Sunday Nov. 27th, 92

Alexandra House
Kensington Gore
LONDON. S.W.

Sunday Nov. 27th, '92

My own darlings,

It is just 7 pm. Lots and I have been down to Mothers room to tea and we have been reading since - we had some nice hot toast and cake for tea, it was all so cosy, but Pets I didn't forget you although I was enjoying myself so much - I though how nice it would be to be having tea with you at "Enara". Well it has been a perfect day, but of course very chilly and we must expect that now - just fancy it is only 4 weeks today to xmas day and I shall be at Westbury then - I love them all there so very much. We did not go down to breakfast till 10 this morning. We intended going to church but were too late so Mother, Maggie, Lots and I went out for a walk in the Park at 1/4 past 11 and stayed there walking nearly all the time until 1.30. It was glorious out, so refreshing and heaps of people in the Park. We listened to the band playing for a long time and watched the small yachts sailing on the serpentine. But we got so fearfully hungry and really thought we would never be satisfied and would never finish eating at dinner. Oh. We did eat a lot - so our walk did us good. I wrote to Westbury this afternoon. Lots is sending you a new year card by this mail and birthday card to Annie. I must now wish her a "Very Happy Birthday" - and I hope she will get some presents. I quite forget how old she is. Now I must go back to Friday. After lunch Maggie and I went to Brompton Road - Maggie bought a lot of things and I bought 23 very pretty Xmas cards and 12 envelopes for 1/6 - they are splendid ones and so awfully cheap and I bought 3 black feathers (tips) only 3 3/4 each - real beauties the 3 for 11/1/4 - and we took the bus home and had tea - Maggie and Mother then went to Opera rehearsal and I practised till dinner. After dinner we had a rehearsal of the play until 8 and then went down to dancing. I think we have only one more dancing lesson. Yesterday I practised till 10 and then went to singing lesson. At 12 Lots and I went out to High Street - she bought a lot of things and I bought some foreign note paper - it isn't as nice as this so I only bought 1 quire 4'. I went to tea with Georgie Cavendish and the Honorable Gertrude Forbes-Sempil. Lots was rehearsing for the xmas dance. Mr Souten is amazing the tableaux for us and he wants to have one big grand of one of 2 of the principal heroes and heroines in Shakespeare's plays and he wants me to be "Setania" from the "Midsummer Night's Dream". Mother and Lots are to be "Othello" and "Desdemona". Saturday evening we spent very lazily, I only mended my clothes that came from the washing and now darling I have told you all my news since I wrote on Friday and now must say goodnight and write to Jim - a loving kiss each from your own loving daughter, Jessie

Thursday 10 am

I have just been to my piano lesson and had such a very nice one - he is so pleased with my exam pieces - but he will say I am looking thin and ill He thinks I ought to have nicer things to eat in Alexandra House. I feel alright today. I had a letter from Bobbie this morning he is coming to London tomorrow and I am going to the City with him if it is fine, I will meet him at Paddington at 10.15 tomorrow. It will be so nice to see him - so I must finish my mail letters today. We had a postcard from Mrs. Petersen yesterday and she and her sister are coming here to tea this afternoon. Tonight I have a rehearsal of the play from 8 to 10. Tomorrow night Signor Vesitti's concert is here at 7.30. It is rather fine today but yesterday was perfect almost like a spring day. I must go back to Monday now. The mail letters by the Brittania came by the first post - I had 4, yours, Jim's, one from Mr. Collard and one from Bobbie. I had to pay 5' on Jim's again this week - it was only 2 1/2 sheets too but such fearfully thick coarse paper and envelope. Bobbie wrote to say he was coming up on Friday. Father came up on Sunday and brought Gyp and Toby with him and he stayed at Ethel's all night and returned to Westbury on Monday. Mr. Collard wrote to ask us there next Sunday at 4 - I wrote and accepted it on Tuesday but said if it was wet we couldn't go - and I had a letter again from him yesterday afternoon - to say if it is wet we must take a cab from door to door. Mrs. & Miss Collard are both at home now. They are nice friends to have aren't they? I went to my lesson at 9 Monday - I didn't feel at all well and nearly fainted - so I couldn't go to my harmony at 10 - I sent my work in by one of the girls and had it corrected. I rested till lunch time and I felt better after that and practised till 3 then Lots and I went out for a walk - but we had to take the bus back. I had a severe cold again and I haven't the least idea where I got it from. I was aching all over, I went to bed directly after dinner and couldn't go to the play rehearsal. I was much better on Tuesday morning - my cold is in my head - it is so horrid, it will be better in a day or two though. I practised hard on Tuesday and did harmony. At 12 George Cavendish and I went out and I bought a nice pair of house shoes 5/11 - they are very nice ones, black beads on the toes and I went to Ponting's to see some children's dresses for Emmie but didn't like them - we got back just in time for lunch. Then I practised and at 5 we had a concert - it was a very short one but very good. I had your, Jim's and one from Harry - I couldn't make head or tail out of it - George Beacheur wrote it for him as he had had a fall and dislocated his shoulder. He never sent me any money, I think he might have - I will never ask him for money again. He said he had had a letter from "Enara" to say that Mrs. A was dead. His letter was in answer to mine when I sent him the gloves - he got them alright. Harry said he might go to Ballarat at xmas so if he does - you just tell him that I never intend to ask him for any money again. Jim was going off to the Melbourne Cup - he said Charlie Brown has passed his 5th year in all he had been up for and there was only one more subject left - so I daresay Charlie is Dr. Charles Brown now. I will answer your two letters after pets - and now I must go and practise till lunch and finish this after.

We have had lunch and now another little chat with you darlings. I had a letter from Hedley yesterday morning - he is living in ConnaughtSquare now - we are going to see his rooms some day with mother. I practised all yesterday morning , went to Choral at 12 - music calss at 2.15. George Cavendish had tea with me. Lots, Mother and Maggie went to a Minstrel entertainment at 2 in St. Jame's Hall. George and I went out after tea and I had 3 pretty little dresses sent to Emmie from Barker's for poppets - only for Emmie to choose - and I suppose Bobbie will bring them back tomorrow. I came back and wrote to Emmie about the dresses. The Hopkinson Gold medical exam was last night and Edith Green got it - 4 of the House girls went in for it - Maude Bramwell and Gwen Jones were equal second. We had a rehearsal of the play in the studio last night from 8 to 10 - it is to be in the concert room tonight. Now I will answer your letters. I was so pleased to get a letter from Australia again and also one from JJA - so you have lost them now. I am sure you must miss them very much - I wish I had been home. This is 1st December tomorrow I will have been in England 1 year and 8 months - and it is pouring with rain now as usual.

At least I suppose I shall have some of your photos - I am looking forward to the group and also one of Emil in evening dress - I hope they will be nice. Well!!! I think Frank takes the cake and bun too - just fancy him marrying Fanny Patterson and so soon after Aggie's death - I am simply disgusted - he must be a fool. I am so glad Ma likes the lace I sent her - I don't know what I shall do next. I am so glad you are going to send Emmie and Bobbie the views for xmas. Our exams start on the 14th and end on the 24th but I think mine will be over on 21st, I shall try to go to Westbury that day. Now pets I must say goodbye and write to Jim - perhaps I won't have time to write again this mail. I hope annie will have a very happy birthday - goodbye darlings's with fondest love and kisses from your everloving Jessie.

xxxxxxxxx

Monday Nov. 7th, '92

Alexandra House
Kensington Gore
LONDON S.W.

Monday Nov. 7th, '92

My own darling ones,

Now for a little after dinner chat - I have just come up from dinner. I am a day late with my writing aren't I pets - nevermind you must get all the news just the same. Now today's first - it was a very bright day until 3 and then in less than 5 minutes a deuce xx came over - and it is something dreadful now - a lot of girls are going to the theatre tonight but they are not allowed to go unless they have a guide with a torch to light the hansom. It came on so very suddenly. Well this morning the mail letters were in - yours and Jim's, such nice ones and also one from Bobbie - you said you were sending me a "Star" but it hasn't come yet - I hope it will for I am anxious to know what is in about me and I shall expect the "Courier" next week. They are all well at Westbury. Jim has been very busy and has got a splendid practice at Trentham - and he made 20 pounds the week he wrote the letter, isn't that splendid? I will answer your letter after. I have practised 4 hours piano and 1/2 hours singing today, have been to piano, harmony and counterpoint lessons and have also worked some harmony and counterpoint - so Pets you will see that I have worked the whole day. I have felt much better today - I am sure it is the ecualyptus that Hedley gave me that is doing me good - I take it on sugar night and morning. Now I must go back to Friday. I wrote to mother at Westbury in the evening and at 7 we went to dancing and had such fun - we are learning such pretty fancy dances - George Cavendish has been sleeping with us since Friday because her partner has been away - but she won't be with us tonight - it is great fun having girls up to sleep with us.

I practised well on Saturday. At 10 I went to singing. My exam is at 1 on Wednesday and I am going to sing "Let me dream again" by Arthur Sullivan now - it is so pretty - I had to go out and buy a contrats key after my lesson - more music again - oh what a big bill I will have. Lots came out too and she bought a new pair of boot 18/9 - such nice ones - my boots are quite worn out now - I must get a pair when my next money comes. We were both invited to Mrs. Burts' at Westbourne Terrace to tea on Saturday afternoon but it poured all the afternoon and we couldn't go - so we went to Georgie Cavendish's room to tea. I did mending, etc in the evening. Yesterday we didn't go down to breakfast till 10. Oh. I forgot our hats came home on Saturday and they are so nice and so cheap too - mine comes to 7/9 - it is black straw, lined in silk velvet (black) black feathers and pale blue plush and wing. It looks lovely - Lots is the same but with red plush and bird. I do wish you could see the different things I get pets.

