17 September 1882
My dear Chris
I was so sorry that I missed the last mail, but when we thought of it, it was too late. Mama has just time to write a few lines.
I suppose John will be home month after next. Do you know about what time because Bessie is going to have her dance on 2 November. I wish you could be home for it. They are going to have about 60 people. Mama and I are going up for it if nothing happens.
I went up to London last ??? with Mama and Papa on the train. We went directly to the ship. Mama and I did up Papa’s cabin, had lunch there, after that she went to meet Papa at Greer’s office. They were going to dinner at some people’s. I went on to Poplar and stayed the night there. I went home the next day, and the others on Wednesday.
How are you getting on? Do you still like the ship better than the
other one?
We are having better weather here now, before last week it was just like winter.
Archie goes away for good tomorrow. I only wish he could stay longer but there is no chance.
Mama is going to Plymouth with Sobraon this time. I only wish I was. Papa goes on Tuesday morning. When I went up last Monday I brought my ??? down with me. I do like it so, it is very pretty. I have a certain sum of money a year now, began on 1 August – £15 a year.
Jessie and Jean have been away all the holidays. Jessie, Jean, May and Mary went to the Modern Girls School for the first time last Friday. They seem to like it very much as yet. I wonder if it will keep on.
We have a new piano such a nice one. Papa bought it in London a little while ago.
We have not played tennis for too long, and it has been so wet you know our ground keeps so damp for such a time.
You will be home in time for the dances this time. I hope you will stay for some time.
The old ship looks so nice. I wish I was going in her. Cecil Higgins is going this time – the whole voyage I think. The people will be glad of his singing.
Essil is growing such a dear little thing, but such a fearful little monkey. She says no so plainly, speaks very well now.
Now good bye.
All join in much love, hoping you will have a pleasant quick voyage
home.
Believe me, your loving Sister
E Elmslie