Cherry Tree Farm

Blyford

Friday Morn

 

My dearest old darling,

 

I’ve just got back from Halesworth, whence I walked to send you the telegram Mr Larter had started when I received your letter & when I spoke to her about it, she said the ‘boy could take’ it between 11 & 12 – well that meant 1 oclock at Halesworth so I hurried up & walked here myself. It was dreadfully hot & I feel a bit tired.

However, I’m glad I went myself, the boy was asleep, & her children were out, so I knew he would not be contaminated by them. Since you have been absent I’ve never once except this morning, left him. He has been with me at meals, & in fact has not been out of my arms, I might say.

Well dear, old man, are you surprised at my decision not to come on Saturday. You see I argued this way. Mrs L asked me when I was going as she had had an application for the rooms. Glad of the opportunity I answered as you instructed me; upon which she said she hoped I wouldn’t hurry away, as she could just as well keep them waiting, as they her. This being the case. I thought it would be 8/5 ½ needlessly spent, as in two more days I should be home for good; and jolly glad, too. I miss you most in the evening about 7 I begin to feel dreadful – in fact a good blowing up (from you only) would be almost welcome. I don’t like that Larter woman, she tries to put on a pleasant exterior, but she doesn’t always succeed.

Last night again, he said would I like to go for a drive - & she said ‘we couldn’t go tonight, the pony had had a hard day’ to which he assented. Perhaps it was true, for one of their horses got stuck in the river but still – you know.

I wish you could come down I judge by your letter that you cannot get leave. Couldn’t you come even on Monday night. If you cannot come & fetch us, we shall come on the Wednesday by the 3.37 train (that is right, isn’t it) or do you think an earlier one? When you send, please don’t forget to send key of hamper, or I cannot lock it. It will come in a letter all right, if you wrap it up in a piece of blotting paper.

Did you read the Brentford letters fancy they are going away. I wonder how many hrs they waited for me. I am rather surprised at my mother asking such a thing – I did not pay any attention to Winnie, but my mother.

I, Georgina E. M. J. Hockley, voluntarily & of my own free will, agree to relinquish all & every claim against my husband, Arthur Hockley, for maintenance, housing, clothing, 7 anything whatsoever; & I hereby further agree not to molest, annoy or do anything whatever to whoch he can take objection, & that on account of my being gully able to earn my own living, & in order to be fully & entirely free of my husband.

Dated this 14^th day of May 1894

½ a letter only here – sorry L

 

……..who generally in the end got sent to bed, where old Win, faithful little ally used to bring her sweets & books.

I want to impress upon you this. That I am not forced to write this letter – I can choose another course if I will – but , - I have told you.

Now farewell (Win – Lycidas dead, dead ere his prime!) a long farewell goodbye! Good bye!

Georgie Hockley

Envelope dated August 1895

Posted from Boston

 

Mr Hockley

Bobbing

Nr Sittingbourne

Kent

 

Dear Arthur

I will see alone if you wish if you will find the house over cut the bridge left hand side from the Station against the hill

 Your affection

Mother F Hockley

Apologies for being away so long... I can see that people are still looking at and following this blog, so all the more reason to continue with it.
Please keep reading, and do feel free to share your thoughts with me.

There's a good one coming up soon....!

Mx

Envelope dated May 24 1895 posted from Sittingbourne

 

A Hockley Esq

44 Eleanor Road

Romford Road

Stratford

London E

 

Friday

8.30am

 

My dearest Old Man, 

Just me: ‘schoolmiss’ bless but no letter – did you not get one from me last Monday night – I posted at 9 in the morning – Are you ill? – in great suspense – perhaps you are coming tomorrow? Please write at once. Artie all right. Fondest love

Georgie

Bobbing

Friday

My dearest old man,

Yours just to hand – Of course come on Saturday, we shall be thankful to see you – I only thought Sunday because I was afraid it would be too much to expect you on Saturday. Artie is no better, his other ear is coming bad, & though he is very good, & in more ways than one, you have reason to be proud of his sense & presence of mind, yet if you only know how ill it makes me to stand & bathe his poor ear & how I worry over it night & day, I’m sure you would be really sorry. The people have been so kind, when they knew the girl had gone off, several of the mothers send word to say, if their little girls were of any use, I was to make them do the work which I thought very nice. If I’m able to meet you I shall be at the station but if not there come right on – you’ll have to drive – there is no one I could send at present – all so busy fruiting. You must not be annoyed dear, but I had bespoken last week a fowl & put it off so I don’t like to again but shall have it ready for Saturday, not Sunday, plain joint then.