I wrote to Emmie yesterday and at 3.15 Lots and I took a bus to West Kensington and went to Miss Turner and Miss Steuart-Smith's to tea - we enjoyed the afternoon there very much indeed - they live in lodgings and are both singers at College - they have such sweet rooms - we are going there again soon. We got home at 1/4 to 7 and I had to finish my counterpoint for today. We were so tired last night. I am fully engaged for every day this week. Saturday morning we had an invitation from Mrs. (Captain) Le Gretton to dinner tomorrow night , but as we cannot go out at night we had to refuse and when we were out Saturday morning Mrs. Le Gretton and the two girl met us in Barker's so we told her we couldn't go to dinner and now we are going there to lunch next Friday at 1. I have been reading such a nice book "Love will find out the way". I have finished it now. About the piano - if Mr. Collard didn't give me one - if I bought it from him here, I am sure he would give it to me for half price, and even if he didn't it would be cheaper to buy it here and to pay duty carriage, etc, than I could get it in Australia and I do want a nice one and could get a much better choice here. But there is plenty of time yet to think about it isn't there dears? I must give you some hints about the complexion pets - for mine is so clear and white now and not a freckle and people are always saying what a lovely complexion Lots and I have - wash in water with just the chill off, only use soap once a day (at night) after you dry your face in the towel, rub it with chamois leather - and if you need it use glycerine and cucumber cream - it is the best thing and viciolia soap is the best to use. So you have had a visit from Mr. and Franny Sleeman, give them my love. I am so glad that at last Emil has gone to Mr. Bailey - I do hope she will get on and be a good player. Mrs. Featherstone would get a shock when she saw the dining-room. I am so glad Pa and Alice's colds are better. I have told you all the news Pets and now will say goodnight and write to Jim - a loving kiss each from Daisie.

Thursday 7 pm.

Talk about fogs - oh goodness if this one doesn't clear away soon, I shall be dead. We have had a dense fog now since Monday - it is abominable for we cannot go out I haven't been out since Sunday. Oh Pets you have no idea what these November fogs are like - they make my eyes and head ache dreadfully. We have had the gas all day long since Monday - you can see nothing a few feet away. It is Patti's concert in the Albert Hall tonight - of course nearly all the girls here are going - I should have liked to go very very much, but could not afford it - even if I had the money. Maggie Purvis is going to sleep with us tonight. She also slept with us Monday night. Tuesday morning I had a letter from Hedley and with it one from Ethel - she is still in Brisbane. I practised a lot on Tuesday and we were to go to Haslar's to tea in the afternoon but couldn't go on account of the fog - it seems as if we are never to go there. I heard yesterday that Mr. Haslar has been spectulating and has lost 40,000 pounds and they are very much upset about it. Well, when we weren't allowed out we went to George Cavendish's room to tea. In the evening we had an orchestra concert and mother sang - oh so beautifully. I do wish you could hear her pets, you would never forget it. The concert hall was crowded and there were heaps of visitors and we wore our evening dresses. Mrs. Watson (the College Registrar's wife) was in the drawing room to coffee after and she had a Mr. Roberts with her and he asked to be introduced to me. I had a good long talk with Mrs. Watson, she is such a sweet women. She has invited Lots and me to her house, but we are not to go for a fortnight because she will be away. Yesterday (Wednesday) I had a very hard day. I practised till 12 and then went to choral till one, ran down and had some soup and then off to College again to my singing exam, I got on alright - came back at 1/4 to 2, at 2.15 went to music class. There was a second study concert here at 3, but at 3 I went with Lots to her singing exam and also for 2 other girls and was there till 4.30 - then I went into the concert and heard the last two things on the programme. Then I had a talk with Mr. Dickie - he has just been composing a xx and wanted to know if I will accept it and tell him my opinion of it - I think he is going to send it to me tomorrow. We didn't get tea till 5 - so I didn't go down to dinner but finished my practise and then washed my cocoa-nut and George Cavendish came up after dinner and dried my hair from me and brushed and combed it out and it was dry in no time and then we had a good game of cards, while it was drying. This morning I had a nice letter from dear old Bobbie - they are all well at Westbury. I have practised 4 1/2 hours today - went to my piano lesson at 9. This afternoon we went to Miss Scott's room to tea. On Tuesday it was up in College that I was to play Mr. Gompertz's Ensemble Class at 4 today with Mr. Jacoby. He is one of the best violinists' in College and plays most beautifully. Of course I played at 4 and there were such a lot of boys and girls listening. We play the Mozart Sonata in b for piano and violin - it is lovely together. Mr. Gompertz was awfully nice and said he liked my playing very much - which is a good deal when he says it, for an hour and he thinks we will play it at a concert together. Jacoby is a very handsome dark fellow. I wasn't a bit nervous and I enjoyed playing with him so much. We are to play it together again next Thursday. Aren't I getting on Pets? I feel so delighted that I am to play at the Ensemble Classes. Mr. Gompertz asked me to ask Mr. Pauer to let me learn Bach's Sonatas for piano and violin for he thinks I could play them well. I can't wait for next Thursday to come. We had champagne for dinner tonight and it has made my eyes sparkle so - one of the girls had some sent her, so we had some of it. A hamper of apples came today from Emmie and Bobbie and I had to pay 6' on it - those railway people are frauds because Bobbie always pays it right to Alexandra House. The apples are delicious though and we have been whacking in. I am going to ask Don and Ethel to our next concert - it is on the 22nd next Tuesday week. I don't think there will be room in the concert for me to play this term - they have taken off 2 of the concerts. Bobbie is building a new glove factory at Westbury it will be finished by Xmas. Now my darlings I have told you all the news and must say bonne soir, write to my Jim - I hope you are well and happy and also dearest Auntie. I haven't heard from Up-Avon all the term, they must be offended because I didn't stay there longer in the holidays. We are to go to Le Gretton's to lunch tomorrow, but if the fog doesn't clear we won't be able to go. Now goodnight my pets, with fondest loves and many kisses each from your loving Jessie.

Friday (mail day)

Well my dear one - I am just about dead with this dense black fog - this room is full of it and I can scarcely see to write outside it is pitch dark - it is just 3 pm. And it has been dark all day - of course wee couldn't go to Le Gretton's to lunch. Without exaggeration you cannot see your hand before you face outside. It came on like this last night about 10 and all traffic of all kinds was stopped then and the people at Patti's concert if they got home had to walk for even torches could not be seen by the person holding them. 2 of the girls were at the theatre and they couldn't get home till 1 - their hansom came so far and then the driver had to tell them to get out - that he couldn't go any more - and then he had driven on the pavement. All sounds are so dull - it is enough to drive any mad. I practised 3 hours this morning and must do another hour yet - we have dancing tonight. The girls coming over from the Albert Hall last night hadn't the slightest idea where they were and it took them nearly an hour to grope their way across which at any other time take half a minute to cross. I am so glad I didn't go to the concert last night. You cannot imagine what it is like my pets - perhaps this will give you an idea - the lamp outside the hall door here has been lit all day but we cannot distinguish the least sign of light there - if you can imagine such a thing. How London is upset - not a single conveyance allowed to out. Mother had a letter from Hedley this morning and he says in it that last night at 10 he and Vacey were in a cab and they had a collison and they were only crawling along. There isn't another single thing to write about dears - it is all fog - at least I have seen a real London fog - I thought they were bad just before xmas - but they were nothing to this - trains have been stopped near London because the signals cannot be seen. Now darlings I must say goodbye for another week and hope the fog will be gone by then. My fondest love to you all and a big kiss each always your loving Jessie.

Friday September 30th, 1892

Alexandra House
Kensington Gore
LONDON, S.W.

Friday September 30th, 1892

My our darlings,

Well I am late this week - aren't I? Nevermind dearies I have been very busy through coming back to College - but I must try and tell you all the news just the same. It is just 8.30 and we have just come up from breakfast. It is Lots first practise this morning. She is practising now until 10 and then I start until lunch. It is rather dull this morning - it poured all day yesterday and made everything so very miserable. I have had such a nice letter from Bobbie this morning - they miss me dreadfully at Westbury. Bobbie says the house seems deserted and he is down in the dumps. I have no lessons today - I go to my singing lesson tomorrow at 10.

