Badsey
Evesham
Nov 30/98
My Dear Kathleen,
As it has been drier the last few days I hope the Thames is subsiding and that the threatened floods will not appear. You must let me know if Mrs Knapp and Miss Pollard accept the invitation and I will reimburse you for the tickets you send them.
Jack finds his lodgings comfortable and they are certainly economical, he says he is getting into his work a little now, he will probably spend his Xmas at Folkestone. Arthur was 4th in form last week I think that was very good in view of his lost time, he is to come home on the same day as you do, instead of 20th Dec. Georgie says their breaking up day is 22nd so I suppose that means he will come down on the Friday.
I am glad Ethel enjoyed her first dance, I am very pleased she was top of her form again and should be glad if she were moved up after Xmas. Our photos have not yet turned up, they are rather dilatory people. I am having all those stones broken up by the barn and want to spread them and tidy up that yard a bit. Yesterday we went to an evening “Literary” at Mrs Hope's there were not a very large number present but those who attended seem to have mostly had a pleasant evening, we finished “She Stoops to Conquer” and May read the part of Mrs Hardcastle very well, I took “Tony Lumpkin” again as they seem troubled to find people to read the “funny” parts. Mother played a pianoforte solo.
Our mad landlord died suddenly the other day, as we have a lease of the place it will not affect our tenancy for the present at any rate, but I should not wonder if the property were sold again before long.
I hope your play will go off well. Arthur says they are going to have some scenes from “The Rivals” at their entertainment, at George’s school there is to be a concert and a conjurer from the Egyptian Hall. Last Saturday was uncle Frank’s Silver wedding as well as uncle George’s birthday, we hear that uncle John and auntie Lottie went to Sandwich to help celebrate the occasion.
I think I have rather exhausted my news so with love to you both.
I remain
your affectionate Father
Julius Sladden
