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& it wasn't so bad. Saw 3 bike races & in one three fellows had a spill[underlined]. After it we walked to the Station & got the parcel with H's mackintosh which he forgot at Sharon. Couldn't get a cab today to take us to the coast but Mehan is going to drive us tomorrow - We had a good long talk tonight - our last for a good while. We settled or nearly so some vexed questions. God bless this New Year 2nd. Tuesday. Had lovely day at the coast. Mehan took us down about 9 or so - we stopped going down & got some fruit - had lovely drive down - it was a beautiful day - so cool & clear - all had dinner at the cottage with Janet & Will - then H. & I had as much time together as we could. The drive home was lovely too - we reached home before sundown - then had to get tea & waited some time for Mehan to come for us - H. would have Ma & I come too we were starting to walk when he came & so saved us the walk the platform was crowded & we were not a bit too soon. Said Goodbye once more to my dear old Boy - felt it very much this time Je versais des larmes ce soir. We had a little service before he left. May the Lord watch between us & grant us our heart's desires He would make me take another [?aurevoir] tonight. I had to. 3rd. Wednesday. Feel as if I'd lost something today. Had to go & settle a dispute with Mrs. Mellor 're' our going to the coast. She told Grace in a great fuss last night that she understood we were going to stay there yesterday : that we had gone down to stay - thought we had arranged matters for the 3 ... She had quite forgotten my coming [?down] when we went to her this afternoon. Now we can't go till the 13th. Miss. Somebody wants it next week : she thought we might go this week but I'd rather not be there when all the youngsters are - rather stay here & have quiet & time to practise. It's lovely having the house to ourselves. [inserted amongst this day] Letter from Minnie W. Should have got it yesterday - She writes it Sunday - they intend all going with the Bingera lot to north coast Monday. Says too that her father thinks well of my choice - thinks we are a sensible pair. 4th. Thursday. Letter from H. - haven't had such a long one for long time. Says he was congratulated yesterday - a lady thought he had gone away to get married - others too seeing the sign up at his door - Wrote to Minnie W. thanking her for all her & her people's kindness We took a walk down town to post it & met old Mr. W. round the corner - congratulated me again on my choice - thinks he's a wise sensible man - !!!!!!! Wrote to H. by tonight's mail. 5th. Friday. Tidying up today - Wrote to Jim S. tonight. Should have gone visiting today but felt not inclined. 6th. Saturday. Raining some all day. Willie up on his bike - stayed in for dinner & I did some cooking. 7th. Sunday. Stayed in all day. The Mother went to church this morning - We had a nice quiet time. 8th. Monday. Practised 2 hrs this morning. Turning out old books &c. & getting things fixed up a bit. Willie Young came in this evening - He is selling off soon & going to live at Roma - She can't live in Bundg again - 9th. Tuesday. Letter from H. Things seem to have not suffered much by his absence. We went up & saw Nellie D. What a change from the time I saw her home before. Jack's photo (enlarged) hangs in the front room - It's a very good one. Poor Nellie - it must be very hard for her without him - with all those children to bring up. We called in to see Mrs. Reddan too - she was in for a wonder - Don't feel so tired now as I did at first walking. Anniversary (15th.) of dear Father's death. 10th. Wednesday. Practised 2 hrs this morning. In town this afternoon. paid bills - nearly all - Went to Robinson's & bought or partly so - with one of the gold pieces that H. gave me - a pretty little bracelet - engraved one side & a heart pendant on the other with a tiny chain - 37/6 in all - then I asked him to get it engraved for me - it costs 1/- or so more - with just H & F 15.1.99. - a souvenir of our engagement - I thought it

would be nice to have & I can say he gave it to me. have always hankered after a bracelet. Felt nasty & cross tonight & went to bed early. 