22 July 1889
My dear Chris
Your father has left very little for me to write about, but I may as well put in a few lines.
I hope you are not over doing things at Croydon. You must remember that you are not over and above strong and take care of yourself.
I met Charlie Cheyne a few days ago – he is in a very bad state. The doctors only give him a few months to live. He does not look so bad but his lungs are in a bad way. His mother is just as pig-headed as ever and won’t allow him to come here to visit me.
I often hear from May Berkeley. She was very ill but is better now.
May Elmslie you know is in Germany at school as pupil teacher. We pay ₤25 a year for her. She likes it very much and it will do her so much good and be the means of her getting some good engagement as teacher when she leaves.
I had a very cutting letter from your Aunt Bessie a few days ago because we did not tell her when May was going – as she wanted to see her and say good bye. She and your Uncle are still at Poplar. Now sick of them the others must be. I hope we won’t see much of them when we go to London to live. I’ll have to speak pretty plainly to them I expect.
We see Jim and Lizzie Bisset sometimes. They have both improved very much. Willie B (Bisset?) was married about a week ago to a girl with about ₤300 a year – so he has done well for himself.
I must now conclude with much love
Ever your affectionate Mater
Cecilia Elmslie