Fondest love from both

Georgie

Great haste.

Please bring a few very small staples for arties coal truck, the wheel comes out. Arties message.

Sorry I've been quiet for so so long.

Things are a lot calmer for me now, so watch this space while I catch up with the rest of my life and get some letters on here for you to read!

M x

****Part 2****

I’ve had 3 answers so far to the schools (4) that I applied for last Friday. One, the best from a monetary point of view is near Gainsborough, the worst feature is that the vicar wants a mistress to be general factotum , another at Exeter, another on the North York’ Moors. A school of some description I must get  - though you know where I’d rather be – the further away from Brentford the better it will be, for what you always said, & what I never really believed till now, I have proved to be true.

Indeed, the animus toward you, on my father’s part & sister’s also, extend even towards the child & myself – because he is your child & because I will not take certain steps that they (ie my father & sister) wish.

Since they know that I really am homeless & penniless, they are altered & my sister  especially has been very obnoxious. She has tried on every possible side to make mischief & has lectured the boy as much as she dare. One day last week she threatened to thrash him & box his ears. Isuppose she is afraid we might come in for some of the property if we were too well liked. You may be sure I let her touch him, oh! yes. Twice. I gave her such a doing, that she’s been quiet since.

But as I told my mother (who is the only one who remains the same to me) when once I go from Highclere, I shall never put my foot inside again while my father & sister are there.

Ah! What you said was true – my father hates you dreadfully, & if he could harm you in any way I know he would – he promised me the best solicitor in town if I would only do as he wished – but as he rightly said “You know Georgie, I am powerless to act unless you do” Then when I utterly & decidedly refused to so anything of the sort & said I only wished you’d let me come home, why of course the fat’s been in the fire ever since & by now its beginning to smell nasty.

If it turns out to be Gainsborough, we shant be so very far from Lincoln, shall we? & if ive got to live away from you, I’d rather be in Lincolnshire than anywhere; but oh my dear darling old man, don’t you really think you could begin to think about forgiving me, though I know it is a good deal to ask.

Now I’ve got to answer those blessed old letter, so I must stop, though I really feel as if I could say a lot more. What would I not give if I could only see you-----

Believe me to be.

Always your loving wife

Georgie Hockley

fac·to·tum (f k-t t m) 

An employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities.

an·i·mus ( n -m s)

1. An attitude that informs one's actions; disposition.

2. A feeling of animosity; ill will. See Synonyms at enmity.

3. In Jungian psychology, the masculine inner personality as present in women.





****Hello All. What can I say - life caught up with me these last few weeks. Here's a little bit to get you going****

(Part1)

Brentford

Sep: 6^th 1898

My dearest husband,

I wonder where you are & what you’re doing? I had such a vivid dream about you last night. I thought you were going away for a year & that you were saying goodbye to me – you weren’t angry, but just the dear old man you can be if you will. I saw you so plainly, & heard you talking & saw your old face & just as I woke up, I remember hearing you laugh & say ‘You Naughty Jane’. It was so real that I was quite a long time before I could believe it only a dream.

My dearest, if you only know how I long to come home. You know how I used to hate the old scrubbing; well I’d come & scrub cheerfully now – though I suppose that nice new pail & scrubbing brush which I bought for a treat is a slight behold now. What with old stewell & that other old man & the old woman careering round oh! dear oh!  …………………………

Sorry everyone - been another manic week for me :( Do please keep checking this page and I'll be back with you very soon x

***Part 3***

Seven years ago tonight you took me for a drive – the old nurse too - & we called at the ‘Cat’ don’t you remember - & then on the Thursday the boy was born, & do you remember how you beat up that old egg, & how – oh! You were very good, why are you not like it now? Then on the Sunday you blew me up & made me cry, like an old horror that you are.

My dear old man, my feelings towards you are not changed one bit, however much yours may be towards me – whatever you said or did to me, I shall always love you – things might come to such a pitch that I could not stand it for a little time – but I do not change .

The boy sent his love, I was in two minds to bring him, but I wasn’t sure of your being in, in fact, I half thought you might have gone to Boston. Mind you if he had come, & seen & heard that dreadful monstrosity, I’m sure he would have given her “beans”. My dear I cannot accuse you of having chosen her for her beauty – hithero I have always admired your taste. That’s only fun, you know, neither malice nor insolence – Please write to me, am in hurry to catch poste – much love.

