Seward House
Badsey
9th February /14
My dear little girl
I am sorry you are having rather a trying time just now with regard to your friendship with Hester Grierson; can you think of any little thing you may have done or said unintentionally and which may have been repeated to her in an unkind manner? If not, I expect Hester must be one of those girls, of whom there are very many, who make friends very quickly, but have no perseverance in friendship and soon tire of one person and turn to another. It is rather hard lines on the girl who is deserted, but you must cheer up dear and make the best of things and be thankful that you have other nice friends in the school. It is rather a good thing Hester is leaving this term, it will make it easier for you. Miss Grierson appears to have been very kind and evidently does not think you to blame in the matter. With regard to going to the Communion, so long as you know that you have no ill feeling towards Hester and are ready to make it up with her if she wishes to and that you can pray for her, it must be all right. Of course if she does not mean to be friendly with you, she will not care to come to Badsey, and in that case you may perhaps like to ask another girl, Margaret or Joyce, however that can stand over a little while, meanwhile don’t be too sad and think more about your work than your worries. I expect you felt all the better for having your say out to Mother and I am always ready to hear all your little troubles. I meant you to have had this letter tomorrow morning, but have been interrupted several times so it must be posted in the morning; it is not your regular letter as Father writes that this week, but I thought you would like a few lines soon. Scot tried hard to get under Dr Leslie’s motor this morning, he stopped dead in the middle of the road in front of it, and the doctor had to get out of his way! He did give us a scare! “Prioress” had a calf yesterday and was so poorly today that the vet had to come and see her, I hope she will get better soon.
With much love, dearest, hoping you will soon feel more cheerful and happy.
I am, as ever
Your loving mother
Eugénie N Sladden
