Belgrave Hotel
Torquay
30th May 1912
My dear little Betty,
You will be thinking yourself rather badly used in the way of letters, Ethel has had so many people to write to, & for a fortnight I did not write at all, so I will begin a few lines to you today.
I am very glad to hear that you are getting rid of your cough & feeling quite well again, I expect you will be able to go back to school before long. I am getting on gradually though I feel very weak when I am out of bed. I sat up for an hour this morning & again this afternoon for nearly two hours & walked across the room twice with Ethel’s help. I may perhaps try & get into another room tomorrow, if the waiter’s can carry me along in a carrying chair which they have here.
Mary Robinson came over to see us today, she came by boat from Exmouth & could not stop very long as the boat went back at half-past two.
I expect you had a lovely time at Oxford on Tuesday you lucky little girl! wasn’t it kind of Cyril to send for you? you must write us a good account of what you did. How did you like Dolly? I expect you made great friends with her.
31st May. I must add a few lines to this today. This afternoon Ethel wrapped me up warm & the waiter & another man came & carried me along in a chair to a very nice private sitting room with a lovely view of the Bay; I quite enjoyed watching the pretty little boats & Brixham & Berry Head looked so clear & nice, then closer I could see the traffic along the road & a whole heap of char-a-bancs & waggonettes full of trippers. It is very pretty from our bedroom window but I can’t see much but trees & green fields & a few cows.
I don’t think I mind about your having read “Jane Eyre” I rather forget the book, but I feel sure May would have told you not to read it if she thought you had better not. You seem to be devouring books as usual, I have also read a great number, but have really got almost tired of reading & patience & games pall when you have too much of them; I feel that I should love to do some real work, but I am afraid I shan’t be fit for it yet awhile.
Give my very best love to Father & May & with much love to yourself dear
I am
Your loving mother
Eugénie N Sladden
