. Pretty good waves.

Sept 5^th

At last calm and not so cold. Frank and I walked to Seahouses. Fishy, but quite nice shops. Jolly pier—lots of Scotch fishermen about, going home. End of herring season—it has been a bad one. Good view of Farnes. One of lighthouses is shortly to be uninhabited and a light to burn there day and night. It is a pity. Unsuccessful quest for eggs. Got a few on way home at cottage near lovely old house—Anstead. Afternoon sent Daisy out and took children to sands. For 1^st time got Robert to have shoes and socks off and plodge. Undressed baby and she ran into sea, but did not have a real bathe. She is plucky and looks lovely in red jersey, navy blue knickers and tiny sandshoes. Had tea on sands,—bringing tea ready made from house. Baby became a mixture of sand and jam, for she would drop her bread into the sand. She can drink alone now, and eat very nicely if she chooses. Bobbo's boat (from Granny) goes beautifully on the sand by itself. The children love it. Went back in time for bed, and I put them both to bed.

Sept 6^th

Walked 3 miles to Chathill station and got the 10.12 train to Beal. Very dull, cold day. Took shoes and socks off and walked across to Holy Island. Ate sandwiches, called on Mrs Geo Wilson and I introduced Frank; then to Priory which took a long time, for old man who showed us round was so interesting and amusing. It did look beautiful. Monastic buildings, one could see the brick oven, part of stairs leading to dorter, a monk's coffin built in the wall, and so on. Then to Castle, but had not time to go inside. Got a boat to come back in, and sailed part way to Beal. Caught 5.56 home. Mrs Sampson said Robin looked out for me all day and I heard him tell someone, as he went downstairs next morning before breakfast 'Muvver's come back now' . He is most loving, always wanting to give me the first and last kiss, and wanting to hold my hand. He and baby are very friendly with the Sampsons. Robert often says to Mrs S 'what are you doing?' If we go a walk without him he always says when we come back 'have you brought me any flowers?' They look so well here and have splendid appetites.

Sept 7^th

Bathed before breakfast. Played on sands with children and got even Bobbo to plodge and baby to run into sea naked. Went on rocks with Bobbo and watched waves. He loves getting surrounded.

Sept 8^th

Afternoon at 2.0 all drove in phaeton to Bamborough, 5 miles. A lovely sunny afternoon and sea so blue, which it rarely has been, here. Children and Daisy drove back; we went round Castle Grounds, and got into Hall of Keep, saw the well, 150 ft deep. I thought much of being there with Father and Arnold on Jubilee Day in 1897—how happy it was. The Castle has been enormously enlarged, and I think rather spoiled. We saw Dorothy Forster's 'Manor House' , then got nice tea at Crewe Arms, and walked back along sands, finding nice shells, nearly to Sea-houses, then on road. Frank and I are reading Dorothy Forster aloud.

Sept 9^th

Sept 10^th

Warm, but dull and no view. Frank and I walked by Chathill and Ellingham on to moors, ate sandwiches, saw Cheviots and sea (but not well), walked down to Rayheugh, and saw over the Farm, and the outside of the dear old cottage—Mrs Robson very cordial—walked down to Newham and back by Heetham and Swinhoe in time for tea here at 5.0 and just before it began to pour. Last 3 miles made painful by blisters, but it was a jolly walk. I thought much of Ernest, and the happy times we had a Rayheugh.

Sept 11^th Sunday

Very cold and rained a bit. Sandals a blessing with sore feet. Had to have a fire to-day, and it was nice. Frank, Robin and I had a tiny service together. I think he likes it. I went to church and then Frank and I called on the Vicar and his wife—Adamsons—as they had been to see us. They come from Sunderland. Baby not very well.

Sept 12^th

Frank's birthday and Mother's. A better day, but cold. Baby better. In afternoon she and Robin plodged. How she loves running into the waves, but after a bit she tumbled on her face. She didn't mind a bit, but cried a little when I sent her out to go home, for she had got wet, though fortunately not very, as the waves had receded. She will miss the 'doo doo doos' (cocks and hens) for she loves them so. She has learnt to say many words since coming here. Frank, Robert and I went to the point to watch the waves. At 6.0 o' clock Frank and I went again. They were fine, racing up the long flat rocks on one side of the cliffs. We have paid here £2.10.0. weekly for 2 sitting rooms and 2 bedrooms and linen and attendance, and have been very comfortable, and Mrs Hall cooks quite well. We have a jolly sitting room with large windows looking out towards Cheviot—can see the sea from a side window, and go through a field to the sand-hills (5 or 7 mins walk). The sands are splendid and there are rocks too.