Now back to last Thursday. In the evening we all went down to mothers for the evening. Friday morning Lots and I went out for a long walk and we bought 3' each of darning cotton and a small xx each 6'. After dinner Emmie, Bobbie, Lots and I drove to Eddington tea gardens - it was a lovely afternoon and we had a nice row on the Lake and tea at the gardens - we called at the dressmakers' first. It gets dark very early now, so we had to leave about 1/4 to 7. When we got home our furs had arrived - 5 boas and 5 muffs were sent for us to choose from. There were only 2 muffs and 2 boas that we liked and Lots and I had them and Bobbie has written for Emmie's the same as mine. My boa is 3 pounds 9-9 and my muff 1 pound 19/9 - altogether 5 pound 9/9. Isn't it a lot? but they are perfectly lovely - dark brown bear and such a lovely thick long soft fur. Of course we got them wholesale price, they came from Hithcox and Williams', St Pauls, London. Retail price they would be 10 pound 10. Lots isn't so nice as mine - the fur is hard and shaggy - I don't like hers as well as mine - her boa is 2 pounds 15 and muff 1 pound 9/9 - altogether 4 pounds 4/9. Bobbie and Emmie both advised me to have mine - they think mine is worth twice the difference in price. They are both the same colour. I do wish you could see them pets - I haven't used my muff yet - the boa is lovely - I do feel a swell. Neither of us have paid for them yet - Bobbie sent a cheque for them and we are going to send the money to him as soon as we get it. Saturday morning Lots was busy packing and I practised. After dinner Lots had to leave - we all drove back to Mothers and Emmie and I went to church to Gyp - he promised to play the Angel's Serenade on the Organ for me - it is a lovely thing. Then we went to see Francie - she was still in bed and very ill, of course, we couldn't stay with her long - and then we went home. After tea we went for a walk and down to mothers. In the evening Bobbie and I went for another walk and we were in a shop buying sweets and Gyp meet us so he came back to supper with us and we played bagatelle. We didn't go out all day Sunday - it was miserable and cold and wet. I wrote to Uncle in the afternoon. We had such a jolly day at home. We were up at 7 Monday morning and walked to the station and got the 8.25 to Weymouth - we went first class - Bobbie, Emmie and I - it was a most lovely bright day - there had been a frost in the night. We got to Weymouth at 10.30 - the scenery - especially in somerset is magnificent - it wasn't so pretty in Dorset. Weymouth is a lovely seaside place - it seemed so very funny to see the sea again. The esplanade there is beautifuly and also the pier. It is a very large place and some lovely shops, hotels, etc. We had lunch at 12 - most sumptuous - then we took the train to Portland - where the strongest prison is - it is built on top of the cliffs - such a height. We went straight to the beach and sat down on the pebbles. It is only the most beautiful beach in the world - the pebble beach. It extends for miles and miles and every stone is so smooth and round - it is awfully difficult to walk on - you keep on slipping - the sea is fearfully rough there and there are always lots of shipwrecks. We sat for a long time and bought a crab and ate it on the beach - it is an understood thing that everybody that goes there msut eat a crab on the beach. I brought a lovely pebble back with me - an oval and perfectly smooth - I will paint something on it and it will make a nice paper weight. Of course the crab made us very thirsty so we walked to an hotel and had some claret and lemonade and then walked through Portland and watched the prisoners cutting the stones out of the cliff, etc. and then went to the pier to get a little boat and go out for a row on the sea but we couldn't get one and we had to go in a steamer. We all got weighed on the pier - Emmie weight 7 1/2 stone - Bobbie 10 stone 11 lbs and I weighed 8 1/2 stone. We got on the steamer and went round Portland Bill - it was pretty rough but I didn't dream of being sea-sick. When we got to the English channel it was rather choppy. We enjoyed the trip very much. The bay at Weymouth and Portland is very pretty - we went close to the training ship which is anchored outside of Portland and we also went to see the largest iron clad in the world "the Alexandra" - it is a tremendous boat - it was anchored near the training ship. We came back to Portland and went over to Weymouth on the same steamer - and walked along the Esplanade and then went and had tea and Bobbie bought us a lot of nice sweets. I bought a pretty view of Weymouth 1/- and a 6 xx for Poppets and Emmie bought a lot of things. Then we walked about the pier and beach, etc. Weymouth is just crowded with big swells and is very lively. We got the 1/4 to 7 train back to Westbury. Near Yeovil we had an accident - we were coming down the hill at a terrific rate and we all said what a quick train when in a second the train pulled up and nearly shook us to pieces. Everybody rushed to windows to see what was wrong. The train was going so quickly that part of the engine broke and was hanging on the line - if they hadn't pulled up at that second - it would have gone off the line and gone over a very light bank. We were stopped 3/4 of an hour while the men came and the part that was broken was knocked right off - it was alright then and they hurried on and we got to Westbury at 9.15 and walked home and my mail letters were waiting for me - I got one from Jim - he had been too busy to write the week before. I will answer yours after dears. We were very tired and sunburnt and went to bed soon after supper. Bobbie gave me another nice pair of xx for Lots and me - he keeps us in gloves nearly. I hope ma got the lace last week and that she had a very happy birthday. I packed Tuesday afternoon - it was a very wet day and made me more miserable at the thought of leaving them all at Westbury. After tea Bobbie, Emmie and I went to say goodbye to everybody - we went to mother and then Bobbie took me over to say goodbye to Amy and Willie and then mother came with us to Joe's - Francie was to get up yesterday but she is not nearly well yet. Then we went home and Gyp came up in the evening and we played bagatelle and cards for the last time. I cried myself to sleep that night - Wednesday morning we were up at 6 - Willie was up at 7 to say goodbye. Bobbie and I drove to the station and got the 7.20 train. I was so very sorry to leave them - luckily it was a nice fine morning - but I got wet Tuesday night and have a slight cold and my throat was sore yesterday but it is better today. We had a nice carriage to ourselves half the way. Ethel met us at Paddington at 10.30. We 3 drove into the city and at 12.30 we went to meet Don at the bank and we all went to lunch together in Fleet St. We had a lovely lunch. Don went back to the bank and we walked up to Regent St. - left Ethel at Jermyn St. to go to her lodgings and pack up to go back to Westbury with Bobbie in the evening. Then Bobbie and I took the bus into the City again. He had to go to Dents' - so he took me to the Ladies dining-room at Lake's restaurant and ordered me a lemon squash. We went about abit and Bobbie bought me 3 peaches - they were 4' each - such beauties. We then took the bus to London Bridge and got off there and took the steamer up the river to Westminster Bridge - we walked a little way tand then took a hansom to Paddington and got there at 1/4 past 5 and waited for Ethel and don to come. We had some refreshments at the station and they came at 5.30. My luggage was in the booking office - Bobbie got it out and they put me in a hansom and paid and sent me off to Alexandra House - oh so down in the dumps. Their train left at 5.45. I cried going here in the hansom and arrived just in time for dinner - Haggie Purvis was back - I had a telegram from Lots saying she would be back Thursday morning - mother isn't coming back till next week. I also had a card to go to my first lesson (piano) at 9 yesterday morning. I went down to dinner with Miss Palmer - it was nice to see all the girls again - but I was so miserable. I cam up directly after dinner intending to arrange our room - but I couldn't do it. We have another girl in our room until Monday. Miss Brooks - a singer (contralto) scholar - she is very nice. She is a Drs. daughter in Shropshire. We went down to Ethel Cain's room to tea at 8 and stayed with her. She came up and slept with me in the night. Cissie Russell will be back from Canada about next Tuesday. I cried myself to sleep Wednesday night and felt much better for it yesterday. I was up at 7 yesterday morning, practised 1/2 an hour before breakfast and 1/2 after it - went to my piano lesson at 10 and went into the office to sign my name to Sir Walter's address and I met him and nearly called him Mr. Parratt - he noticed it too and said he wished I had called him Mr. Parratt instead of Sir Walter. I came in here then and practised another hour and that is all the practise I did yesterday - everything was so unsettled. I must go and practise now and finish this after 1.30 - we have just had lunch and now I must finish my writing - I practised 2 1/2 hours this morning and then Miss Souten came and stayed until lunch. We had to go to the concert room at 1 to meet Sir George and listen to his address and Sir Walter was presented with his address - the hall was crowded - nearly everybody was there. I haven't seen my report yet - I suppose you have pets? I hope it was good. I know I have been moved into the top grade for harmony and now I have to take counterpoint as well as harmony. I am in the top grade for both harmony and music class now. Lots is in the lowest music class and only 3rd grade harmony. We got our timetables after the address yesterday. Lots didn't get here till 3 yesterday and missed the address and had to rush off to her piano lesson at 3. We went to Miss Scott's room to tea and then we came up and arrange our room until dinner-time and finished it after dinner - we were so fearfully tied last night and were in bed at 9.30. This has turned out such a lovely afternoon. Fancy young Casley dying and Mr. Scott too. Charlie Bennett's fire looks very suspicious - I hope to hear more about it. I hope Jo Suffett will get better - fondest love to them all and my darling Auntie. Now my darlings I must say goodbye for this week and dars I hope you are all quite well and happy. I am quite anxious to get my parcel of lovely flannel petticoats. You are good to me Pets. Fondest love and kisses for you all from your own loving daughter Jessie.

Many happy returns of your birthday ma darling.

Tuesday, September 5th, 1892

Warminster Road
Westbury
WILTSHIRE

Tuesday, September 5th, 1892

My dear old darlings,

(if ma would like to write to Mrs. Hardy - I will here for her address if you let me know).

It is just 10.30 and I am only just up - I am getting very lazy I am afraid. I will be up very early tomorrow for I have to get the 10 past 9 train to Up-Avon, I wrote to Uncle yesterday and said I would go on Wednesday and will be back again on Friday. I hope I will have nice weather there - the weather has been quite cold since last Thursday - it is nice today though. The winter will soon be here now and I really think I will find it very cold this year. Well dears we are going to Amy and Willies to tea this afternoon and for the evening & of course there will be some good fun. Bobbie is going to Bristol tomorrow so he will go as far as Snowbridge with me. Now I must go back to Thursday, I suppose after tea Emmie and I went to see Francie and the baby. they went out for the first time on Sunday - the baby has the loveliest gown I have ever seen 0 it is just delicious - when we came back Gyp came up and we all played card "Hearts" all the evening. I practised a lot on Friday and after tea Bobbie, Emmie and I went down to Mothers' - it was Ethels last night - Amy and Willie were over too. Mr. Watkins came down after tea so I drove down to go down to Mothers will him and to the bank - Bobbie didn't go down then so I drove back here with Mr. Watkins to meet Bobbie and then drive up to Watkins and Bobbie walked back with me - but he had gone another way so I couldn't have my drive after all. Mr. Watkins says I am a very good driver. Well I walked back to Mothers' and called in to see Francie on the way.

Saturday morning

I had just started to make a plum pie for dinner when Carrie Beale drove down in the dog cart and wanted me to drive to the station with her to meet Carrie Allen from London. I dorve both ways to the station. Carrie Allen is going to stay with the Beales for a fortnight - we were invited there Saturday afternoon but it was too cold for the baby and Emmie wouldn't go without her. After tea we went to Mothers' for a bit and then to Willies' and then Gyp came up with us and we played bagatelle. We didn't go to Church Sunday - mother, father, xx and Toby came up after tea and we all went for a nice long walk. I made a tomato salad for supper and one last night too.