Always Yours

Georgie

Don’t think hard things – try to remember anything good of me I always think of the good parts of you.

***Part 2***

…………..I waited till the 7.17 & didn’t get back here until 10 oclock, & as I don’t feel particularly strong I am knocked up this morning rather – the affair altogether did me up – it made my heart beat so dreadfully & I felt faint & sock with the excitement, & how I managed to get here at all is a marvel to me.

My dear husband I must see you – why not? You are surely not going to shirk your responsibility, are you, with regard to myself & the boy?

I had a good school & gave it up as I thought, at your desire – now I am absolutely penniless, with at the present time, nothing whatever in view. Another thing, I suffer so much from terrible headache & that deadly faintness, that I could not take a school where the salary wold be much – I must take a very small one, & that means small money.

Apart from this side of the question why cannot we have done some quarrelling for my part, I am ready to acknowledge to you, (not your caretakers mind) all & anything that I did wrong. You know as well as I do, that my conscience is a very tender one, & that it will when I have done wrong smite me sooner or later………

Part1...... Mr H really is awful!

Highclere

Brentford

Aug 3rd 1898

My dearest Husband,

I cannot understand at all the behaviour of your caretakers to me yesterday when I came home. that they were not speaking the truth I soon discovered for one contradicted the other. You know the state of mind & body I was in when I came to Brentford, so that I can see no reason at all why you should have given these people orders that Mrs Hockley was on no account to be admitted. Neither can I in any way fathom what that 'wonderful & awful apparition' who opened the door meant when she hinted mysteriously that people soon get to know secrets. Secrets! What secrets! - I've no secrets. as I told her. Of course I recognised that pair - the French maid next door used to be very friendly with the old man last year when they took care of Francis' place. Whether the old man got mixed up or not I cant say but this is what he said to me when I went again - 'Mr H said he didnt think it could be Mrs H who called because she said in her let that she should never trouble him (Mr H) again.' and he also said that he understood you to say you answered that letter which of course you never have. why my dear old soul, I never said anything of the kind, I said I could not understand a loveless miserable life such as I had been leading, again, & I said if you desired that we should live separately I would agree to that properly & legally drawn up..................

Hello to you all!

I just thought I woud update you with a few stats. To date this Blog has had 708 views, and the audience from:
UK
USA
Russia
Eire
Germany
Spain
Portugal
Canada &
Italy

UK at the top so far with 569 views leading down to Italy with 1 :(

Please keep reading and apologies for gaps, but those of you who kow me well, know that I have literally be snowed under these past few months, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the time each day to copy out these letters.

Mags

****Part 3****

…………………………But 'old times are gone, old manners changed' & for a very long time now, things have been very bad - & it seems to me that the sooner things are definitely decided the better it will be for both of us. You so often told me to 'clear out' that I have almost grown to believe you really meant it, but at the same time you must quite understand that I am perfectly willing & ready to come home the moment you want me. - the fact of your wanting me would be sufficient guarantee that you still had my welfare at heart a little - you see I do not take it into account that I might also be useful in the house. If there is anything you want done that I can do, I will gladly do it, or as I said before, if you care about me enough to want me at Roslyn I will come, or if you would rather we lived apart I will acquiese in that also, of course properly agreed to & conditionally - I cannot say fairer. I know my dear husband I am tired & spent & a little hysterical too, with the writing of this, because my thoughts will run on, & so goodbye, my dear (shall I say it, yes this once anyway) 'old man'.

Yours as ever

Georgie

There is one thing that I have felt glad about, though it may perhaps seem a little thing to you, the boy never forgets you in his prayers

ac·qui·esce ( k w - s )

intr.v. ac·qui·esced, ac·qui·esc·ing, ac·qui·esc·es

To consent or comply passively or without protest

Part 2

****More new words I've learnt in this letter****

…………………………I felt that my strength was giving way, & indeed it did - & I knew that things would never alter unless they were brought to a conclusion by some means or other.

Now my dear husband, I am well enough to come home, & in a few days Artie will also be able to travel. Are you ready for us? You see, my dear, I should never dream of asking such a question, but you have so often told me 'that I was of no earthly use to you' that it is perhaps as well to do so. I have an ever present idea that you would prefer me to be away, & I am the last person in the world to force myself upon anyone. In fact, I could not stand again the loveless miserable life I led for months at Woodford - I had none of a wife's privileges, not one single right that belongs to a wife. I simply bore the title 'Mrs Hockley' - to all other intents & purposes, I might have been an outsider.

