East Hill
Wadsworth
19 October 1891
My dearest Chris
I have been putting off writing to you for a reason and so as I could tell you all at once.
I am sorry I have had to take advantage of your kind offer to lend me money. I had some of my own but if I had used it I would have had to go without two or three very necessary articles for winter wear.
I dare say you will remember when we were both at home my eye was bad. You know I had an ulcer on the ball of the eye and ever since then small yellow spots have been growing just inside the bottom lid. The last month or two they have been very painful and every time I used my ???? ???? ???? began to burn and watered very much and the eye ball hurt also. I knew then it was time to have it looked at. The sight is not as good I am sorry to say as it was either.
I went to Dr Chritchett the oculist today week and I was very glad I did go as he told me if the spots were not taken away I might lose my sight. He only cut the big one away which had been so painful. It did hurt and he told me I was very brave as I did not move or cry out. I felt inclined to do both though.
He was not able to do any more to it that day but if the very small ones grow big and painful as well I have to go back to him in three or four months time . He said they may be all right.
I have a lotion to use. I am not to strain my sight at all and worse luck have to wear ???? ???? ???? and another pair for reading and work. They were fifteen shillings the pair – he told me I was not to get cheaper ones. I only hope and pray I shall not loose my sight altogether in the left eye. I know I cannot see so well as I did a few months ago in it. He told me there was a small dull place in the middle of the pupil – it is just as if something had been put over the eye. That seems to sound bad but I only hope with care and my always using the glasses especially for reading and work will keep it from going.
It is the after effects of the two attacks of influenza I had – it has left many people with bad sight. I hope to God I shall not loose my sight, what in the world should I do?
I have not said anything to Uncle Robert and c. because he wanted to burn the ???? ???? ???? he burnt hers out. She went afterwards to Dr Critchett and he told her they might not have been burnt out. She has completely lost her sight in one eye so they say. The one he did when he said he wanted to do the same to mine ???? ???? said, pray don’t let him do it and so I have done all without letting them down.
Papa said I did quite right in going to Mr Critchett and in not telling Uncle Robert. Of course I told them at home but it’s not to go any further. Uncle Robert made an awful row when Aunt Julie took Fanny to Mr Critchett – would hardly speak to them for a very long time.
I had to borrow £3 from Ted Tasman. Chris, with the fee and for the glasses you don’t mind do you if I will pay you back, dear. You told me to take some if I really wanted it ???? ???? rather it had been for some thing else though.
Old fellow will you let Ted Tasman have the £3 soon? As from what he said in his letter to me they are not very well off just now.
I am not going back to Mrs Dalton until the spring or summer. She wanted me back now, but I wrote to her letting her about my eyes (I forgot to mention that Mr Critchett left one small spot in the lid of the eye. I could not bear to have any more done to it that day. He says with using the lotion and being careful it may go of its own accord, but if it gets big and painful I am to go back to him in about three or four months time) and told her what I have just written, asking if she could possibly keep her niece with her for the winter as I should like to get my eye quite right ???? ???? ???? would not be worthwhile coming to England again in such a short time.
She wrote back saying certainly she could keep her niece with her until I was able to join her, and was to take care and be quick and get well again as she missed me very much and wanted me. Her niece would be very glad to see Paris at Christmas time.
She also said I did quite right in asking her if I might stay in England for the present because it was better to be near the oculist in case I had to see him again. Altogether she wrote very kindly. I did not mind asking her at all, we are really more like sisters and I hope this will reach you at Christmas time.
I am enclosing two pairs of silk gloves , a pair for yourself and a pair for Alex as a small present ???? ???? ???? the post office if there was any Parcel Post to Queensland. They said no, so I thought the gloves would go in a letter and would be useful at the same time – the ones you asked me to get you while we were at home last Xmas. Do you remember where the largest size I could get number 7? These are both sevens, I expect they will fit Monsie – better a little large than small as they are both the same size. I have not put any names. I have cut them short and put some elastic in. I hope it will be right – if not get some lady to alter them for you both.
Write here until I tell you not to do so. If I should go away letters can always be sent on. I shall keep up with the ???? after I leave them as I like them ???? top line obscured ???? very fond of me and that I am never to forget them ????
I am afraid this letter is rather badly written. I can’t get used to my glasses, I must not do anything without them though.
I am glad to hear such good news from you, dear Chris, only don’t work too hard and muck yourself up. It is very nice to get on so fast. I expect many your fellows wish they were in your place. I shall be very glad to come out and keep house for you when you want me old fellow, that is if you do not get married.
Have you heard from May lately? She is still in Germany Bremen & Thorpe will stop there. She was home for a little while in the summer. She was looking very well, of course.
You will have heard about our family – that they have left Anerley and are living in Lancing. The home is up in two years time, I believe the last idea is to live in Bedford again, I thought it would come to that in the end.
We have had a dreadful summer on the whole – so much rain, almost every day we have some. I wish I could have gone back to France now as I certainly like France better than England in the way of climate. But I consider it would be very stupid of me to go now if not obliged. Because of my eye it is far better to get that right before leaving England. What say you? I am not afraid of not going back. I shall be very glad when I do go.
In the way of needlework I am not to do too much at a time, rest my eyes every now and then, no dark work at nights and no fine work at any time. My etching I shall have to give up for ever I am more than sorry to say. Such is my luck.
Tell Monsie he owes me a letter and he has never written to say if he liked the handkerchief case and my photo I sent out by you to him. Naughty boy. Tell him to write.
I don’t think there is any more to tell you. I will be writing again soon to tell you how I get on about my eyes and other things. Send me a letter soon old fellow and take care of your self. Give Monsie my love and tell him to do the same.
A very Happy Christmas to you and I hope you will find the gloves the right size and useful. They will wash of course.
Best love dear Chris
From your loving Sister
Edith Elmslie
I have enclosed a small card of silk to mend the gloves with because of the colour. One pair is a little longer than the other.