Sept 13^th

Left in the motor car at 10 mins to 8.0. As we got near Newcastle baby was sleepy, but wouldn't go to sleep and yelled for a long time. Got there about 10.0 and Frank waited for Bensham train with cot, but Daisy, I and the children went out to Bensham by train [tram?], and the children were soon put to bed, Margaret in my old room in a bed for the first time. Mother had arranged it beautifully, but she looks ill. Father looks pretty well, and seemed quite to realize our having been to Beadwell, etc, but is often very confused. Left again at 20 mins to 2.0, got 2.8 and reached York at 4.0. Daisy wheeled baby, Robin, Frank and I drove home and Kate had everything very nice such a relief.

Sept 14^th

Sept 16^th

Sept 17^th

Bertha took poor Ruth to London and on 18^th she went into Nursing home. How we trust that this time she may be cured. We seem a 'wae growing crop' . Ruth had examination under chloroform. Evie is however beginning to be convalescent. Frank took Sunday Reading on 'Erasmus' .

Sept 19^th

Helen and Elsie Burtt and Mr Sturge to high tea. He went afterwards and we played cards.

Sept 20^th

Daisy's 21^st birthday—children give her a small brooch, I a backlooking glass with her initials in silver on it. I saw poor little Colin off to Colwell. If only Mabel were here for their sake.

Sept 21^st

Sept 23^rd

At 4.30 Ber, Bowes, Frank and I went lovely motor ride till 6.30 or ¼ to 7.0 about 40 miles, up Wigginton Road to Brandsly, round by Foss Pond, near moors, and beyond this is a piece of road like an alpine road, past Newbrough priory to Coxwold looking so pretty (I had not seen it since we were at Oldstead and so home.

Sept 24^th

Evie has had a slight set-back. Frank and I watched cricket match. Ber and Bowes and Betty to Bensham.

Sept 26^th

Frank and I to jolly dinner party at the Davies' to meet Percy Bigland. Sorensons there and a Miss Arundel. Singing and poker.

Sept 27^th

Poor Miss Crichton's funeral. Only about 6 of us there. I went with Edith Davies. Very nice service, but so pathetic. Evening Y.F.L.D.S. at Theo R's. I am sec. now. 4 very good holiday papers.

Sept 28^th

Frank and I had a set of tennis at Ber's. The weather is lovely and hot. Kath and Theo R., Frank and I had our 1^st Italian lesson with Miss Piggott (I've had some before I was married) Great sport.

Sept 30^th

I went to Bensham by early train. For the first time in my life I dreaded it, and Mother had gone for one night to Evie at Coldingham. However Father knew I was coming, and was so delighted to see me, holding my hand with his eyes full of tears. It was so pathetic. Mother arrived in afternoon.

Oct 1^st

A wearing day with Father, who got up and wanted to go into town, but Mother and I got some shopping done, and went to Laing Art Gallery.

Oct 3^rd

Mother and I to degree giving at College. Mr Dendy got his. Father much clearer this morning.

Oct 4^th

Afternoon Aunt Hope, who is so kind, drove Mother and me to Whickham. I left by 7.20 train, Father giving me his treasured cane for Bobbo. He had high tea with us. It was so nice. I feel dreadfully leaving him and Mother. He is so loving and sweet, but still thinks he is not at home. Edith Ericsson saw me off, and Frank met me at York, and I saw the bairnies at 10.0 and they seemed pleased to see me back. Robert said 'Don't leave me, mother.'

Oct 6^th

Oct 10^th

Oct 11^th

Bootham Ward Meeting. After an awful muddle Frank is allowed a 'walk over' . He had behaved splendidly all through, offering to retire at last moment if it would make things easier. So we will have an easy time, but a contest would have been better. I am amazed at the way he speaks, he does it so well, though I ought, perhaps, to have known he would.

Oct 12^th

Frank's last time of presiding as Clerk to the Monthly Meeting. He has been assistant for 2 years and Clerk for 2 years and done it so well. Harry Mennell was most tiresome to-day, and everyone said how well Frank did.

Oct 15^th

Ber motored me to Knaresborough to call on Miss Tennant and Miss Clark in their new house. Back by Wetherby, rather cold. Frank to great Liberal dinner at Station hotel, which Bowes gave. Ber and I to see marvellous Chinese Conjuror. Ber took Miss Boothman.

Oct 16^th Sunday

Frank and I to dinner at Ber's to meet Hamar Greenwood. He was immensely interesting and amusing. Says the Suffragettes have certainly helped on the cause.

