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11th. Wednesday. In all day. Raining. Must have followed us. First rain they've had - decent - Great excitement now. A boy has been found murdered near Nundah - Who will be safe - a boy above all else ought be - Folks about here are quite scared - We passed Gatton on the way - made us think of that horrid murder. It's to be hoped they'll find those fiends. 12th. Thursday. Cleared today - quite cold this morning - down to 60degrees. Sleep beautifully here. Amy S. & I went to Tennis this afternoon - had a gay game of croquet - a lot of us - had afternoon tea too - they have it every week - the folks here seem very nice & pleasant. I'm just getting to like it - Amy & I had a lovely walk yesterday morning - the air was delicious - 13th. Friday. Amy. Miss Garget - her brother & I went for a walk at 6 this morning to their farm about 1 mile & 1/2 away - started at 6 & were back in time for breakfast. Had lovely walk. Went out this afternoon & had croquet all to our 4 selves [insert]went to see Miss G's sister first. Mrs. Copp.[end insert] till nearly sundown - They came again after tea - Miss G. & her brother & we had some music. Am sorry to leave here - It has done me so much good & I like the folks 14th. Saturday. Up early this morning & to the train with Amy - I like her the more I see of her - a sensible, unaffected girl & not prim either as I thought she was. Who should be at the train but Mr. Evans to see me off - I was quite astonished - he was very sorry that I hadn't made up my mind to go with him on Monday - he seems to have taken a great fancy to me - suppose it's only fleeting but there's something about him I like - asked most particularly about my address - hope he doesn't meditate writing. Had the carriage all to ourselves as far as Toowoomba - The country looks lovely now - quite different from when we came - Got to T. at 10 - had 4 hours to wait so we took a stroll round to look at the city - walked down town - got some grapes - went another direction up - to get a view - & ate them - tho' it was 12 o'clock it was quite cool - the air here is[underlined] lovely - went back & got some tea & rested till the train left - had such trouble to get a seat - the carriages were packed - got ourselves fixed in however & stayed there - It seemed a long journey down & hot & crowded & we were late getting in - May & Lillie were there to meet us - L. informed me first thing that Jack was coming to see me tonight - he had been every day this week at Mr. P's shop asking when I would be back. Poor old chap - wish I could have seen him sooner as we were going home I spied him near home - believe he'd been to the train & missed us. He wouldn't come in - I wasn't sorry - was very tired & H. was coming - He has been down since last Sat & is going away to Sydney next Friday - can't get anything here - couldn't ask him up tomorrow so asked him to come to tea Monday - Alice, Willie & Ivy have gone down to Scarborough & taken the house for a week. 15th. Sunday. Albert St this morning - H. came about 3. & we went for a walk to the Gardens. Thought I spied Jack on the way & when we got to the Gardens he popped up close beside me - scamp - he just wanted to see H. - had a very knowing look on his face - We sat & had a confidential talk H. & I. he asked me again the same question as 2 years ago - I told him straight I felt no different to him but that I thought I could be happy with him - said he thought he could make a woman happy - he said he was a different man from 2 yrs ago - I know his is - said my influence had done it - felt so grateful to hear it - humbled too to think that I[underlined] could be of any use - we are to stay as we are for another 12 months - Told him not to come tomorrow night Went to Tabernacle at night. Don't feel a bit as I ought somehow - not serious enough at what I've - can't realise it Hope it is all right. It seems the right thing. Don't think I could have a better for a husband or one who would be kinder to me or Ma. May the Lord guide me 16th. Monday. Wrote to Mr. G. asking him for leave. Went then to Dr. G. He did the other side. Hurt some but no sneezing - He charges 3 guineas up to now. May not touch me again. Went down the city. Got little Longfellow's Forget-me-nots

for Jack - wanted little text book but couldn't get it. Felt very nasty when we got home. Ma & Mrs. P. went over to Allanby's. I stayed in & rested. Head ached &c. Jack came at 5 sharp. We had a good old yarn till tea & a walk on the Quarries after - then back & had some music - then had our last quiet talk on the verandah till nearly 11. Believe he feels parting with me tho' he tries to hide it. I asked him to let me know how he gets on - he thought the 'boy' might object - I said 'No'. Thinks he's a nice fellow & very good to[sic] At me give up tonight to him - so say I - Seemed to think a lot of my giving him that book. I know he'll appreciate it. Sorry it hadn't been a better one. Says it was all over the place at B. that he & I were engaged - he stayed 10 days at Sharon - to rectify it I suppose - Forget to return the comp. & ask him if it was all settled with Min. Don't think there's much danger only he said more than once he hoped to meet me in the near future - where I don't imagine unless he's coming over to take Min. back. We had quite a touching farewell - I tried to speak a few good words to him - must try & do him good writing as long as the chance lasts - Dear old chap. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for him. 17th. Tuesday. Ma. Mrs. P. & I started this morning. Had quite an experience Three gentlemen to see me off. Jack was there first. He put a little parcel into my hand on leaving & when I opened it afterwards it was a plush-covered needle-case filled with needles - enough to last me all my life. Hope he didn't think I expected anything. H. came along after - then whom should I spy but Mr. Evans. Had to go & speak to him. He looked very disappointed poor thing. He's a nice chap. Didn't see much of H. left him to look after Ma. Poor old Jack. He made me a hasty Good-bye & then sat on a post on the wharf waving to me until the steamer passed Kangaroo Pt. bend All alone - Believe he's very faithful where he takes to anyone - Told me where to send my photo should he not write before I send it. God bless my dear friend. We had a most dreadful passage - she pitched & tossed & rolled about most shockingly. I was quite scared & not a bit sick tho' Ma neither - every 2nd. person was tho' Thought we should never get to Humpybong - there whe put us off - didn't go to Redcliffe - We drove there in Mr. Davidson's buggy - he brought Alice down to meet us - six miles drive - nice - thankful to be on dry land once more. Their house is right on the point - by itself - Mr. D. & his family have been down for a month - we have one room & a verandah & the use of the things in general that we need. Nice place Went down to the beach & meditated when it got cool. Lovely to be near the sea again -. Wrote to H. telling him where we were & asking him again to come down for Sunday. 18th. Wednesday. In for a bath today - lovely - just lolled about all day - Went on the beach in the evening & had a sleep. Didn't have much last night - three of us in one bed - five in the room - it was hot - 19th. Thursday. Not nice sleep for last night. In for bath. Cut my big toe pretty bad. Rough 20th. Friday. Had lovely row in the boat this morning about a mile round - it was beautifully calm after we passed the reefs - got off at an oyster bed & had some lovely oysters - did enjoy it all - the water was[underlined] calm. Hot wind after we got back. Had surprise party. All Wilkins family from Humpybong came over to spend the day. I felt quite off it. Were nearly eaten up by mosquitoes last night - never saw such beasts. Swarms of them - nearly all this morning too they were here. Made fires last night but not much use. No sleep at all scarcely & wasn't it hot. Out early & had a bathe. Another this evening. The sea was lovely & smoothe so before we went in Ma & I sat in the boat & talked The sea looked peaceful & pretty. Would like to stay here very much longer but these beasts - they would take the enjoyment out of it. Going to Orient House tomorrow 21st. Saturday. Fearful night with mosquitoes & this morning. They nearly drove us wild they must all have met here. Mooched round till after dinner - had lovely bathe this morning. Went to Orient Boarding House this evening. Cab came for us - took Alice too. Mrs. P. staying for another week with Miss.

D. The people who were going to take the house are not coming for another week. Like those people. - especially Mrs D. poor thing - she has been an invalid for the last 4 years & used to be so [...] - He is a jolly fat [?gentleman}. I realised - he's just what Jack might be with a sickly wife - kind enough but careless & not thoughtful of - the poor thing at all - she feels it too - she has been so long so that they are tired of her. I suppose. I want someone who will take care of me in sickness as in health - & H. would. He came along about 5.30 in the cab from Redcliffe. We had a walk after tea on the beach the 3 of us. No skeeters[sic=mosquitos] there - Nice place - quiet, clean, 22nd. Sunday. Couldn't bath this morning - good I had the others - rested till breakfast - Walk with H. after. [insert: on the beach]. Have settled all now. He wants not to say anthing to our folks until something definite arises in his affairs. I'm quite willing - would rather be free this year couldn't tell them up there. When we went back they had just finished having tea & oysters. we lost the latter - I went to bed & they two had a confidential talk together - Little mother seemed rather upset & thereby but she tells me I can please myself - don't like to be told that - seems strange that all this has happened to me - feel it must be somebody else - can't realise it - wonder if I'm doing right - am trying to follow the small voice & this seems the way. Rested after dinner & then went out for a walk we three - Back for tea - it threatens rain & the wind has changed to east - We two had short walk by ourselves before I turned in. God bless us & cause His face to shine upon us. Am glad H. is so different now - This is a nice quiet place - would like to stay here for a week - 23rd Monday. Up at 5 this morning - till Breakfast & on the boat at 6 - Had lovely trip back - boat left Redcliffe too - Got to town by 10 past 9. Threatened rain. Good thing our lovely weather just lasted out - Got cab home - Felt too lazy to do anthing all day - just rested - H. was up at night. Seems so strange that we are going to be all in all to one another - am afraid I don't feel right about it. Wish I could but perhaps it is better so just now. Letter from Mr. G. nice kind one saying I could stay 24th Tuesday. Raining all day. Were going to Allanby's tonight. Felt nasty Must have got chill yesterday somehow. Had nice quiet day over Allanby's this morning & stayed for dinner 25th Wednesday. Cleared. Went down & had our photos taken at Matthewson's this afternoon. I'll come out a fright I know. Had horrid night & not much sleep the night before - After waiting all this time to get fat but I am leaner than ever. Wish I could sleep like anyone else. H. up tonight Thinks Mr. Fegan means to make a change in his affairs - Last day of my 27th. year. Strange year - not happy one either except this latter part. I Hope the next will prove different. "Keep me oh keep me King of Kings - Went in to H. this afternoon & he had a look at my tooth. It was not bad enough to stop so he just filed it off a little. I waited for him & came up with him here to tea. He gave me a lovely book. Birthday of the Poets & Music - He's very good to me & patient - & I give him so little in return - can't somehow. 