The worst feature of the affair was, that the bearing of the title no sinecure - it entailed much suffering, many troubles, great sorrow. But I am not going to enter into all that - you know 'as we sow, so we reap' - & we both of us know exactly what happened, the cause thereof, & the results. Every single detail of what took place during those dreadful months & weeks is deeply imprinted imprinted on my memory, I have lain & thought over it, until I felt I was going silly with the horror of it. I have gone over all your the letters you wrote me just 8 years ago to the very date, & oh the sentiment contained in them is so different from that shown in the recent relationship between us. It will soon be the boys birthday too, & I keep going over the different things that happened just before he was born - I remember you were very kind just then - on & off you were 'squibbish' you know & a bit 'sky-rocketty', but you didn't continue it & I felt you cared, & that at the bottom you were 'real gold' & I loved you for it all, how much, only you & myself can possibly know. ............

si·ne·cure (s n -ky r , s n -)

n.

1. A position or office that requires little or no work but provides a salary.

2. Archaic An ecclesiastical benefice not attached to the spiritual duties of a parish.

***Apologies that I've been quiet for so long, with a little bit of 'gentle' prompting from the lovely Beth, I though it best to find some time! Here's the first part of another long letter***

***Seems weird in the first part of this letter that Woodford is referred to as a Village***

Brentford

July 25^th 1898

My dear husband,

I should no doubt have written to you before this, but until about three weeks ago, I was far too poorly to do so. A fortnight ago last Friday I came to Woodford, but did not feel strong enough to stay – I found that measles was much about the village, indeed they were closing the schools that very day on account of it - & a few days after Artie was sickened for it & got through it very nicely, with up to the present, no complication at all. Of course, now, there is no infection, else I should not have written, & I am being careful to keep him out of draughts etc, so I do not apprehend any further trouble,

I hope you found the little note I left for you on 31^st May, it was in the back bedroom.

I am sure that my coming away for a bit was the very wisest thing to do under the circumstances – at any rate it put a stop to that dreadful ‘reign of terror’ which was endured in our house for so long, & which had wrought much havoc upon the nervous system of both yourself & myself…………………

Roslyn

Claremont grove

Woodford

13^th May 1898

My dear husband,

I am sorry to find that my forbearance & silent endurance this past week has not produced a better & kindlier spirit in you, sorry to see that there is no shame or repentance for the months of inconvenience & suffering I have borne since we have been in this house only.

Remember if you have worked hard, so have I, as those who have seen me at work can testify - & also that for nearly nine months I have earned my own living - & now, when I have given up that living at your request  you calmly refuse to maintain either myself od the child, and you can sail out in the morning & leave us to obtain our dinner from anyone who is charitable enough to give us one, knowing you can get yours comfortably enough in town.

Now it is the end of the week again & I am in the same predicament as I was last Saturday, & I must take the same means of making provision.

I wish to be candid, to give you no grounds for your usual accusation – on Saturday last I borrowed the money to telegraph to my parents that they must either bring or send me money & of course my mother brought it & whatever we have had for our dinner I have provided with that money.

The account that is running at Mrs Chapman’s by no means provides us with suitable living – could you live on bread & butter & tea, or rather do you?

You are no doubt full of dark & bitter thoughts against myself, - take a little while to think over your own shortcomings & failure, search your own heart & see what it reveals.

Yours sorrowfully

Georgie Hockley

On a scrap of envelope is written in pencil..

You say that you have no money. I do not believe you. However, I leave you some as the butchers shop is not yet open I find

The Last part of this letter........

P.S.

The enclosed came this morning (Thursday) I opened it because I thought it would be better for forwarding, & I thought you would not mind as I already know of the matter.

Artie has got diarrhoea shall I give him castor oil or not? He is rather nasty tempered – perhaps it would do him good. I don’t want to weaken him either.

Part 2

So.. still all terribly sociable. Artie doesn’t seem so well, and there is a new name ‘Bell’.

…………………. Mrs Jeffrey came over & enquired after you. Oh! & Mrs Robins came over tonight in consequence of what I said to Bell & said how sorry she was to have appeared rude or unkind.