Oct 17^th

Great Meeting in Festival concert Rooms and Bowes in chair. Packed. Bowes spoke, then Arnold R., then Bertha made presentation to Hamar Greenwood beautifully and got a great reception. He responded and made a splendid speech. I did enjoy the meeting, and felt proud of my family.

Oct 18^th

Y.F.L.D.S. at Bootham. Frank had to go and speak for Councillor Clarke, but I went and heard Philip Burtt on Great River Yangtse.

Oct 19^th

Economics Reading Circle at Mrs Walker's. Stupid meeting. Frank couldn't go. Bad weather last few days, but up till about a week ago we had not begun a fire!

Oct 21^st

Went to Bensham again, and found Father nearly alright again, has not had morphia since my last visit. It is such a joy. To town in afternoon for Mother to help me choose a skirt. She went to Peace committee in evening.

Oct 22^nd

Mother and I in evening to hear Mr Ure (Lord Advocate) at Heaton. Splendid clear speech on Budget and Free Trade. J.M. Robertson also spoke and Mr Shott who referred to Mother who was sitting beside him as 'in the presence of one who always inspires me' and then spoke about Women's Suffrage to which she converted him, for a minute or two.

Oct 23^rd

To Meeting. Thos. Pumphrey said Mother's bright face was like a sermon to him. Laurie spoke interestingly. Percy and little Rachel (8 or 9) to dinner and tea. Mother played with and read to Rachel. Lots of people to tea, and Father came in with us all—almost like old times.

Oct 24^th

Very dull, and inclined to rain, but Mother and I left directly after breakfast and went to Riding Mill, as she had a longing for the country to see the colour of the trees. Went a lovely 2 hrs drive in tub, round to Corbridge, across the river, back to Bywell and Stocksfield where we crossed again and came back to Corbridge. Had nice sandwiches, etc, and came back by 2.29 train. Colour was lovely, but sun was needed. Mother too much excited to sleep properly afterwards! Evening I went to magnificent concert Ysaye and Pugno, latter pianist. Glorious sonata by Schumann in D minor (together) and Kreutzer Sonata (Beethoven) and each played solos too. Nice to go to a swell concert and sit in good seats again!! Frank properly made a councillor to-day.

Oct 25^th

Mother and I made Christmas cake. Great success. I got back to York 9.30 pm. Frank met me and had put lovely carnations in my room.

Oct 29^th

Old Scholars football match. We went to the Tea. Concert in evening. Frank sang 'I arise from dreams of thee' , Phil the Fluter and Mat Hanningan's Aunt.

Margaret and Bobbo to Davie Crichton's birthday party. Baby had never been out before without either Daisy or me, and she cried a bit for Daisy, but was good on the whole. R. not a bit frightened of the fireworks and held some in his hand.

Nov 2^nd

Nov 3^rd

Nov 4^th

Nov 5^th

Saw Mother on her way from Scarborough where she had been staying since Wed. with Ruth. It was lovely to have her to tea, lovely is no word for it indeed. Davie C and Esther to tea in nursery and we had a few fireworks afterwards in yard.

Nov 7^th

I let Daisy go home for the day and had a heavy day with the children for Bobbo and I have got awful colds.

Nov 9^th

At 12.0 we went to the Council Chamber and sat here till after 2.30 feeling so hungry. I got a good seat and found it most interesting, though the votes of thanks at the end to ex-Lord Mayor, etc were wearisome. He called out to his wife across the room 'Now, my darling, shall I reply for you or will you reply for yourself' , and there was a roar of laughter. Some of other side wanted to turn Frank off Education Committee but the voting was 19 – 16, I think. Frank wore a gown! Then, after meeting over, we all went to Mansion House and got soup, etc. and then Bowes walked with us to the Mount and we called on the Sheriff—Mr Cammidge. The new Lord Mayor is Carter (a Butcher!) Italian lesson after all this!

Nov 10^th

Robin and I by 10.0 train to Scarborough to stay with Ruth at 7 Crown Terrace. Betty and her nurse met us. Robin went to bed, and Ruth, Betty and I went to watch the waves. Very fine and glorious sunshine. Ruth only very middling, and Robin and I have the remnants of very bad colds.

Nov 11^th

Nov 12^th

Robin and I went home arriving at 6.0. Ruth has been so kind, and it has been lovely to see her. Bedford for week-end.

Nov 13^th

Nov 15^th

Y.F.L.D.S. at Philip Burtts. Hugh said 'That few things blind mens' eyes to the truth more than formal membership of a political party' . Frank opposed it. Both spoke awfully well and were very amusing. Voting was surprising—about 27 – 13.