26th Thursday 28th!! Last two birthdays were spent in school. Went to Dr. G.'s. He didn't do anything - paid him just £3 - I may have to get something done again or not. Had to wait there till nearly 1 o'clock - Then went down town - to Wesley and B D. then had some refreshment - Got home nearly 3. Nina & Elsie up for tea - H. came after. We had Mr. Macpherson too - he [...] a nice little service & wrote in my birthday book - H. tells me F. thinks of disposing of his business & thinks he can manage to get it instead of taking up Mr. Morgan. Wanted to know if I would like to leave here. Wouldn't care - would rather Mr. M. but perhaps it's best here. This day in 12 months Dave & I had a ride together - Wonder where I'll be or what will happen before next birthday. Mr. Morely has a son & heir - silly old thing! at his age -! Nice birthday - Glad indeed to possess the love of so many. Don't deserve any good thing. 27th. Friday Hot day. Went down town after dinner - went to Matthew

& found that Ma's proofs were no good. Only 2 of mine turned up - one makes me look so sick - the other is front face & better but neither up to much - Went to H's place - Sent him to hunt Ma up & see whether she would come down again or not - He came back & said she was just going into Allanby's & wouldn't come again - I saw [?young] girl [?Keltt] there & said 'Goodbye' to her there & for her sister - to A's - then home after 6 - got things ready - H. came up about 1/4 to 8 - said he'd be up for tea - he seems quite excited Fegan offered him the business just as it is & he is going to take it. Will be a responsibility for him but he seems to think it a very good start - says he has something to work for now - We 2 had chat while the other 2 went to the station in a cab. He seemed too excited to think about me hardly but suppose it's all right. I felt it tho'. 28th. Saturday. Got in at 7-10 this morning - Had nice journey - just our 6 selves in the carriage - the young man that was in would insist on our having tea at Gympie - he was a nice sort & got out at Isis - Old Blaikie & Mrs. were in too - the old chap will have a little tale to tell as H. kissed me as he left. Slept a little but felt very sleepy all today : Went not out. Got things ready for Monday. 29th. Sunday. Had nice quiet day home - feel very disinclined to start work tomorrow. Will go in the morning & send boxes up in the afternoon. Mr. G. preaching. Suppose I ought to have gone with him but wanted to be a little loafer with the dear Mother. What a nice day last Sunday was - a memorable one - 30th. Monday. Got up at the appointed hour this morning but it rained & blew so at the time that I gave up the idea of going & went back to bed. Of course it cleared up then as per usual. Wrote to H. Went up with Ina to station - old Mehan was so long in coming that we walked - he came in at the last with the boxes - drunk I think. M. G. was going up too - on her way from Maryboro' where she had been staying over Sunday - told me all the news - poor little Mammy - I feel very sorry to leave her - we have not been separated for one night these six weeks - Got up at 4. Mrs. Tunly was at the station with her big boy - he is a monster - young Eric is up too - has been for a fortnight - Mr. W. has a girl this time - It's like old times to get back here - it is more homelike this time than it has ever been - only this year now to stay - Annie & Cr. still away - glad too in way not so much for me to do on a start. 31st. Tuesday. First day of school & of course I had a big headache - felt very lazy - but there was not so much to do with only the 4 girls - Letter from my dear old boy - it cheered me a lot - Thank God he is so changed - it comforts me so to know that he trusts One above - The business is all his now - May God grant him a measure of success - he is out on the sea of responsibility now, Strange how things should have come to an issue so quickly - Would rather not have to live in Brisbane tho' 1st. February. Wednesday. Lazy again today. Mr. Ellison up - Mrs. James G's servant was married in the Hall - service at night but I went not out. Wrote to Ma for him to take down tomorrow - A Bazaar is on in town at Easter & we are supposed to provide a stall - bother bazaars - I need all the time I can get for my own things & study - 2nd. Thursday. Have not been turned out of Will's house yet - Am very glad too. He is away. They don't know when he'll be married. Another letter from H. tonight. enclosing a circular & cards of advertisement - quite businesslike - Dear old chap - his letters are different from what they used be - just nice & not sentimental but sensible : loving too - God bless my dear boy & grant him success 3rd. Friday. Parcel & letter from Ma. Mr Howes here - 4th. Saturday. Wrote 4 letters today - Mrs. Bass. Alice P. Edie - & Jim T. - at the school where 'twas quiet - then this afternoon turned out my boxes & put things up tidy - took me long time too. Dave came up bringing a boy from his college who has come up to be his assistant - D. looks thin - I always feel embarrassed with him yet.

