15/5/16
My dear Betty
I have had many letters to write and not over much time to do them. I know you’ll like a letter, especially as you’re now back at school.
I was sorry you had to go back so soon, and yet perhaps it was the best thing – you’ll have a great deal to do, with your exam just ahead, and then perhaps the sadder aspects of the last three weeks will fade, and you will be better prepared for being at home for a while. I had a nice long letter from Ethel today, she told me how steady and plucky you were when things looked so bad that Sunday. I have by now a very complete account of Mother’s last days and of the sad days afterwards and through them all there grows up unmistakeably a sense of happiness too that she was taken away so peacefully; undoubtedly her health and strength were going fast and I think she was least desirous of becoming a complete invalid. Some women in her state might have been invalids for years, but not our little Mother – in her quiet and gentle but persistent way she kept on leading a life that could fairly be described as active, and useful to a degree that even we may not entirely realise yet.
You are rather older than she was when her Mother died; that is well for you and all of us will be able to carry through life a very clear and blessed memory of her. I was very glad that Mary came over to Badsey and was able to be of help and comfort to you all.
I’ve had many kind letters now, from Aunt Fanny, Aunt Lottie, Mr Williams, Harold Schenk and Mrs Gillespie (an aunt of Mary’s – you may remember hearing of her). I expect you have found the first weeks of term very irksome, but it is the only way, to settle down to ordinary things, isn’t it?
If you have time, write me a few lines, old lady. Best of luck in your exam, which no doubt you’ll be very glad to be done with.
With much love.
Your affectionate brother
Arthur
