Item 10: Miles Franklin pocket diary, 5 January 1917-16 February 1918

1917 JANUARY

20 SATURDAY

Dull, drizzling day. Worked at Minerva. Got home at 4, had a sleep then pooched around - such a dreary light that I couldn't see - so asininely placed that the light goes on the ceiling. Feeling exhausted & tormented with chilblains.

JANUARY 1917

21 SUNDAY

Worked on first act of Virtue. Didn't get up till eleven. Had tea in front room with Kath & Mrs U. Light enough to blind one. Dull dismal day. Haven't seen the sun for weeks.

1917 JANUARY

22 MONDAY

Went to the B.D.W.S.W lunch at Comedy Restaurant to Olive Schreiner & came home & went to French in evening. Dull day. Finished "Virtue" in the rough first draft

JANUARY 1917

23 TUESDAY

Went to Minerva via Selfridge's where I left my watch once more. Nell & Kath came in evening.

1917 JANUARY

24 WEDNESDAY

Cooked all day at Minerva. Home via French. Desperately cold in the holes which the English call homes.