Sunday morning

I made stuffing for the fowl. Ethel went to London Saturday morning - she is coming back here again before she goes to Paris. I practised all the morning yesterday. After tea we went down to see Francie and then to Mothers' - and Arthur, Emmie and I went for a lovely walk to the first lodge at Sir Henry Lopes' - we came home then and Bobbie and I went for another walk and then played bagatelle when we came back - oh I was so tired. We went to bed soon after supper. Well pets I think I have told you all the news. I hadn't time to write to Harry last week - I will do so today and I think Bobbie is writing to you this week too and Harry's gloves will be sent too. This letter will be posted at Up-Avon. The cholera here is spreading rapidly - in Hamburgh there have been thousands of deaths - and the death-rate is daily increasing. Bobbie and Emmie are afraid to let me go back to London as it is spreading there so quickly and is so deadly but I must go back. The London hospitals are filling quickly. Goodbye for today pets - I hope you are all well - fondest love from Jessie.

Up-Avon, Thursday

Well darling here I am at Up-Avon again it is just 12 o'clock. I want to finish your letter before dinner if I can and Jim's after dinner because I am going out this afternoon to call on some people. Up-Avon is just the same - very dull and quiet. Uncle, Auntie and George are all quite well - George has grown very tall since last year. It is so dull here I shall be glad to get back to Westbury again. Tuesday afternoon we went to Amy and Willies for tea - they have a lovely mulberry tree - so we all did full justice to the mulberries. I had a letter from Hedley Tuesday night - he is still at Carlisle. I have just had some wine and biscuits - I don't feel very well today. This sick and pen are very bad - I hope pets that you will be able to read this. Well we had great fun at Willies on Tuesday night- we didn't leave till 12 - Gyp was there too - we had music and played cards all the evening - we played "donkey" it is great fun - only you must be very sharp over it or you will be made donkey. We were not in bed till after 1 - but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I have not had your letters this week yet - they will be at Westbury this evening and I will not get them till I go to Westbury tomorrow. I had my breakfast in bed yesterday morning and was up at 8. Bobbie and I left at 1/4 to 9 and walked to the station. Bobbie bought my ticket to come here. Our train left at 9.10 and we had to changed at Snowbridge - Arthur was going to Bristol and he had to wait at Snowbridge an hour for the Bristol train - I only had to wait 20 minutes for mine so Bobbie saw me off. I only had a small gladstone bag with me - Uncle sends his love to you all and will write soon - but he is very busy now. I got to Woodborough at 10.18 and Auntie met me with the trap and we drove 4 miles home. It was so cold and raining a little and I got quite stiff. After dinner I went and called on Mrs. Abrahams - they were so pleased to see me and think I have grown much talled and thinner. Mrs. Hardy is stayed with them - so of course I saw her - she had been wanting to see me. Her name was Emilie Bonner and she used to go to school at Pewsey with ma and shared the same bedroom. She thinks I am very much like ma was. She is a chemists' wife at Salisbury - and is very nice looking and very ladylike - and of course dressed beautifully. They are very well off - she has her ponies and carriage with her here. I am to send her love to ma and to tell her that she has 8 children and the eldest is 26 - I am invited to stayed with them at Salisbury - she is staying with Mrs. Abrahams until Monday. I stayed a long time with them and am going again tomorrow to see them before I go back. After there I went to see the Bucklands - I saw them all and stayed there some time, then came back and wrote to Westbury to say I got here safely. After tea Auntie and I drove to Rushall - and I went to see the Strattons - I stayed there for a long time and then walked to meet Auntie at another house and we had some apples there and then drove on to Mrs. Lewis' and saw them and then we drove home - and soon after supper went to bed for I was very tired. I had my breakfast in bed this morning and didn't get up till 11. I will get the 4.32 train from Woodborough to Westbury tomorrow - we will leave here about 3.30 and drive. This is such a lovely day so I must take advantage of it and clear off my calls - but I don't feel very well. I will be back in Westbury at about 6 tomorrow - if Bobbie doesn't come here for me - he will meet me at Westbury. I will be eager to get your letter pets. I wrote to Harry on Tuesday. Arthur said he would send you the paper this week. We are going to have pork, stewed rabbit, french beans, new potatoes and apple pie for dinner - it is nearly ready. I haven't much news pets for you this week.

The country here looks lovely now the harvest is being taken and there are heaps of artists from the Royal Academy down here painting. Our holidays will soon be over now dears and then I will have to be preparing for my concert - I do hope I won't be nervous.

I must say goodbye for another week pets - I hope you are all well - give my love to Auntie, Mrs. A. and all at Darling St and with fondest love and a thousand kisses to your own dear selves,

from your loving Jessie

xxxxxx

Monday August 29,

Warminster Road
WESTBURY
Wiltshire

Monday August 29

My dear old darlings,

Here I am at Westbury again and as usual having a gay old time. I have just written to Miss Palmer - wrote to Lots and mother this morning and had a letter from them too. Mother is delighted with the farmhouse and country - she went up on Friday and I left them that day. We are expecting Mr. & Mrs. Glass here, so I won't have much time to write now. Mother sent me one of her photos today - she sent Bobbie and Emmie one last week too. It has been rather wet today and I haven't been out - tea will soon be ready now and I am expecting your letters by the evening post tonight. I hope I wont be disappointed. I have been having some lovely fun today with Gyp and Bobbie. I must go back to Thursday now. Well after dinner Lots and I dressed and then started off to meet the Cooksons - we met them near the post office - 2 girls and the brother; a medical student. They walked back to Dobries with us and I went in and said we couldn't go to the picnic - they were so very disappointed. Mrs. Dobries said they only gave the picnic for us and that Mrs. Monerelf would be fearfully disappointed. I said Goodbye to them then. We walked back to the farm and had tea and then we went for a walk round the place and sat on the haystacks, styles, and gates, etc. and had some fun and they left at 6.30 to get the 7.10 train back to Staffordshire. After they went I did my packing etc. and we had supper early and then I had a hot bath and we went to bed. The maid called us at 6 Friday morning - the dog cart couldn't take the boy, Lots and myself and luggage too - so Lots and I walked to the station and the boy took the luggage. I gave the maid 2/- and the boy 1/- and the porter 2' - my ticket to Euston was 10/7. My train left Colwich at 8.22 am and I had to change at Rugley and then I didn't change again. Bobbie was at Euston to meet me and we took a hansom and drove to a warehouse to meet father - he came up to London with Bobbie in the morning. We we met father we got on top of the bus and went to Regent Circus and then got on another bus to Cheapside and went to Lakes' a very swell place and had lunch. Here are the classes so I must stop.

Wednesday 10.30

Well dearies. I haven't had time to write since Monday. I will on where I left off and tell you every days' doings. After lunch Friday we walke down to St. Paul's cathedral. Father and I went in and heard part of the service at 4, while Bobbie went to Morley and Dents'. The service was lovely - the little boys' singing was delightful. Bobbie came back for us and we then went on top of the bus to London Bridge just for me to see the bridge and the thousands of people that are always on it - it is a sight worth seeing. We got out when we got over the bridge and took another bus back to the other side and got out again and walked dow to the river at London Bridge landing and took the steamer up the river to Westminister Bridge. We were on the river about 1/2 an hour - it was delightful - there were tea and confreshments on board, Emmie has just brought me a glass of port wine and some cake. They do spoil me down here - I am to have my breakfast in bed every morning - I certainly have no objection. Well we got off the steamer and walked up to Trafalgar Square to the bank for Don - we sat in the bank a while and don took us all over it - then we left, Don with us and we walked up to Regent St. and went to the movies to dinner at 7.30 - the dining hall was very full and very brilliant - all great swells and plenty of fast women dressed and painted up to the nines. We had a lovely dinner - I always finish up with a Neapolitan ice and claret. We left there at 20 to 9 and walked back to the bank for Don's bag and then we drove to Paddington and got the 9.15 train to Snowbridge. Don came down with us and went back to London by the first train Monday morning. They bought a lot of funny papers to read in the train. We got to Snowbridge at 12.50 pm and Willie, Amy and Ethel met us there with a drag - and we all drove to Westbury - it was a lovely night and not a bit cold. They had been to xx and drove to meet us on the way back. At last I have seen Ethel and like her very much - she is very little and thin and dresses beautifully - I cannot say she is pretty - she is a sweet little thing and that explains all. I didn't get up till 10.30 Saturday morning - Ethel and Don came up about 11 and stayed till 12.3. Fiffie xx left in Lours with Don's people, & Ethel has brought Toby (Edward) and Johnnie the baby over with her and also Rosine are up here now - Toby is a dear little fellow but Johnnie is sweetly pretty just like a piece of Dresden China - the prettiest child I have ever seen and such a dear little fellow.

Saturday afternoon after tea Emmie and I went down to see Francie and the baby - it is a dear little baby - from there we went to Mothers' and Bobbie came too and we stayed there till 9 and had great fun at cards and Ethel brought out a delicious peach which weighed 1lb all but an ounce which she bought from Madame Jaquies at Tours. It was a beauty. At 10.30 Sunday morning Bobbie and I went to Mothers' - only Gyp had gone to Church - we had some music and we did make a noise and then we went over to Willie's and picked and ate mulberries and then Bobbie and I came home. In the afternoon Don & Ethel came up and stayed to tea and supper. Mr. & Mrs. Glass came to tea on Monday and stayed till 12 - they drove here in their dog cart. In the evening Ethel, gyp & Willie came up and they also stayed till 12. Gyp has just sent his love to you all and Emmie, Bobbie, mother and all the others have sent their love to you. Gyp is playing "Oh lovely peace" very nicely too. Poppet says Jessie quite plainly - she came into bed with me this morning while I had my breakfast. Monday night I slept with Emmie & Bobbie slept in my room.