Nov 18^th

Nov 19^th

Nov 20^th

Robin has had cough for sometime and as he is feverish (101˚) I sent for Dr Fraser.

Nov 21^st

Nov 22^nd

R again in bed, but fever gone. Frank and I to Economic Reading Circle at Macdonalds. Frank spoke splendidly on 'The Meaning of Democracy' . All the week Robert was kept in the house, so I was a good deal tired.

Nov 28^th

Nov 29^th

Exciting meeting of Liberal 1000. Poor Bowes in great hot water, because there is to be no contest in York. He spoke very well indeed, and it was a comfort when it was over.

Dec 2^nd

Had a very successful party (much fear beforehand on my part!) Dr & Mrs Pierce, the Leonard Glaisby's, Edith Davies, Dr Fraser, Crichtons and Miss Gray. Right number! All came very swell. 7.30–10.0. Kate and Daisy did beautifully. Showed ladies into the nursery, which was made very nice with our bedroom looking glass. Daisy stood at top of stairs to show them in and Kate let them in at front door. Gentlemen then waited for ladies outside drawing room. Miss Gray arrived punctually, others a little later. I think about 8.0 we played musical game much shortened, then Miss Gray sang, L Glaisby played (I accompanied him) and Frank sang. I rang bell for Kate to make coffee about 10 to 9.0 and then we had supper. Menu was potted salmon sandwiches (1 plate) egg sandwiches (1 plate) 1½ doz sausage rolls, 1 doz mince pies, fruit salad, chocolate cream, charlotte russe, biscuits, rice cake, lemonade, coffee, jelly. The sandwiches, rolls and mince pies were nearly finished, also the creams. No one had jelly. Nearly everyone had 2 cups of coffee, and very few had lemonade. I got 1/6 cream for everything, and made everything before the proper day, so as to have plenty of time for doing flowers, etc. After supper we had more music and I played my pipes and everyone was so interested, and Mr Crichton played the mohammidan ones. They did not leave till after 10.0 p.m. and all said they had enjoyed it.

Dec 3^rd

Went by excursion at 1.30 to Scarborough taking Esther. Ruth seemed very pleased to see us. Left by 8.45 and got back at 10 p.m. Esther stayed the night. Frank was speaking with K.E.T.W. at Pickering. Great excitement over election results.

Dec 5^th

Katherine R. and I by 11.15 to Boston Spa to canvass. Much milder, though damp. Sandwiches in train. Walked to village and began canvassing about 1.0 and went on steadily till 4.0. Fair success, but people terrified of saying they were liberals. Delightful elderly lady—Mrs Wiles—took us to her house for tea, and Mr Gerald Simpson, a very nice young man (the rich young liberal of that part) kindly sent his dog cart to take us to station. Got home about 6.30.

Dec 6^th

Greenwood got in for Sunderland by 1697 majority. Hurrah! Liberal (Mr Shortt) and Mr Hudson in for Newcastle by large majority. It is exciting. Bertha and Bowes have been at Sunderland, Ber chaperoning Miss Margo Spencer!

Dec 8^th

Edna and I canvassed Hutton Le Hole. Very dreary and damp, but people so nice. One old man at Kirby Moorside said he heard Father at Cardiff 35 years ago!

Dec 9^th

I took Robin and Margaret by 12.50 all alone to Bensham. Changed at Durham and arrived Bensham at 3.0 in pouring rain. Lovely to see Father and Mother again, but the former seems weaker than when I was there last, and is wheeled from one room to another though he walks with difficulty, upstairs to bed. Baby and I are sleeping in Father and Mother's old room, Robert in my old room. Baby will climb into my bed in the mornings.

Dec 10^th

Mother and I took children to park. Afternoon drove to Quarries. Both very good.

Dec 11^th

Took R, M, to see Aunt Gertie who looked ill. Afternoon to park. Mr Dendy and others to tea. Father seemed very confused, often though never with the children.

Dec 12^th

R did not seem very well and would not go a walk in morning, but stayed in all alone. Afternoon Mother and I took both to Byker by train, but I brought them back alone. Mother got a night nurse again, just for the nights (2/6 a night and breakfast). She used to be at Workhouse and is married now. Seems nice. About 9.30 p.m. Robert cried and I found he was dreadfully sick. Took him to my bed, and we had very bad night. Feverish slightly in morning, so sent (Dec 13^th) for Dr Stewart and he said we had better not go home. I let him get up at tea time and he was very sick again—a great lump of curdled milk. He then seemed relieved, but we had the Dr again. When he felt R he said he was 'looking for pains' and R laughed and kept saying 'Have you found any pens yet?' Ruth came home about 4.0. It was very unfortunate Bobbo being poorly for the children have been so good and so happy. Nurse kindly took baby at night.

