Seward House
Badsey
21st June 1900
My dear Ethel,
Uncle & Auntie & May were to have gone for a bicycle ride this afternoon but were afraid to venture as the clouds looked so very threatening, so instead they have walked over to Wickhamford Church, which Auntie has never seen, so while they are gone I will write my letter to you, for it is difficult to get the writing done with visitors about. Aunt & Uncle are staying till next Monday, I hope the weather will improve, as so far it has been very showery, & they have not been able to do much.
We were glad to get Kathleen’s letter this morning; she does not seem very satisfied with her exam, but she is always hard to please & we must hope she has done better than she thinks.
Ada has been taking Baby out this afternoon & she has just brought home Prince who has been run over again, I am rather afraid there are bones broken this time, perhaps Uncle will be able to tell when he comes in; poor old dog, if he gets over this, I am afraid we shall have to take him out only with a collar & chain.
It was a dreadful accident at Slough & I suppose the express must have slackened speed a good deal, or it would have been still worse.
How strange it is that they do not know yet when your music exam is to be, however you will have less time to dread it.
The roses are very backward, there are hardly any out on the rose bed, though those on the walls are looking nice, especially that “Claire Jaquier” that Arthur trained against the stable.
Mr Haynes has just called to introduce his successor, Dr Leslie; the latter seems a very pleasant man & has a nice face, Father met him at lunch the other day & liked what he saw of him.
It is nearly tea-time & I have been disturbed two or three times in my letter so fear it is somewhat disjointed, with much love to you both
I am
your loving mother
Eugénie N Sladden