Your dear old letter and Jim's came yesterday morning and also one from Hedley. I will answer them after. I went out and did some shopping this morning and bought a pair of side combs for 3'- I lost my others. At 1.30 Emmie, baby and I drove down to mothers for Ethel and Johnnie and then we drove to Miss Halls' (the dressmaker) for Ethel to get a dress fitted. My blouse at last came last week but it is too small for me, so I have given it to Emmie - it just fits her. I won't give Miss Hall anything more to make - I would rather pay the difference to Mrs. Preston and have no bother over it. I haven't got Miss Halls' bill yet. We then drove into Snowbridge and did some shopping and got some chocolates. I forgot xx came with us too - then we drove to xx to the Glasses. I had one set of tennis before tea - after tea we had some music and we left at 7. We went to bed early to make up for the night before. A nice pair of gloves are being made for Harry - I will write and send them to him tomorrow. I daresay I shall go to Up-Avon next week for a few days. It is raining heavily now - I don't suppose we will get out today now. Bobbie is going to take me back to London and I am going with him to buy some xx fuss - he will get them for me at wholesale price - that is if I get any money from you before I go back. I want to pay Mrs. Preston and buy my furs with the first 5 pounds you send me - I think Harry ought to send me 5 pounds for furs, don't you Pets? Now I will answer your letter pets - fancy getting a fascinator for 1' - I am so glad Annie and Emlies costumes are such asuccess - I should like photos now of them. I am very disappointed that Johnnie F. couldn't go to the xx - but I do hope he will soon go to Ballarat again. How is it that the Merriens have gone insolvent - rather a fall to their pride. Gyp has just told Toby that if he doesn't stop making a noise, he will smack his face and hands - he is a funny fellow - he is busy now rubbing the cats face with paste. Well dears, I must say Adieu for today with fondest love from Daisie.

Thursday 2 pm

Mail day pets - and not much new I am afraid - I didn't go out yesterday - it was so wet. Mother came up in the evening. After dinner I was lying on the couch in the drawingroom and dropped off to sleep for 2 hours. We played cards and had music last night. I have just had a letter from Uncle George - they are expecting me there soon and heaps of people are asking when I will be there. I practised this morning and had a few pauses of bagatelle and also some cake and port-wine - Bobbie has made a rule that I shall have a glass of port at 111 every morning. I hope you are all well pets. We are going to see Francie after tea - I must finish Jim's letter and also try to write to Harry if I have time. Ethel is coming up tonight. I will try and start your next letter earlier and perhaps will have more news. Bobbie has a paper to send you this week and a piece marked for you to read about the weather. Fondest love and kisses to you all darlings from you own loving Jessie.

Love to all at Darling Street. The cholere is very bad in England and there are hundreds of deaths daily - the London hospitals are being crowded - I hope I won't get it.

Adieu darlings

Sunday July 3rd, 1892

Alexandra House

Kensington Grove

London

Sunday July 3rd, 1892

My darling Parents,

(ps, the music bills are coming in - I will get mine soon I suppose)

Don't laugh at the paper I am writing on - but I have a lot of this bits and I want to use it up - of course I won't send it to Jim. I know you won't mind will you pets? This is Jim's birthday - I hope he got the sleeve-links safely and that he likes them. This is such a very hot day - simply scorching and such a hot dusty wind blowing - just like your North wind days. How are you today my darlings? Mother slept with us on Friday night - she was away last night, but will sleep with us again tonight and tomorrow night because Maggie Purvis will be away till Tuesday - she has gone home to Cardiff. After dinner we got dressed and went to the Albert Hall with Mother - Lots wore blue - Mother black and I wore pink. The concert was the worst we have had there - it wasn't a bit nice and we came out before it was over. Nancy Lawson and he sister have just gone - they came to see us for a little while - Nancy is still on the stage. Her brother and Mr. Barker have both passed their exams for lawyers. Now I will go back to Friday. After tea Lots and I went out to the High St. and I did some purchases - 5 quirees of foreign paper for 10 3/4 - wasn't that cheap - 2 yards of white gossamers (3 3/4 a yard)for the holidays - 2 very pretty slip-bodices with fine tucks, lace and one with pink and they other blue ribbon though 2/9 1/2 each. They are real beauties - a very nice white petticoat -with tucks and wide torchon lace and only 5/11 1/2 - a real bargain - it is such a nice one - and 2 pale blue silk singlets 1/9 3/4 each - they were all rea bargains at Pontings sale the underclothing came to 15/4 1/2 altogether. I got quite a new stock, didn't I pets? I must get some more petticoats soon. My others are all to short and small.

I went to my singing lesson at 10 Saturday morning and after it went out for a walk to get in good form for my singing exam at 2 yesterday afternoon - well dears Prof. Blume was the examiner - Mr. Price came in too and stood while I sang. I wasn't a bit nervous and got on splendidly. When I finished singing Mr. Blume said "yes - you sang that very sweetly indeed and I am very pleased with your singing - the only thing you want is your voice to be stronger, but you are very young yet and it will be stronger when you are older". Wasn't that nice of him? Mr. Price stayed in when I came out, talking to the examiner for such a long time and then Cissiee Russell went in, she is Mr. Price's pupil too - when she had finished he came out with her and told me that I sang splendidly and that Mr. Blume was very pleased with my style of singing and that I had done better than at any other exam. I am so delighted Cissie Russell said that when she went in they were still talking about me and Mr. Blume asked "what is Miss Mitchells' first study" and they told him piano - he seems to be very interested doesn't he. Of course now I will expect a good report from him, I must go into College to see it tomorrow. Blume is always very severe in his reports and to get a good one from him is something - perhaps even although he said that to me - he may not give me a good report. I will see tomorrow.

Lots didn't get on at all well at her exam. He told her she must leave off singing until next Easter, because her voice is so unsteady and jerky - and she sang in the wrong time too. Miss Hardinge came in to tea with us yesterday afternoon. We are very glad that we didn't go to the Rodgers yesteday because it was so very hot yesterday and today. Last night by the last post your dear old letters came - 2 from Jim, he must have been too late for the mail last week - I was so pleased to get the 2 letters. I will answer them after. This letter is for Emilies birthday - I hope John has been up before her birthday and then she is sure to have a very happy one. But I wish her "Very Many Happy returns of the day".

Well now pets, I have some nice news for you - Lots is not going to be sent to Switzerland - College is not doing anything for her holiday - but Lord Hindkip has sent 20 pounds - so Miss Palmer told us today that Lots and I will be sent to Staffordshire in the North of England - because the air is very bracing up there. We are going to be sent to a village farm-house - near Agnes Dobries home - Mrs. Dobrie will look for a nice place for us and we can always go to their place (the Vicarge) for tennis, etc. It is near a chase 15 miles in extent. We are too see English haymaking - milk, cows, have a horse each and a pony carriage for our use, plenty of cream and everything we want. There will be heaps of picnics etc. for us and altogether we will have a jolly good time. I think Miss Palmer will take us up and see that there is everything for our comfort. Lots will stay the whole of the holidays - I will stay a month and then come back and go to Westbury, Up-Avon, etc. After I leave Staffordshire, Mother will come to Westbury for a few days and will then go up to Lots for the last 2 or 3 weeks. Don't you think it is lovely pets? We will get so well for the coming winter and beside we will have such fun driving and riding. We hope there will be a hunt meeting and we might go - only we hope we won't get a "spill". We are overjoyed at the arrangement - Miss Palmer thinks there will not be enough money (30 pounds) for everything including board, etc. - she will see when it is arranged - and if there is not, we will each have to pay our train fare one way which will only be 10/9. We won't mind that - when everything else is going to be paid for us. Aren't you pleased my pets - I do think that I am a lucky girl - I get everything I want. Miss Palmer said it would cost too much to send both of us to Switzerland - and they would think of sending one alone. Aren't we going to have a spree and I am so happy and won't I see a lot of England? Jim is still staying at the hotel in Trentham - he wants to get married he says.

Oh. Pets I was so sorry to see that poor little Artie is dead - poor Agnes and Walter - whatever was the matter with him. I hope you will tell me all about it - and do write and tell Anges and Walter how very sorry I am, etc. That makes 4 relations dead since I left home - I sincerely hope there will be no more. I am so sorry that Annie has had a bad cold again and hope she is better. So you go the gloves alright, I am delighted that they both fit so well but I am sorry that you had to pay duty on them. What a grand spread the Lonie's had for the christening - how ridiculous. I am so glad Harry has written again, what size gloves will he take and tell me all the sizes over again - I know Jim's - it is 8 3/4 - but tell me Pa's, Alfred's and Harry's - so as I will always know. Whatever made the Nicholls send you some of Mag's cake - was it nice and I hope the dove that the strange cat hurt is better. Now I think I have told you all for today. Pets I must say Goodnight with much love and a kiss from Daisie.

Tuesday 1.30

Well my darlings - here I am again - it is very close and hot again today. I have been practising all the morning. Mother is going to sing with the Orchestra this afternoon. She has been engaged to take the principal contralto part in "Israel in Egypt" and "The Messiah" at the Albert Hall next year. "The Messiah" is on Good Friday - isn't she lucky and they are the 2 greatest musical works ever done in London - so she ought to be flattered. I had a letter from Gyp and one from Arthur yesterday morning. They are looking forward to my holidays - I didn't know when I wrote on Sunday that we were going to the North - so I will be a month later going to Westbury. Arthur was so pleased, he said he had a letter from Pa about the gloves. Thank you so much Pets for writing to him. I am so pleased I had my piano lesson at 10 yesterday - Mr. Pauer asked about you all at home, and he told me to tell you that he is an old friend to me. I went in to see my singing report yesterday - it said " has great taste and intelligence - a pity her voice is not stronger". It was one of the best reports, if not the best - I am delighted with it. Lots wasn't a good one - it said she must not learn singing for a term and that her voice had a very suspicious unsteadiness. Rather a smack for Lots, wasn't it and I practised such a lot yesterday - in the evening I wrote to Uncle at Up-Avon and I got a letter from the Rodgers saying they were sorry we couldn't go down last Saturday and asking us for next Saturday till Monday - so we are going to accept it. We have such a lot of things coming on now - besides exams - next Thursday is the concert here - Friday Lots and I go down to Bromley to Mrs. Fox for the day and we are going to some strawberry gardens - you pay 1/- and can eat as many strawberries as you like - Mrs. Fox will pay for us - we will enjoy it. Saturday afternoon we will be going to Rodgers till Monday and Monday night - is the Orchestral concert in St. Jame's Hall - and mother is singing at it. So aren't we going to have heaps of fun darlings? We are sure to go somewhere when we are at the Rodgers. Lots and I certainly have very good times over here, don't you think so dears? Tell me what you think on the subject. Won't Lots and I have fun in Staffordshire and College closes next Saturday fortnight, but if our exams are over before then, we can get away earlier. I told Uncle about Arties death, when I wrote yesterday. Well darlings I think I have told you all the news for today - Lots is getting some lovely present sent her from her mother and father - she doesn't know what it is, we have been trying to guess - they will tell her next week what it is - they are sending it for her summer holidays - she is always getting nice things from home. I am going in to Orchestra after a bit. Love to everybody with fondest love and kisses each from you own loving Jessie.