5th. Sunday. Raining all day, nearly. Seemed dreadfully long day. Read & slept some. 6th. Monday. Raining. Wrote to H tonight. M. went to town with Eric[baby] for a week. 7th. Tuesday. Raining. Couldn't get home for dinner - Letter from H. short one. He's very busy - so glad to hear it. Wrote to little Mother - Feel so well these days. 8th. Wednesday. Still raining - stormy all last night. Didn't go home for dinner - 9th. Thursday. Another wet day. Mrs Tunley went down today - Miss that baby - he reminded me of little Jack - a jolly little chap - got to know me too. 10th. Friday. Clear today. Parcel from Mammy but I'm sure she never picked the things I sent for - someone else & the wool is no use to me - must send it down in the morning with Tom - He's going away to Brisbane for good. 11th. Saturday. Studied all morning - up at school. Shall have to get over all the study I can while I'm so well. Mended &c. all afternoon & went to Mrs. Willie's at night. with W. & spent the evening. I like her & Mr. W. too. Letter from my dear Boy when I came back - He is going to tell his Father next week if I'm agreable[sic] - that "He has asked Florrie to become his wife when things are better with him than at present & the dear girl has given her consent with her mother's approval" - then I'm to tell Alf & Jim. I can have a ring now if I like but I'd rather wait till I can tell them here - about September - wants me to come down at midwinter - but I'd rather he came up here - I won't be going to Mann's this time - Ma can - & have a rest before she's wanted, at Will's. He seems very anxious that all his folks & ours know at any rate - Sent my photos on Thursday night - & one of Ma's came too - not a bad one at all - but very obscure - I sent mine & hers down & she can choose hers if she likes & tell me about mine. 12th. Sunday. Church - home all day after. Quiet day. 13th. Monday. School. Shall have to put a stop to May & Ev. being so impertinent it's getting rather too much - must squash them somehow - makes me mad. Wrote to H. long letter - told about C. Letter from Ma & wool right sort 14th. Tuesday. Felt my enemy last night - must have got chill last Sat. when it turned cold. Got up early & wrote half my letter over again ~ wouldn't send what I wrote - It did harm once saying so much - put it in different words. Ma thinks the 3/4 decidedly the best & will have them of that ~ Squashed E. today 15th. Wednesday. Will have to change my ways with these girls - May's doing a lot of harm amongst them - it worries me somewhat .. Glad when this year is out. Paper from H. Quite grieved tho' it's printed on Sunday!! Must tell him - He surely does not realise that it's not right to encourage that. Feel not nice these days - may be right after this week - can't sleep again. M. came back last night. The new baby is a cross one. 16th. Thursday. Better times today. Had to be strict extra. 17th. Friday. Glad another week is gone. Letter from H tonight. He was not offended - short & sweet but still the same ~ has lots to do - very glad. Has written to Mr. W. He will know today. 18th. Saturday. Studied this morning up at house. Went down to the Siding this evening M. Jean P. & I. A.W. didn't come - coming late 19th. Sunday. A.W. & his brother Albert came at midnight. Church this morning Wrote to Jim, his birthday yesterday - Told him the news. Very hot day. Went not out tonight - entertained Albert W. on the verandah : till 8 o clock - he is a nice boy with rather a weak face - was in Gladstone for 2 months - 20th. Monday. Got great fright this afternoon. Mr. G. was going to town early - I was dressed & sitting on the verandah when Kate came & told me ther[sic] father wanted me so I wanted [waited] - he started to apologise - for what I couldn't make out then all of a sudden he turned round with a letter opened in his hand - said it had been amongst his business ones & he didn't see till he had read the heading that it wasn't his & he nearly expired with fright - noone ever addressed him[underlined] in that way. I nearly