Essilmont
12 July 1883
My dear old Chris
It will soon be the time for John to be home again. I hope you will have a nice holiday this time. Papa was saying something about going to Scarborough. All of us were to go. It would be great fun.
You will see by this date that it is my birthday (twenty first). I am getting
old. I have had a good many presents. Papa and Mater a beautiful Gladstone bag. Aunt Bessie and Uncle Waller a silver necklace, old like
Bessie’s. Aunt Guss and Nell a silver bracelet. Alice and Bess some
silver things – I have not got it yet.
PS
Archie and the rest gave me such a pretty album – dark red plush outside.
Myra gave me a pair of black gloves.
Howards, the master and myself went to a tennis party there the other day. Such a proud affair. They had a band and they asked over a 100 people I believe Ethel is growing such a dear little monkey.
What kind of birthday did John spend this year I wonder? We all
drank John’s health at dinner and wished for many happy returns of the day and a pleasant passage home.
Mrs Black has sent us an invitation for her party at the regatta on 1 August.
She is going to have a band.
All join us in much love.
Bless me dear Chris, your loving Sister
E Elmslie