Friday 8.30 am

Aren't I early this morning dears - we have just had breakfast. Lots and I are going to Mrs. Fox at 11 today , so I must finish my letters early.It is a lovely day - very warm though, I have just had a letter from Uncle George with a dear little pink rose and blue flower in it - they have got another pony now, so I will be able to have plenty of riding when I go to Up-Avon. Uncle sends his love to you all. We went in to hear the Orchestra on Tuesday afternoon and when I came out there was a box for me from Westbury from Arthur and Emmie with the most delicious strawberries, cherries and honeycomb - the strawberries were from Bobbie's garden - they were lovely and such a lot too - we had some for tea and mother and Maggie came up too - aren't they good to me Pets? I didn't get a letter from Arthur yesterday, I can not make it out - I wrote on Tuesday night and thanked them. I had a letter from Hedley Tuesday afternoon he has passed his exam and now only has his final one to go up for. He is going to Carlisle at the end of this month. We wrote and accepted the Rodgers invitation on Tuesday night and Miss Palmer had a letter yesterday from Mrs. Rodger asking her to allow us to go, so Miss Palmer accepted it last night. So we will be going there tomorrow afternoon.

Wednesday I practised till 12 and then went to Choral class and to Music Class at 2.15 - after tea we went out to High St. shopping. Wednesday evening Lots and I were invited to Miss Cockson's room to tea - she had a real pineapple tea, oh my wasn't it delicious - I wore my pale blue wrapper (for the first time) it looked lovely. Gwen Toms slept with us Wednesday and last night, because Annie Colteuan has gone home to the Henly regatta but she will be back today. I went to my piano lesson at 9 yesterday and had such a lovely lesson - there are only 2 more piano lessons this term. Our exams begin tomorrow week. At 11 yesterday I went to Harmony - there is only one more harmony lesson now. Yesterday afternoon just as we were having tea Kitty Kelsey (from Germany) and Miss Schronburgh (from Adelaide) came. Kitty Kelsey has altered a great deal and is better looking - she has long dresses and her hair up too and of course she found Lots and I with ours up. Kitty has two months holiday. Miss Schronburgh is very nice, she has only been over from Adelaide about 3 weeks - they stayed till nearly 6. Mother was singing out at a banquet last night - she looked lovely in black velvet evening dress. We had the last concert here this term last night - it was a very good one too - Lots were her blue and I wore my pink and grey street dresses. It is all arranged about our holiday now. We are going to Staffordshire - Miss Palmer will go up first and see that everything is comfortable and to get horses and dog cart for our use. It will cost 3 pounds 3 a weekfor us up there - won't we have a jolly time pets? Miss Cookson lives near there, so she has invited us to ride over and see her. We will be able to go to heaps of places. I think we will be going on Monday fortnight, or perhaps before - it all depends on our exams and when Miss Palmer goes up. Miss P. says she will tell them that we are to have as much cream as possible. Lots went to another Dr. yesterday with Miss P. and he said her only she had outgrown her strength. I have been wondering if I will get my waddings etc. before the holidays - the one I have on now is black. Miss Palmer saids to Lots and I last night when she said she was going to accept Mrs. Rodger's invitation "you get lots of invitations, you know you and Miss Butt are my 3 best girls, you keep up the tone of the house - by the ladylike way you dress and I don't wonder that you are asked out so much - there are hundreds of men in London who would like to be seen out with you three together. Fancy Miss P saying that, she gave vent to her feelings of course we are pleased that she thinks we..

Monday June 20th, 1892

Alexandra House
Kensington Gore
LONDON S.W

My own darling parents,

( I am sending Auntie my photo this mail - tell me if she gets it alright )

Our room is being cleaned out so I am going to have a little chat with my pets. How are you dears & I hope you are all quite well. I have been to my piano lesson this morning and what do you think. I am to play a piano solo at one of the college concerts next term - I am so please but I will be fearfully nervous I am sure. I am going to play an impromtu of Chopin, it is fearfully difficult. Mr Pauer said he had spoken to Sir George about it. Are you pleased too Pets? I am so glad that I am the first to play out of the girls that came when I did - Lots doesn't see to like it a bit and said she won't tell her people that I am going to play before her. I must go out this afternoon and order my piece. Mother, Lots & I are going to Bebie Troods studio to tea this afternoon - it is such a lovely day.

I had a letter from Arthur and one from Gyp this morning. They are all well at Westbury, but miss Granny very much. It is a fortnight on Wednesday that she died. Don is coming to London next Thursday week - so I will soon see him now. When you get this letter pets - it will be about the beginning of our holidays. I am addressing this to Pa - it is to be Alice & Pa's birthday letter - and dears I hope that you both will have "very many happy returns of your birthdays". I will think of you then dears. Your dear old letter came Saturday night - the mail was early - thank you so much for the 3 pounds dears - I shall be careful of every penny - I am so sorry that you haven't more of the neeful at present - but there is a good day coming I hope.

It was very good of you to send it to me - it is all I have.

Friday afternoon

Mother, Maggie, Lots & I all went and had tea in High St. (Mother had some money sent her). Lots and I were coming home later and we met Mr. Rennie and Mr. Dickie. Of course it was a splendid chance for me to speak to Mr. Dickie about the smoking - well I just spoke to him properly and made him promise to do what I asked him - after I made him promise, I told him I wanted him not to smoke so much. After a good deal of persuasion he said - he would only smoke very very little, just to please me and because I was so good as to speak to him about it. So dearies I was quite satisfied and I really think I have done a kind action but I must find out if he keeps his promise. They both walked home with us. My pink dress came in the evening and it is just lovely. I am so pleased with it and it suits me perfectly - but the bill for the two dresses is 2 pounds 4 and 7 1/2, which I am not going to pay. Lots bill was 2 pounds 4 and 6. We are both going to her about them - it isn't for the making that she has charged so much but it is for the extras - she has charged 12/6 for the making of each of my dresses which I think is quite reasonable for London.

Saturday morning

I went out on the river in the afternoon and didn't come home till 10 and Lots brought me a lovely large bouquet of flowers - oh so sweet and also some sweets from mother. I practised nearly all the time they were away. I had Cissie and Ethel up to tea in the afternoon. Saturday night mother and Maggie slept with us and Peggy sent us all our breakfast up yesterday morning - we did have fun and we read books, etc. and only got up in time for dinner. We all went to the concert in the Albert Hall - it wasn't a very good one - mother is going to sing their next Sunday. Directly it was over Miss Roberts and I went to the "at home" - at Miss Lickle's sister's - we walked there, it isn't very far. It is a magnificent home and the furniture etc. is dazzling. Her sister is The Hon. Mrs. Butler - her husband is Governor of Madras or some such place - he wasn't there. Well it was a very grand "At Home" there were such a lot of ladies and gentlemen there and I enjoyed it very much. Miss Roberts sang 2 songs and I played for her and also played a piano solo and I was clapped for it. We had lovely strawberries and cream coffee, etc. We got there a 5 - Mr. Southey (a real London conceited fellow) sang a good many comie songs - La-ra-ra-boom-de-ra. Mrs. Butler is very nice indeed, her little girl was in the drawing-room too dressed in a loose pure white silk dress - Mrs. Butler was in black and heliotrope silk. Dr. Addiusell was there and I had a long talk with him. I had never seen him before, but when he was introduced he said "I saw you in the hall at Alexandra House last Wednesday". I didn't remember seeing him but he evidently saw me. He said he had been to Miss Grants' "at home" in the drawing-room and saw me when he was leaving. He knew me by my hair. Wasn't it funny? He often comes here it seems - he is very nice, his wife is ill and not expected to live. There were such a lot of grand people there - after I had finished playing Sir James Bain came and sat by me and thanked me for playing. He is such a dear old fellow - he is in parliament and he said he hoped I would some day be able to go with Lady Bain and hear a debate - Lady and Miss Bain were also there. They live in Glasgow. He couldn't believe I was an Australian; because my complexion was so fair. He sat and takled with me for about an hour and when he left he thanked me for the pleasant talk he had had. He seemed to be very much taken up with me - and he himself was so interesting.

Mrs. Butler was very sorry I wasn't going to the dance to-night with them. The Lady Coquhoum of Liss. - Sir Fred Reade, etc. - Lord Amiral something else, are all relations - they are very swell people. It was raining when we left - so we had to take a hansom home, 6' each. We got home at 7 - I wrote to Emmie and Arthur until suppertime - this morning I wrote to Hedley while I was waiting to go to my lesson. I had such a long letter from Jim - he says Trentham is a good place and he can make at least 500 pound a year - isn't that a good start pets? Jim says he takes 8 1/4 in gloves - so I will send him a pair as soon as I go to Westbury - fancy David Davis the artist being married. I am anxious to know about Johnnie F's next visit to Ballarat and also the result. What a match Maude Carty and Allan Attwood are - I suppose they are married by now - Maude Carty is cracked - she always was a bit gone. It certainly would be nice if the Sleeman's went to Trentham to live - he must feel very lonely up there alone - give them all my love - I hope Fanny is better now. Emil and Annie will be splendid cooks when I go back. She xx seems to think that John is going to have Emil. I hope to hear in your next letter how you like the gloves I sent Pa and Alfred. I must stop for lunch now darlings - Goodby for today with a loving kiss from Jessie.

