33412-0001-0123

expired when I read it 'My own darling F.' - a most sentimental style for H - the
first time he ever addressed me thusly - a loving letter throughout - to think Mr.
G. should have landed on that[underlined] one. It was too funny. I showed the top to M -
she smells a rat pretty strongly already - 'raised her brows' - "looks very serious
Miss "quoth she - strikes me you are further in than you say." I'll
catch it now from Mr. G. won't hear the end of it now. Wrote to H. & told him [inserted next?]should have got it Sat.
21st. Tuesday. Wrote to Alf telling him too - so now I've made a clean breast
Big party & W. Gs. 'in honour of W. & Maud. D's engagement' W's birthday 25th only young folks there. We
[down side] stayed till nearly 2.! In "Public Opinions" M. D. told someone to ask me about a young man on the Central platform
22nd. Wednesday. Very hot this week. Feel rather nasty too off & on Lillie the
black girl left for her islands so they got a little girl from the cottages & my
bed had to be taken out for Polly & I have hers - a single - seems so cramped
& hot - but must get used to it until I get W's room. Another letter from H.
Mr. G could have read that[underlined] with pleasure - nothing sentimental in it
23rd. Thursday. Going home Saturday. Will stay till Monday if fine.
24th. Friday. Busy day. getting things square for tomorrow. Letter from Jim S. real warmhearted letter.
25th. Saturday. Went down this morning. Willie G. too going to Maryb. & [?Maff]
G. Ma there to meet me. went straight home. Down town this afternoon
with Ma & Ivy. The little mother seems to enter into my little affair now with
an interest that astonishes herself. She wrote to me this week about H's
coming up at Easter - said she believed Janet would be laid up then but I suggested
that we take the house at the coast again - just our 3 selves & little Alf. it
would be lovely - we could go down again at midwinter. Told J. about me - she
seemed pleased. Grace knows .. It looks fine so I'll stay on till Monday
26th. Sunday. Will came home by midnight train last night. I rested till
after breakfast. Had a nice quiet day. Went not to church. - young man
brought a message this morning that Willie G. (Aleck) would be going out at 1/2-3
if I liked to go but I'll stay till morning now. Went up to Grace's in the
afternoon. Early to bed. Lovely to be under the little mother's care again
27th. Monday. Up at 3.30 this morning - got up at station at 10 to 5 - just 10 to
wait. Lovely moonlight coming along - the moon was full on Thursday night -
this one was just pale gold - such a clear sky & a lovely star in the east.
I'll never forget it - it was like fairyland. The sun didn't rise till we reached
the station. Waited for a while but nothing came in sight so started to walk.
met the engine coming down when about Half way so sat down to wait for it.
Didn't feel tired all day - think the early exercise did me good. Letter from
H. when I got back - enclosed was a combined congratulatory one from home.
Ella, Amy Irene Percy & Arthur - such flattering things I could have called
them only knowing they meant all they said - I'm warmly welcomed certainly
he had one each from Mr. & Mrs. W too - says the maker's is particularly
nice. Mr. W. little dreamed when he saw me an hour old that I was
destined to become his daughter-in-law. Wrote to him this afternoon
had to send back the enclosures.
28th. Tuesday. Mr. & Mrs G. left this morning for Brisbane - will be away a
fortnight or so - we'll be all alone in our glory - M.W. & I. & End of Feb. Joy!!!
1st. March. Wednesday. Letter from H. His letters do cheer me. These kids are
getting nearly unbearable - May especially - shall have to have a settling directly
Am not going to be worried so - perhaps I'd be too happy if there wasn't some-[underlined]
thing[underlined] - it may be best - Must pray for patience & wisdom
2nd. Thursday. Told M. on Tuesday night - she might think it strange my keeping it
back - she can't understand my wishing to keep it a secret - but had to
impress it upon her - Feel more relieved now tho' we can talk more freely
3rd. Friday. Last day - glad when [?evneh] week ends - what a long wearisome time
to look forward to - more than 9 months - am getting tired of this gr[...]ping -