11th. Thursday. Rained all day. - Had horrid day - felt one of my old perverse moods on - finished up with a good howl & then made it all up with the little Mother whose dear heart I had grieved so - never again God helping me shall I allow those feelings to get the better of me. It comes on with an "on-edge" sort of feeling. - through tiredness - suppose it's the nerves - but I shouldn't give way - Jim used to be the same I'm sure. Over-strained nerves & over-sensitive ones 12th. Friday. Mrs. Mellor wants us to go down Sunday morning early but we consented first to get rid of her for the time but sent Alf down to Skyring's to ask if they will drive us down on Monday. Miss S. sent back a nice answer - she would be very pleased. So - I'm glad - Mrs. M. is certainly going cracked I'm sure. Had nice quiet day. It rained mostly. Will & Co. will come home to-morrow I suppose. Wrote to Edie & Jim (about the land). The mother wants to know when she is to come up - naughty foolish girl to get herself into trougle again. I'm quite devastated with both of them. 13th. Saturday. They all came home this morning. Mrs. M. sent over just after dinner to know if we would come down to the coast with her in about an hour's notice. We asked her by note whether the family who is there now would be coming back today - as we didn't want to be down with them - Got our things ready but Grace brought back word to say that she would be staying till tomorrow - so joy! we haven't to put up with that lot to-night Miss S. drove round to ask when we would start on Monday - we said 9 - 14th Sunday. Church this morning. Mr. Snell preached good sermon. Threatened rain but we went. Home at night 15th. Monday. Rained all day. Gave up all thoughts of going down & Miss S. didn't turn up. Suppose it's set-in now for the week. one day lost. 16th. Tuesday. Cleared this morning thankfully. We got ready quick & telephoned to Miss S. when she would be coming for us; she replied - as soon as possible after 12 : she & Rose came about 10 to 1 & off we went - got down at 1/4 to 4 - they stayed & had afternoon tea with us - very kind of them to trouble about us - glad we are here - it can rain now if it likes but I think it has cleared up we set to work & pulled out the matresses &c to air - everything smells so & it is so dirty - never saw it so - we can rest in peace till Sat. I suppose. Left money with Grace for week's rent to give Mrs. M. on Sat. & ask can we stay longer at the same rate. I rather think she wants payment. Elsie with us too - she loves the sea 17th. Wednesday. had bathe this morning. felt no worse after in fact a great deal better. Letter from H. man left it brought it yesterday but didn't leave it. He upbraids himself with not remembering me as he ought. I had to do what he ought - any ordinary chap would have done that much for his girl says he. glad he thinks thusly. We had nice time out of doors today. 18th. Thursday. Wrote to H. & gave it to Matthewson to post. Had two bathes today. lovely ones - stayed out nearly all day. going to make the best of time allotted me. Headache all day. 19th. Friday. Bathed this morning early. Were going for the day to Lighthouse but just after we left - about 11 - Elsie looked

round & there was Skyring's buggy stopping at our place. - of course we hurried back. they had come to spend the day - glad we saw them - they would not have stopped - Glad to be able to return their kindness a little. They stayed till 4 & evidently enjoyed themselves - It turned out a nice day too. They brought down about 7/- worth of fruit, cake, &c. & wouldn't take a scrap back - It was very good of them. Truly generous. we were both longing for fruit this week. We went over to Mrs. Richards after tea to see if she would take Elsie home tomorrow. Matthewson going in but full up & he may not be going in again till Tuesday. Came home tired out & went to bed. Feel so much stronger today - haven't done this much for months. 20th. Saturday. Hot today. Ma took Elsie round to Mrs. Richards this morning & when she came back a letter came from Ivy to say that she could stay longer if she wished & also that Mrs. Mellor says we can have the house till the 27th. if Mrs. Macleod doesn't want it. Joy!! & Now we can rest undisturbed till next Wednesday anyway. Had two bathes. Feel great now. Had nice day. 21st. Sunday. This day year we were at Redcliffe - nice day we had too. Had nice one today. Took our books. (had bathe early) & made ourselves comfortable under the trees till dinner (I made myself a bed) It was lovely Then went to church in the afternoon - Mr. Otway preached a nice sermon. Noisy day at the Hotel - one would have thought it a holiday instead of Sunday Wonder where we'll be this day 12 months - 22nd. Monday. Rained hard all last night - we got not up till 8.20. It was raining still hard when Matt. went in. Good thing we did not send Elsie in today. It cleared tho' in the day & we had our bathe. 23rd. Tuesday. May be the last quiet day we'll have. Certainly I've improved mostly in a week. - feel the old tired feeling & pain in back gone now Had bathe morning & afternoon. Letter from H - short & sweet. He doesn't say a word about my birthday. Wonder has he forgotten it! He'd better !!!!!!! 