Thursday 12 o'clock

I have just come in from my harmony lesson - oh it is such a miserable wet foggy day exactly like winter and yesterday it was baking hot. This climate is fearfully changeable. I went to my piano lesson at 9 this morning and had a very nice one - and had the first lesson on the Impromptu - it is fearfully difficult. I am having a glass of milk and some biscuits, Peggy sent it in to me. I had a letter from Bobbie this morning - they are quite well at Westbury - Arthur's house was sold on Tuesday and Dr. Reed bought it. It is the second study concert this afternoon at 3 - Bebbee Frood and her sister are coming here to tea first and then coming in to the concert with us. I think College closes about the 24th July - so we haven't much longer now. Now I must go back to Monday - at 4 mother, Lots and I went to Bebbee Frood's studio to tea and had great fun tehre. We came back to dinner and Mother and Bebbee went to the theatre. I had a letter from Hedley and one from Madame Monday night - Madame wanted me to meet her at St. Jame's Hall on Tuesday afternoon and go with her to a piano recital. I couldn't go, because I was going to two "At Homes" that afternoon. I don't think I have told you about them yet. Lots and I had an invitation last Friday I think - and we accepted it and Fraulein Noedel invited me (not Lots) to her "at home" last Tuesday in the Council room at 3. Lots was so wild because Fraulein didn't ask her too, because she went to Germany with her - and Lots says she knows her better than she knows me. Mother was invited and several others in the house. Well I was in bed until after lunch - with a pain. I went to Frauleins at 3 and was dressed ready for the Hamilton's "At Home". I wore my pink and grey - and it was greatly admired especially by Miss Palmer - and she said she thought Lots and I had great taste in the way we dressed and that we were ornaments to Alexandra House. Fancy Miss Palmer saying that. We had a lovely tea at Fraulein's - Miss Palmer was there. Fraulein told our fortunes after - she was behind a curtain and couldn't see no - I went first because I had to leave early. She told it splendidly - I am to have health, wealth and great happiness - I will never be very strong, and mustn't exert myself too much, but I will live to 50 or 60 - and heaps more things she told me. At 1/4 to 5 Lots was waiting for me and we left for Hamilton's - just as we were going out we met Dr. Hooper on the steps. We got into the hansom and off. It is a most lovely place in Cadogan Square. Tea and refreshments were in the hall - Miss Hamilton looked lovely - there were 5 men servants standing in the hall and 2 other maids waiting at the table - everything was big and grand - strawberries and cream, ices, etc. Gwen was engaged to play and sing at it - 1 pound1. I played the accompaniments for her songs. It was a very swell "at home" - such heaps of grand people came. I had another old gentleman paying me great attention there. General McGowan, he was so funny and asked me such a lot about Australia - he knows the Wilkies and Robertsons of Toorak - he wrote my name down and is going to write and them them he met me. Lots and Gwen couldn't hear all he was saying to me - but I heard them laughing once and after he had gone they told me why they laughed. They heard him ask me if I ever went in the Park and from that they thought he was asking me to the Park with him. Colonel Hamilton wasn't there. I think he is away. We met some very nice people there - we got home at 7. Mother sent a telegram to Madame for me, because there wasn't time to write and then I wrote to her yesterday morning and asked her to come to the second study concert this afternoon, but I am afraid it will be too wet for her to come. I went to Choral and Music classes yesterday - and after tea Lots and I went out to High St. for a walk and I paid 1/3 for my boots being mended. Well pets I must go to to lunch now - so Goodby for today with love from Daisie.

Friday 1.30

Well my pets mail day again - I have been practising all the morning and we have just had lunch - this is a most perfect day and it was so wet and foggy yesteday. Madame didn't come to the concert, it wa so wet. Bebbee Frood came and stayed here to dinner and after dinner Lots and I went out with her for a long walk in the Park as far as Hyde Park corner - it cleared up beautifully at 5 and was a lovely evening - we stayed out until 8 and then Bebbee came back to tea and she went at 9.30. Lots and I slept down with Mother last night, because Maggie was away at Ramsgate singing. The second study concert wasn't much good - we came out before it was over. I had a letter in evening from Sir Rodger, writing Lots and I to stay with them at Anerley tomorrow week from Saturday till Monday. We can't say yet whether we can go. Sir Rodger is away in Scotland.

It is my singing exam at 2 next Saturday (not tomorrow) and Lots is at 3. I must go out this afternoon it is such a lovely day. How are you today my darlings? I am always thinking of you. It was 15 months last Tuesday since I left Melbourne - isn't the time passing quickly? I will soon be with you again. I forgot to tell you that last Monday Mr. Pauer said I hadn't been looking well lately and that he had been speaking to Sir George about it and wanted to know where I was going for the summer holidays. I told him that I was going to Paris now - so he asked where Lots was going and I said I didn't know. I don't know, but I have been thinking that very likely Sir George is going to send Lots and I to Switzerland for the holidays or part of them. Lots and I have only been thinking this because Peggy said something about it. I wish he would send us both there - of course, it would be at the College expense. The scholars are sometimes sent away - so we hope we will be. It would be lovely to go to Switzerland and then I wouldn't be so disappointed about not going to Paris. Now darlings I must finish for this week as I have nothing more to write about. Give my love to everybody and with fondest love and a big kiss for all at "Enara".

Every your loving daughter

Jessie

(Lots sends her love to you all and to Jack).

Sunday May 15, 1892

My darling Pets,

How are you to-day my darlings? It is cold windy and wet to-day, such a change after our lovely hot weather all the week - it rained a bit yesterday too, but was very close all day. I have written 5 letters to-day - to Arthur & Emmie, Gyp, Hedley, Miss Hall the dressmaker & Clare Robinson to say we got home safely last night. It is just 6 o'clock - we have had a nice cosy tea & have a big fire. I have not been out to-day, Lots went to the concert this afternoon. We got up at 9 this morning.

Friday after tea Lots & I went out to High Street shopping it was very hot out. I bought another shirt, white with red spots and frill down the front - for 2/6 1/2 - the same as I gave 2/11 3/4 for they have been reduced. I have it on now - the other one is dirty. And Pets I bought the pretty dress I told you about last week. I got 12 yards at 1/2 1/2 altogether 14/6. I will send you a little pattern & you must tell me how you like it. I think it will look charming made up. We had such an adventure - we were walking down High St - Lots told me something & I laughed (not loudly) - there was a man being driven in a hansom, well, I suppose he thought I was smiling at him & he looked & laughed & poked his head out. He only drove on a little further & then got out & walked up to us - at the Park gates & then he walked quicker & met us at the other gate. We were so frightened - but we walked straight past him & gave him such a look & then we went into Barker's to buy my dress. He was such a handsome fellow - just fancy him getting out of the hansom & following us. It was very funny, but that afternoon everybody stared at us - we felt so uncomfortable we can't think what it was - I asked Lots if I had a dirty face & she asked me if she had a black eye - we couldn't make it out - people stare at us other days but man, woman & child looked at us then. I went to my singing lesson at 9 yesterday. At 11.30 the porter came up & said Sir William Clarke had come to see me - I was surprised for I didn't know they were in England yet. He was in Sir George's room & when I went in he was reading my report & was very much pleased with it. He said he was delighted with all my reports. He looks so well & is just the same.

Sir George is not back from France you know - so we had a nice long talk together. Mr. Watson left the room after Sir William had seen my report. He asked all about College & Sir George - they are going to stay in London some time. He actually said I hadn't grown much since I left Melbourne - but I soon told him I had grown a great deal - & he said you haven't your long fair hair - of course I had it up. He said Belle Webster's people are very much against her - they think she can keep them & if she makes any money they will soon spend it for her. I had on my navy skirt - & my blouse & sailor hat - Lady Clarke sent her love to me & will come to see me in a day or two & is going to ask Miss Palmer to allow me out with them to the theatres, etc. Won't it be nice pets? They heard Madame Melba in Paris & he said she is charming & a Miss Rowe from Melb. is also studying in Paris. He said they will take me to hear Madame Melba as soon as she sings in London.

He told me all about Sir Matthew Davies losing his money & having to go back to his office again & losing the position of speaker in the Parliament. He came in a hansom. I wish he would only have some sense & give me a nice cheque. At 12.30 Clare Robinson came to take Gwen, Tom & I to Brixton to spend the day with her & her uncle, Dr. Gleeson. We took the Underground train from Sth. Kensington to Victoria & the upper level train to Brixton. It is a very pretty part - so fresh & nice - they have such a sweet place they live at "Il Nido", Loughborough Park - we had dinner at 2.30 & did just whatever we like. Miss Warren a girl from College came in the afternoon & we played & sang after going about in the garden. Then we all went for a lovely long walk to Tulse Hill - it is sweetly pretty & came back on the top of the train.

You can guess we were pretty hungry. We were going to have tea in the summer house on the lawn, but it had been raining & had made the grass damp - so we had it inside. We had tea at 7.15 until it was ready we walked about the lawn & we each planted some seeds in the garden in remembrance - & they are to be named after us. I poured out the tea & we all did justice to it I can tell you. I had some lovely flowers given me from the conservatory. We all walked to the station after tea & we got the 9.10 train & were home at 10 o'clock. We did enjoy ourselves & it only cost us 9' each. I have been invited again very soon. Dr. Gleeson is awfully amusing - he said "Now little Jessie, when you go back to Melb. you will be playing at Sir Williams' & all the young gentlemen will be raving over you & you will accept half a dozen in one evening - & then Melb. will be full of broken-hearted men & then besides you will have all the officers & gentlemen on board ship falling in love with you & if you won't have them they will be throwing themselves overboard. And heaps of other things he said trying to tease me - but I wouldn't be teased. We did have such fun out there & it was such a change from Alexandra House. Our first concert this term is to be next Thurs. week at night, May 26th. I don't think I will trust Miss Hall to make my delaine dress & I will get it made as soon as possible, because I don't know when to expect Lady Clarke & I must go out with them nicely dressed. Now my pets I must write to Jim. Good-bye dears, for today, I hope our letters will come to-morrow morn. A loving kiss for you all from Daisie.

p.s. It is Aunties birthday tomorrow. I wish her very many happy returns of the day.

