Badsey
Evesham
Mar 14/00
My Dear Kathleen,
Having completed my letter to Arthur I may as well write yours and then it can go to-morrow with the others and also with some spring flowers which I believe Boo intends to send you and Ethel.
Our crocuses have been quite gay in the sun lately and the Savorys quite admired the ring round one of the beds near the school room. I have begun gardening in earnest this month and have no end of pruning to get through what with fruit trees and roses.
I bought the first number of “With the Flag to Pretoria” and read it aloud, it is not badly written and profusely illustrated so I think I shall go on with it.
We were rather amused at a story about the Queen’s change of plans which is going the round, One morning on coming down to breakfast she said to two of her daughters “I’m not going to Italy”, “Oh but you are” was the reply, “No I’m not, I am going to Ireland,” said the Queen and that settled the matter.
Arthur’s holidays begin on April 11th and George thinks he will be coming home the following day. Jack may perhaps go to Folkestone at Easter especially if he cannot get the Saturday off, I know they have invited him.
I must send you this day’s paper containing the message of the Boer Presidents to Lord Salisbury which is about what might be expected from such a pair of unctuous canting hypocrites, however the Premier’s incisive and dignified reply to their precious document, a model of cool prevaricating impudence, is worth reading, when I perused it I thought of Prince Henry’s rejoinder to Falstaff, “Mark how a plain tale shall put you down.” Roberts brought down yesterday, for us to see, John’s box of chocolate from the Queen which he had sent home to his wife to take care of, the soldiers generally seem very proud of the gift.
It seems Benson is coming to Stratford for one week only commencing Apr 23 the revival play is Pericles and others announced are “As you like it”, Othello, Macbeth & Merch. of Venice.
Tell Ethel I am glad she was so high in form, George could only manage 13th last time.
Love to you both
your affectionate Father
Julius Sladden
