Seward House, Badsey
28 February 1900
My dear Ethel,
I must write my weekly letter this evening, though I don’t know that there is much news to give you. I have still no letter from Paris, so have heard nothing more about Grandpa & what illness took him off. Auntie Polly & Anna started for Paris Saturday night, so as to attend the funeral which they supposed would be on Monday or at the latest, Tuesday. Auntie Polly promised to write to me from Paris & as I have not heard, I fancy she must be indulging in one of her headaches, I may get a letter tomorrow morning. May & I went up to Evesham yesterday to try on the black dresses we are having made; Cynthia drove us up & it came on very wet; May went on her carving class & I walked back with Father, & about the Elm we were glad to accept a lift in Pethard’s cart, for it was so wet & dirty. I wonder whenever we shall get some decent weather again, it was fairly fine on Sunday but since then has been horrible. Dear little Babs got out for a little while this afternoon with May after being a prisoner two days, she was so delighted to get out again & was in wild spirits afterwards. I am sending you Arthur’s last letter which I thought would amuse you, poor Dip finds Mr Lattimer’s opinions rather trying. Isn’t it a good thing that Cronje has given in at last, what a good thing it would be if it had the effect of completely disheartening the Boers & bringing the war to a speedy conclusion, but I am afraid they will fight for a good while yet. Tom has been in a fight & come out unhurt, a letter of his is to be forwarded to us soon; I have heard nothing about Hubert lately. John Roberts’ regiment, the 2nd Shropshire, were engaged fighting Cronje just before he surrendered. Father says a brother of that Emily Ewers, a reservist, has been killed in S. Africa. I was very pleased to hear you were top again last week, how did the dance go off? I hope you managed the Lancers all right. It is bedtime so I must stop.
With love to you both,
I remain
Your loving mother
Eugénie N. Sladden
P.S. I had letters from your Aunt Polly and Uncle Joe this morning so can send you a few particulars about dear Grandpa. He was ailing for a few days but the doctor thought nothing of it, only said he had better keep in bed; on Friday, however Auntie noticed a great change; & the doctor being summoned said he would not last long. They got a woman to sit up with him on Friday night and left him quite comfortable when they said Good night, however the nurse soon summoned them back again & Grandpa died quite quietly a few minutes afterwards. He was to be buried yesterday at Auteuil Cemetery I expect in the same grave as Grandmama. I shall not trouble about any mourning for you & Kathleen till the Easter holidays, but must get you a black dress when you come home for the holidays.
