Badsey, Evesham
Feb 19th 1896
My Dear Kathleen,
We will post our letters so as to reach you before Friday as perhaps letters may not be considered fit meditation for “retreat” and consequently held over if received on that day. We were pleased to have your long letters telling us about your doings and are glad you have managed to get such a good place as second in your form. It will be an inducement to try and go one better.
Arthur writes that he was again top in form and fourth in set. He says it is jolly being top because he escapes call over. We have just been packing his tuck box which I shall dispatch tomorrow so it ought to arrive on 21stas he has been such a good boy. I think he has got an extra special; a cake, two pots of jam, some meat rolls, a lot of mince pies, a small piece of bacon and a good lot of apples. Jack’s old tuck box crammed full. What do you think of that for Lent! In the box besides are a few eggs and the silver stud from you children, “The Three Musketeers” from me and “Twenty Years After” from Mother. Won’t the little man’s eyes sparkle when he opens the box, and I am sure the dimples will show up well.
I thought you would be much amused by George’s letter. He is starting a “Crystal Palace” box and I have promised an extra half penny a week when he gets no returned lessons during that time. Jack says he may have a week at Easter. I do not know yet if he will come home or go to Folkestone to get the benefit of the sea breeze.
I think we must send you a few more newspaper cuttings to keep you posted up in outside news a little. You will like the Queen’s letter to the nation. It is so nicely written. We have such a cold wind here today; you must try and avoid catching fresh colds. Now is the time of year for good long walks and May must make her longest efforts before it gets really warm. She is quite right to try and see any interesting places she can manage to get to in the neighbourhood. I must leave the rest of the news for Mother and with love to you both.
I remain your affectionate Father,
Julius Sladden