Dec 14^th

Left at 9.30, Mother seeing us off (then going to Office about the business). Managed well considering! Daisy and Frank met us, and children soon to bed. Next few days I was hunting for a temporary servant.

Dec 19^th

To Mount to see Junior School perform. Very charming. Dia beamed on everyone and sang out well. Esther didn't look well. Nurse said when R was poorly a week or two ago Father every day went into library about the same time to look at his photo and said 'Dear little chap, I hope you' re better' or something like that. Both children were gracious and loving to Gackie and Granny. If you say to Margaret 'love Gackie' she puts her cheek against his and says 'Ah, ah' . She does it to Frisk and says 'Ah,ah' !

Dec 24^th

Jeanie came. My nice maid Kate left and I got an old person called H.T. Chadwick from Bridlington temporarily, who at first seemed rather hopeless, but I've had such a bother to get anyone.

I forgot to say that last night (a nice mild night) the Crichtons, Frank and I went to sing carols at Burton Croft at 11 pm. Bowes had not gone to bed, but paid no attention, so I knocked at window and he was surprised. Children delighted with stockings. To Meeting as it was Sunday. All of us except old cook to Ber's to a beautiful dinner. They to us to tea—lovely Christmas tree—Margaret laughed with joy and the children danced round it singing Father's carols. Daisy put baby to bed and then I let her go out—the B's left soon after 6.0. Very happy day even though not at Bensham.

Dec 26^th

Frank, Jeannie and I to Coxwold, took sandwiches, walked by observatory (after losing way) to Oldstead hall. Nice to see Graingers and that place of memories again. Tea. Back about 6.0. Pouring rain, but had had a lovely day.

Contact me

This page was last revised on 2013-09-05.

1904–07 diary | 1911 diary | 1910-15 diary | Family history home page | Website home page

Diary, 1907–10

by Mary S.W. Pollard

Key

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.

1907

Easter Holidays

April 11th Thursday

April 12th Friday

April 13th Saturday

April 14th Sunday

April 15th Monday

April 16th Tuesday

April 17th

April 18th

April 19th

April 20th

April 21st Sunday

April 22nd

April 23rd

April 24th

April 25th

April 27th

April 28th Sunday

April 29th

April 30th

May 1st

May 2nd

May 3rd

May 4th

May 5th

May 6th

May 7th

May 8th

May 9th

May 10th

May 12th

May 13th and 14th

May 16th

May 17th

May 18th

May 19th Whitsuntide

May 20th

May 21st

May 22nd

May 24th

May 25th

May 26th Sunday

May 27th

May 28th

May 29th

May 30th

May 31st

June 1st

June 2nd Sunday

June 4th

June 5th

June 7th

June 11th

June 14th

June 17th

June 18th

June 19th

June 20th

June 21st

June 22nd

June 23rd Sunday

June 25th

June 28th

June 29th

July 1st Monday

July 3rd

July 6th

July 7th Sunday

July 8th

July 11th

July 12th

July 13th Sat

July 14th Sunday

July 15th

July 16th

April 11^th Thursday

April 12^th Friday

April 13^th Saturday

April 14^th Sunday

April 15^th Monday

April 16^th Tuesday

April 17^th

April 18^th

April 19^th

April 20^th

April 21^st Sunday

April 22^nd

April 23^rd

April 24^th

April 25^th

April 27^th

April 28^th Sunday

April 29^th

April 30^th

May 1^st

May 2^nd

May 3^rd

May 4^th

May 5^th

May 6^th

May 7^th

May 8^th

May 9^th

May 10^th

May 12^th

May 13^th and 14^th

May 16^th

May 17^th

May 18^th

May 19^th Whitsuntide

May 20^th

May 21^st

May 22^nd

May 24^th

May 25^th

May 26^th Sunday

May 27^th

May 28^th

May 29^th

May 30^th

May 31^st

June 1^st

June 2^nd Sunday

June 4^th

June 5^th

June 7^th

June 11^th

June 14^th

June 17^th

June 18^th

June 19^th

June 20^th

June 21^st

June 22^nd

June 23^rd Sunday

June 25^th

June 28^th

June 29^th

July 1^st Monday

July 3^rd

July 6^th

July 7^th Sunday

July 8^th

July 11^th

July 12^th

July 13^th Sat

July 14^th Sunday

July 15^th

July 16^th

July 17^th

July 18^th

July 19^th

July 20^th

July 21^st Sunday

July 29^th