Dr. Marmion came yesterday but as Artie was asleep would not have him disturbed. He said eczema should be kept as dry as possible, no water at all when the ‘weeping’ produced scab, that should be moistened with sweet ril until the scab could be gently lifted off with a piece of white paper, i.e. an envelope. I told him the ear seemed to be progressing most favourably & that if I required him I would send for him; at the same time I asked him to rate the medicine as if I found the boy wanted a tonic I should send for some His ear is nearly well all the puffy skin is worn off, the only sign of there having been anything, being a very slight redness of the skin. At present he is developing no more. He does not eat quite so well as when you were here & when the cab had driven away on Monday he sobbed & cried till I didn’t know what to do with him. He is now in bed & his message is “that he is going to write a letter to you by the first post in the morning”.

By the way, dear, did you take your dirty nightshirt? I cant find it anywhere. Perhaps the table spoon is wrong – I have not that time to examine. Have you heard from your mother yet? I feel anxious to know where to spend Bank Holiday. I hate the excitement brought on by having tidings of you at last, has not made her ill. She is very old you know. I feel that you ought to go to her quickly.

I have remembered what you told me when you left – though there is no sign of anything wrong. I should imagine that owing to the frequent rubbings & strokings previously inflicted upon the organ in question by myself, all calculates to harm, had been cleaned off. My dear Duck I wish you were here now. With very much live, believe me your loving Geo

25/07/1896

Part1….

 It seems that Mr & Mrs Hockely have been terribly sociable....

Bobbing

Wednesday

My dearest old man,

Your parcel received this afternoon, for which many thanks! I was very glad to find that all was well as regards your being late but of course, I thought it would be. I wanted very much to run down to the gate but I was not washed & neither was Artie, besides which he had not had his breakfast. So though I very much wished to do so, I was forced to abandon all idea of it.

Fancy that old Watkins! Did you tell him the previous Monday that you would be away? What is it to him whether I am at home or not - & what other questions did he put? Surely it is not possible for my father to have seen him; if he so wished he could learn more from Catts than Watkins - & he would have to make enquiries first as to who was our landlord. I should say, myself that Mrs C. or someone else told him (Watkins) an exaggerated story of what occurred a time ago & he doubtless thinks I have skedaddled. Ah! If only he knew!!

The vicar come in about ½ past five this afternoon so of course I gave him the seeds & cigar. He was so nice, & he told me to thank you very much, he said he thought he would sare the cigar and smoke it with you when you came again, unless it tempted him very much.

Mrs Goord came in this evening to ask me to thank you for the umbrella. She is most awfully in love with you – I shant say all she said - & gave us an invitation to tea at any time. Mrs Knight came in on Monday & again on Tuesday, made very kind enquiries after you, asked when you were coming again was quite effusive in fact. He has not yet put in an appearance. All the waters were at the gate, to see you off, but you could not see them & the old man watched the train go by……………………………

Skedaddled - love this word, not heard it since I was a little girl!

Please pay special attention to the picture on here, and see how Gerogies writing is losing its neatness – I kind of imagine here sitting there with her handkerchief to hand!

Envelope

Post date 08 Sep 1898 from Brentford

A. Hockley Esq

“Roslyn”

Claremont Grove

Snakes Lane

Woodford

Essex

Brentford

Thursday 8^th 98

My darling husband,

They want me to go to Gainsboro’ – I have had another letter this morning – must I go? – I will not stay here, & the managers seem all right though they want a lot for their money. I’ve also heard from Exeter again but I don’t care about it much.

Oh my dear husband wont you let me come home instead – oh I’m quite sure I’ll be good & I wont want my own way or anything else & I’m sure I’ll do exactly as you tell me & so far as my parents are concerned I’m sure I never will deceive you.

I cant write any more – my agony of mind is too great but oh ! my dear, my dear if I am to go – let me see you before, say good bye to me – if I once go I feel as if it would be forever  there I cant write anymore

Always yours

Georgie

They want me on the 19^th inst

Small School, with House, WANTED Sep-

tember, Elderly Certified MISTRESS. Good refer-

ences. Essex or Cambs preferred. – Mistress, Laindon

Hills School, Romford                                    67d

Part 2...

……… Now until I can earn my own again, what am I to do? Indeed, I had no money, until I took steps yesterday to obtain some – steps I was forced to take for the child’s sake – our dinner during the week swallowed the amount I had reserved for the washing, and I could not be with nothing for today.

If you think it will be better or rather, that you will be better, if I relieve you of my presence at once, say so, candidly & honestly – but you know, last year, when I spoke to you on the same subject, you reminded me that I know you had this house on your hands - & that fact is before me now – but perhaps you may be able to make other arrangements – if I have failed in my duty in any way, I cannot help it – I have done to the best of my strength & ability – as far as anything else goes, I can only say I am human, very human, with the exception of my honour & there I am not quite so human for I show a perfectly clean sheet.