24th. Wednesday. Had our bathe this morning & were just drying ourselves when Mellor's buggy came along with The two M. boys - Alf - Ivy - Beattie Hussey - the two latter to stay till Sat. We thought at first they had come to tell us to come home with them but thanks be not. I'd just as soon we had had no company tho' but they'll just have to amuse themselves So will do them good anyway. Started to rain this evening. We went over to see Lea C. that was. She was very pleased to see us & wondered we hadn't come sooner. She has a nice baby girl; Ivy says. Mr. Snell told Grace that Katie G. - was going to Melbourne last Monday. I'm glad she's not going to the Grammar School. Maryboro 25th. Thursday. Rained nearly all day. We'd have had a delicious day by ourselves. we got our bathe however this morning. Pretty stormy & rough at sea. Wrote to H. Never mentioned my birthday. The last of another year. God has been very good to me this year. Hitherto has he helped me. It has been a long year to me though. 26th. Friday. My 29th. birthday!! I am getting ancient. We bathed this morning as the tide was going out & it was rough - wanted to bathe again this afternoon but Ma wouldn't let me - felt bit mad as the waves looked tempting but it was very windy. Clear day but big waves on. Had nice birthday altogether - wonder if my next will be as nice. May the Lord continue His loving kindness unto me for His name's sake. Amen - Went for walk round to see an Hotel - It's taken by someone - 27th. Saturday. Lovely day. I had 2 bathes today - my last this afternoon for a good while I expect was lovely - the tide was just right & it seemed so fresh. I shall miss these when I get back. Mrs. M. didn't arrive till nearly 3 -. we had our tea & left everything nice long before she came. Stayed down on the beach as long as we could - She didn't leave till about 6. Called in at Robinson's for the bracelet. He had it & Ivy had a good squint at it in there.

Shall have to show it to them all round. Got home about 8.30 - quite tired. Letter from H. & Jim. The latter wanting Ma to start for Mt. M. next Sat. Feb. 3rd. She feels rather appalled thereby - Mrs. [?Trenile] is coming in April early so anyway Ma wont have to be there long 28th. Sunday. Missed the sound of the sea last night . Stayed home this morning. Janet went out with Bert & Ethel so we helped mind Baby & got dinner. Mr. G. preaching this morning. Sent word by Mr. Snell that I would be up on Monday afternoon. Went out to church tonight. Coming home late last night gave me catarrh again 29th. Monday. Getting everything ready this morning - never was in such a pickle - don't want to take back the big box & have to [3 G's inserted] put everything into the two small ones. However the cab came & took us off at 1.30. Saw May & Annie. Earnest & Jack at the station - they are off to Maryboro this evening - Annie was looking very serious. Katie is not going till Wednesday so I was able to say 'Good bye'. Got up here all serene. Found them all in the midst of packing for Katie she has very nice things. Saw also all M's forthcoming trousseau. is cream silk. They are getting a dressmaker from M. to make the lot. Found two telegrams waiting from Alf & Arthur. card from Artie too - lovely booklet with texts daily - card from Jim too. Feel so strange coming back again. Wrote to H. from home this morning 30th. Tuesday. Felt quite homesick re today - only 9 weeks tho' after this one. It did feel strange at school without the 3 girls - so quiet & I seemed to be expecting them to pop in any minute. Took things easy : Olive started today. Leslie going to Kolan - thanks be - Harold ill with diptheria & they were intending to start on their trip this week - can't now till next. Wrote to little Mother. I've forgotten about 1/2 a dozen things. Dear little Mammy - wonder how she'll get on without me. 31st. Wednesday. Katie's Angus left this morning. K. kept up very well - no tears. I think it's a splendid thing her going there to that College. Only wish I was going again & had the opportunity asked her to write to me sometimes. Left off school at 3 - went in at 1 - to see the dip but it didn't start till 4 - came home & practised 1 1/2 hrs instead. Must practise every day now & prepare myself for the Exam. H. sent a letter from Benson to me last week in which he says he'll send prospectus as soon as he gets them & is prepared to see him from Feb 5th. Feel funny still - Homesicky - it's quiet too at school without the girls 1st. February Thursday. Turned another corner - Don't know what possesses the little Mother - she wrote on Tuesday encolsing 1/6 loose for which I was fined 3d - wonder it wasn't 5/- & tonight my Seriphim[sic] card with no[underlined] stamp on - another fine of 2d. Had letter from Jim S. yesterday. He doesn't forget me yet does Jim - says my letters give him encouragement - very glad they do - letter from our Jim too which made me so uncomfortable that I wrote away this morning & sent telephone message to say not to go on with the arrangements till she heard from me. He says the Premier won't leaving G. until 9 p.m Sat. night & arrives at Broadmount at 3.30 Sunday morning - not very nice hours for Ma - she's not fit to travel alone those hours.

