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Sir S. was not a bit stiff. Indeed seemed very homely. Things went very smoothly. Will G. drove them
back to town. He wanted me to come down with him but I didn't like to in that company. Anyway
Aleck G. was going to meet his sister so it didn't matter. Would have rather liked the drive too many came
back at tea-time. Mrs. G. stayed till to-morrow. Brought back the sad news that Mrs. Pollven died
this morning. Poor thing & she was to take an active part in the Show to-day. Only ill a week of
inflam. of the lungs. It will be a shock to everybody. All the home is in gloom over it. In the midst of life &c.
came to-night. Will would have driven down if he had had the ponies but Mr.
G. took them to Watana. he won't drive Prince. Don't wonder - after last time.
Feel disappointed. Mrs. G. & children going down - must send word by them to Edie.
Mrs. William G. invited us 4 up to-night so we went. Had nice evening. Harold
T. there - had bit of a yarn coming home : He is leaving at Xmas. Says he ought to
have come up to see me but ~ I know he meant didn't like to - I nearly offended him
Fortunes again to-night. My ring wouldn't budge an inch so my fate must be
settled at 2. G. Am loved by C. T. H. W. is going to propose - I love A. W. whoever he is - &
am to marry 2. G. Quite serious.
3rd. Saturday. We 3 - M. Miss Beatson & I only ones at home M. & I read our fortunes
again. I wished - that I might be settled in 3 years or so & it came out. Seriouser.
Wrote to Bob. In just the same strain which I used to talk to him. Parcel from
Edie containing letter from Ma. They expect to come home next week. Went over
to Mrs. James's. We 3. W. M. & I. to spend the evening. What a host there is there.
4th. Sunday. Church this morning. Read bit this afternoon & went for walk down
to river-bank with the children. Home at night. Gave Mr. Wilde B's letter to post [...] him.
5th. Monday. School. Hate it on Mondays more than ever. We sang to-night - M & I.
6th. Tuesday. Sad night for me. When I came home this aft : & got dressed
Mrs W. came to my room & asked if I had heard from home lately. I said not since Sat.
Said she. Didn't you hear anything about Rock. "Your brothers little boy is dead & buried."
Jack Dawson telephoned up to tell me & a letter would come for me to-night. I felt
completely stunned. Jack - dear little Jack - that lovely boy - Gone - dead - buried I could
not realise it. My poor poor Alfie. May God help you for it will crush you. I felt it al-
most as much as if he was my own. I went up with Mrs. W. Then came back to get my
letter. from Edie with a telegram inside. Diptheria - poor little dear. He went on Sunday
night. Ivy's birthday. My heart bleeds thinking of poor Alfie & Alice too but Alfie - his
idol - the joy & pride of his life. Maybe he made an idol of him & the Lord took him
away or perhaps as he was such a peculiar child he was taken from the evil to come.
I stole away to my room as soon as I got a chance - the two old ladies were here & I
had to play a bit for them. Wrote as comforting a letter as I could to both of them.
7th. Wednesday. Sad all day. Long for home & some one to talk to about it. Must try &
ride down on Sat. Tom Wilson & Archie Sterling could come with me all the way. was going out
for ride to-day but felt not inclined & then was not well.
8th. Thursday. Went to-night. Miss Beatson & I up to Mrs. W.'s William came up too after a
while. Letter from Mr. Benbow last night advising me to see Mr. Harrap. He would be
in town to-day examining P.S. candidates. I can't go down that's certain through the
week. but Tom W. says he'll be here at S. Kolan to-morrow so I'll ride out to
see him.
9th. Friday. Telephone message for me to-day that Brother was coming from Brisbane
Mrs. John [...] going to Rockn. Monday. Good. I'll stay till Monday morning & get Art
W ride back with me. Edie will be delighted to get away at last. Went out
with the two boys to S.K. this afternoon. after 5. Saw Mr. Harrap. He seems
a nice man. Told me to come out on Thursday next. I rode Bob that the children
ride & he is rough & a mouth as hard as iron but he's quiet. I got rather sore too worse
luck. Going to bed early to prepare for to-morrow.