I have just read over what I have written, but it does not in any way express what I feel, & what I have been experiencing – I am heart broken – for you know, as I have always told you, when you have been angry, I always remember the times, years ago, when you were kind to me & in thinking of the good put away the bad. Why, it is three years ago since you kissed me! Think what that means to a woman & a woman who is naturally demonstrative & affectionate & who only loves once in her lifetime. But you will never, never understand your nature is different altogether you cannot enter into my feelings & this is all beside the question of what am I to do until I can provide for myself.

Always your loving wife

Georgie Hockley

Part 1....

Mr A Hockley

H.M. Customs

Crutched Friars

Cigar Warehouse

London

E.C.

Post dates 19/08/1896

Roslyn

Sunday

 My dear husband,

I do not know whether you will believe me when I tell you that the events of the past week seem to have broken me up altogether – I feel totally unfit for anything, indeed at times I am almost afraid I shall lose my reason. I write this in all seriousness, though you may put it down to “acting”. Up to now, I have not had the energy to clear that dreadful mess in the kitchen & indeed, where can it go if I do clear it? what was the cause of Fridays night’s scene I am honestly totally unconscious – I certainly did not say anything to you - & if, outwardly, there appeared anything offensive in my manner, there was no intention of any such, as all day & all the week in fact, I had been feeling most depressed; and I thought that by keeping out of your was as much as possible matter might perhaps tight themselves.

If I had thought you wished me to keep on with school, of course I should never have resigned & then there would have been no necessity for me to apply to you for money ----- but I thought you said it was no benefit, & that you would rather me be at home, hence my course of action.............

Hello all,
Time is precious once more this week.
Part 1 of next letter coming up!
Margaret

Apologies. Hectic week here in Woodford with not enough time to copy out letters - will be much easier when the children go back to school and I'm not having to entertain them!

Bobbing

Monday

My dearest old Man,

I waited till tonight to see if there were a letter from you and as that ‘longed-for missive’ has not made its appearance, I concluded I might as well send off my weekly news.

First, thanks for papers which of course arrived all safely – I have applied for those two London ones – though I don’t know whether they are at all suitable as far as locality goes – but somehow I feel as though I were going to have a run of ill luck – nothing from Stratford, - how I wish I’d been on the spot! I am sorry to tell you that ive been rather poorly for a few days, so faint & trembling – indeed, I was so very queer last Thursday night that I got quite frightened & sent for Mrs Robins – she was exceedingly kind & the old man went all the way to Key Street for some Brandy for me. I am a good deal better now I am glad to say.

Last Monday I went to the Vicars to tea – they were so nice & kind – I am giving lessons on the evening to one of the elder sons, a boy about 14 or 15.

Mrs Knight has been to see me twice & brought me some most delicious strawberries & Mr Knight came & fetched me down to the Court last Tuesday & I brought away some fine hothouse grapes & roses. Still I’m rather afraid to be quite myself in case Mrs K shouldn’t like it – for Mr K is so very gallant & he looks straight down into ones eyes in such an admiring sought sort of way  that I wear the ‘Schoolmistress’ more than I otherwise would.

I am quite surfeited of strawberries, every day some are sent by the parents & Artie does not like them, wont eat one. He does grow so, & I am afraid he does not eat sufficient to supply the continual waste, for he is always on the go. I am glad to tell you, he is quite a good boy, he is leading the girl a better life, but it is because she behaves better to him. They don’t understand him, you know & want to treat him like a baby, & he wont put up with it. he really is a dear little boy - & he frequently talks about ‘poor father’ but is quite decided about not wanting to come back to ‘44’. Tell father this is not a dirty old stove – this is my order.

On Saturday the Bishop of Dover visited & opened the new burial ground. There was such a nice service & his address was extremely good.

The weather has been so warm & I often wonder how you are bearing up against the heat for I know it knocks you up. If I got paid, I should like to come home on Friday – that is if you like. When are you coming down – the Cherries weill be in full swing the 1^st 7 2^nd week in July, & surely a few days will be of benefit to your health. Of course unless I get paid, coming will be out of the question, on Friday.

Perhaps dear, you will kindly drop me a line early in the week.

With much love from Artie & myself.

Believe me

Your loving

G.G.

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NEW WORD FOR YOUR DICTIONARY..!

1.   surfeitedpast participle, past tense of sur·feit

Verb:

Cause (someone) to desire no more of something as a result of having consumed or done it to excess.