2nd. Friday. Felt very lazy today. Letter from Ma also telephone message sent late this evening to say that Arthur (W I suppose) would be in Gladstone till Tuesday so she would be well looked after. She's having her own way is the little Mother & going tomorrow. Says she'll stay in G. till Tuesday if things dont turn out well when she gets there. I tell her she's to come back on 7th. April. I'll leave here then I think. 3rd. Saturday. Practised some. Went with the 3 girls & May & Norman for ride to the Falls about 4 - they bathed & I watched over them. Letter from H. He's had good times again, thank God. Elsie & I had tea to ourselves - I was[underlined] hungry - She & I had a walk. over to the mail & verified the saying "Speak of the -- & he'll sure to appear" I remarked that Mr. Tunly would sure to make his appearance tonight as we were alone & lo - & lo same did appear with the truck. [?Thegirl] was but - no fire - no wood - the 'Primus' was lacking oil but we had to worry along with it till 1/2-9 - then explained matters to Mr. T. He was looking very aggrieved before that - said he sent word he was coming. We had received none. 4th. Sunday. Church this morning Mr. T. played - they have a new organ at the Kolan church - now - a 17 stop one for £7 - Mr. T says it wont last. He did bring the music out though. Home all afternoon & night. Seems such a long day. 5th. Monday. School - Wrote to H. M wants to go to Sharon on Wednesday 6th. Tuesday. Had ride this afternoon on Tosca. Ethel wanted to ride Nancy & use the big saddle - so I had to use the small - & a small saddle on a big horse - won't go - Had most miserable ride. & came home severely damaged - particularly in the inside of my knee - Letter from H. Wondered if he would write as per usual & he did -. -. -. 7th. Wednesday. Dreadfully stiff & sore to day - my leg is bad - so skinned on the inside & so stiffy & painful - must have strained the muscles. However arranged to ride back from S. Ethel wished to ride down - she was bad too but insisted on riding. Rob. drove M. & I & Elsie - Archie Stirling rode with us - We got down at dusk & had a nice evening. brought Joe back with them in the buggy. Archie & I got home 1/2 an hour before them at 12 - we cantered all the way almost - I was in bed a good while before they came. It was a lovely ride & would have been more enjoyable to me if I hadn't been so sore[underlined] - we got home before the moon disappeared. Hope I get no harm from this - 8th. Thursday. Feel no bad effects from except my knee stiffer than ever. I can't bend it atall - No more small saddles for me. Got to Mt. M. the next day - Had a good time all the way up & was taken good care of by Mrs. Conland's mother - says Alice has all plans laid out when I come up - & they rejoice all round at the prospect. Got paper from Mr. Warner too with the account of a concert given at Cunnamulla. Good of him to remember me -. 9th. Friday. Still stiff. This week has gone by quicker than the last Mr. & Mrs. Gibson came home from Brisbane tonight. Telegram from Mr. Fetchett today saying that Katie arrived safely this morning. Another letter from the little Mother - in hour after she had arrived at Mt. M. She was all serene. Written on Tuesday She'll be feeling it hot there I know - M & I talked things over tonight the girls & Rob were out. She thinks her day[underlined] will be about 25th. April - 10th. Saturday. The girls were wanting me to ride to Sharon today but I couldn't dream of it - besides it rained some - stayed in all day - got recipes. &c. from M. would liked to have gone for walk but I'm still stiff. Letter from the dear boy again - he has seen Benson who recommended him to get me 2 books of theory - the