Tues. even.

How are you to-day my Pets? It has been such a lovely day, but I have not been out. I have just finished practising my singing - I hope my lesson will be to-morrow. Your dear old letter came by the first post yesterday morning & one from Jim - a letter and a paper from Arthur too - I am sending you a little piece out of the paper. I will answer your questions after. I was up at 6.30 yesterday morning & practised an hour before breakfast, but it only lasted one morn., because we didn't wake till nearly 8 today. I went to my piano lesson at 10 yesterday& practised well all day & so I have to-day & I do feel so tired now. The 2 Miss Soutens came to tea with us this afternoon & stayed till dinner time. Miss Souten is going to be married soon. After dinner last night Lots & I went out & bought Lot's new evening dress - 4 1/2 yds pale pink silk 1/11 1/2 yd = 8/10 + 13 yds pale green silk 1/11 1/2 = pound 1-5-5-1/2. It will be a very pretty dress & will suit her - she hasn't practised at all to-day. Jim said he hoped to be in Ball.(ararat) on Good Friday - so I hope to have some news of him next week & also some other news.


Just fancy you having such cold weather & snow - I do pity you dears. I hope you won at the competition on Good-Friday. And I suppose Sir Waslby & Lizzie Clark are married now - what a common match & Mag Nicholls is having a fuss over her wedding. I am so sorry about the A's loosing all their money - whatever will they do? You must tell me more about it. Well pets the biggest shock I have every had is Belle Webster saying I was a flirt in London & carried on dreadfully with the boys - why I didn't know a single fellow when she was here - & I certainly do far from flirt with any boy. I am exceedingly indignant & the first chance I have I will tell Sir George - it is no good for you to write to Miss Palmer or Sir George about it, because they have nothing to do with her now that she has left College - but I shall tell Sir George & Lady Clarke when I see them. If you hear anything more write at once to Webster & ask her what she means. She is known as a terrible flirt here. Annette Baker is not at Alexandra House & besides she knows nothing about me, she is an Art student. Sir George is back and came to College yesterday - I couldn't get a long talk with him - he said he saw Lady Clarke in Paris & they had about 30 large trunks with them - he hasn't seen Sir William at all yet - not for 7 years. Now my pets I must go down to tea and then to bed. I have told you all the news. A girl from Adelaide is coming to see Lots to-morrow at 11.

Fondest love and kises for you all,
from yr. loving Jessie

June 1st, 1892

My Darling Parents,

Aren't I late with my letters and I must try and tell you all the news just the same though. It has been such a lovely day not too hot. Mother, Lots and I went out after dinner tonight and I had to buy a new song for my exam. It is called "La Charmante Marguerite". It is such a sweet song and suits me splendidly. It will be 2/- I think - I will pay for it at the end of the term. Mother is up here writing too and Lots is reading. Lots and I have got an invitation to stay with Sir George and Lady Grove next Saturday till Tuesday this afternoon - we haven't accepted it yet but we will tomorrow. It will be so nice too be down there for a change - & if it is fine we will have some tennis. We bought some cherries to-night - 6/ lb - I went to my singing lesson this morning at 12 instead of next Saturday and that is all the lessons I have had today. Mr Barratt wasn't here for music class. At 5 o'clock last Friday Lots and I went out to High St. and I posted and registered Jim's sleeve links - it cost 1/5 to send them and then I bought some summer stockings - 2 pairs of black lyal thread - the first open were 1/2 pair and one pair of bronze ones 2/11 - 5/8 altogether. I wanted them badly - what is left of my others are so thick and hard - I hadn't a pair fit to put on. I wasn't at all well on Saturday and had to miss my singing lesson - I was so sorry but I really didn't feel well enough to go. I was in bed until lunchtime. It was a fearfully hot dusty day and completely cooked me. Lots went out in the morning and came home like a boiled lobster and she brought me some nice bananas. She bought a new hat for herself which cost 10/- and mother trimmed it for her. It is very pretty one. Directly after lunch, mother, Lots and I went over and sat in the Park until 3 - it was nice and cool under the trees. In the evening Mother, Lots and Maggie Puror's went to a concert in St. Jame's Hall. I wasn't well enought to go - so I stayed home and did my mending - and no practise all day.

Sunday morning - I wrote to Uncle at Up-Avon and to Gyp - I told Uncle I would go and see them in the holidays. At 5.30 Mr. Hope, Hedley and Bert Hain came and Mother, Lots and I all went together to the Albert Hall. It was a very good concert - Mr. Balfour (organist) & the singers were Americans - Mrs. Starkweather (soprano) and Mr. Bovett (tenor). After it was over they came back with us and we had tea in the Council room. Bert Hain thinks Alexandra House a most magnificent house. After tea we then went out in the Park and walked round the Serpentine to the Row & Church Parade. It was lovely out and there were crowds of people - we enjoyyed it very much notwithstanding the company. I must say that I think Hedley Hain is a very nice fellow - I don't like Bert - but really think hedley is an honourable fellow and I hop we will always be friends. We came home at 8 and went to bed soon after. We arranged about going to Windsor Castle next Saturday by train and then after going over the Castle to drive through Bushy Park to Hampton Court - to leave here at 10 and go for the day - they would telegraph to have a grand dinner for us, etc. - & we would come back by boat, down the Thames. It seems that the scenery going up the river to Hampton Court is delightful. I think it would be lovely to go for a whole day like that. Well I had a letter this morning from Hedley - saying Mr. Hope had to go home on Saturday for xx and they thought the stations xx etc, would be fearfully crowded next Saturday on account of the bank holiday and xx, so our trip is postponed for a short time. We are glad now that we have an invitation to Lady Grove's. Hedley said in his letter that his mother and father are both ill and Mrs. Morey is dying and Alice Morley has got typhoid fever. Not a very bright letter for him. Won't it be lovely to go over Windsor Castle pets & I will tell you all about it when we go.

Morning morning - I had a letter from Arthur saying Don was in London on Sunday morning from Paris and was going to Westbury Sunday night. He was over on Monday and took Fiffie back with him - they wanted me to go to Paddington Monday at 6.30 and see them. I intended going but it was so fearfully hot and I didn't go, I went to my piano lesson at 10 Monday. Mr. Buer was so nice, considering that I hadn't practised much since my last lesson. Miss Turner from College came to tea with us Monday afternoon. After dinner Monday Lots and I took the bus to Mrs. Preston's. Lots went to be fitted for her evening dress and took a new electric blue box dress. It was 3 0/- for the stuff alone. It is for her best summer dress and I took my new delaine to be made - I am not to be fitted till next week. I want a new College dress very badly - so instead of having my delaine made first - I am going to get a navy blue serge - so instead of having my delaine made first - I am going to get a navy blue serge - and have a plain skirt and little cut away jacket to wear with my shirts. I can wear a navy serge on in the winter and it will be lovely for tennis and going on the boat to Paris. Don has got a yacht and two towing boats on the river at Chateau. Won't we have a lovely time there. I will wear the navy skirt I have in the house always and only wear tthe new one to go into College. I bought a new striped ribbon band (navy and pale blue) for my xx hat for College (1/0 1/2) on Monday and 3 xx for 1/4 1/2 - real big beauties - gave Mrs. Preston a pair for my delaine. We walked home from her place and saved the bus money - but we were so tied and didn't get home until 9.15.

Yesterday my dear home letters came. I will answer them after. I practised all the morning at 3 o'clock Arther came - he stayed for a little while and saw mother, Lots and Miss Palmer. And then I went out with him to the Earl's Court exhibition. Lots couldn't come - she had a lesson. We walked to the Post Office and Bobbie sent a telegram to Emmie and there we got into a hansom and drove to the Exhibition. We weren't in time for Buffalo Bill's performance. It was so nice there - a thunderstorm came on just as we were in having iced lemon squash and cakes instead of tea. Arthur bought me 3 lovely roses 9/- each - they are perfect, I have been wearing them to-day and he also bought me 2/- worth of the best sweets. We had such a jolly time there. We had dinner and then took a hansom back to Alexandra House and Bobbie got his bag and also took a parcel for us to Miss Hall - I sent my white dress to be done up and also sent the delaine you sent me for the blouse to be made up and a pair of preservers with it - & Lots sent her check dress and silk to be done up. If the maids got a hansom and Lots and I went with him to Paddington. His train left at 9.15. We stayed with him until 9.10 and then he put us in a hansom and paid for it and we came home in style. It was quite light then. He is going to send us up some strawberries from the garden as soon as they are ripe and some devonshire cream with them. Jim is thinking of settling in xx to practise - I only had a short letter from him in Ball.(ararat) - he was leaving for Melb. (ourne) the next day. My grey dress doesn't fade at all - it looks so nice now. Lots might do her hair up on Friday and always keep it up. Fancy Arthur Sweedie being dead. What a lot of young fellows are dying at home. I am so sorry Pa has a bad cold - take care of him, I am very sorry Fanny's ankle is not better, give them all my love. Sir Thomas Edler has been talking about Lots' bad reports and he is very disappointed in her. Her mother is in a great way about it because he said it before a lot of girls at the Adelaide University. Now Pets I must say good-night & be off to bed. With fondest love. Kisses from Dees.

Thurs. even.
I have just been washing my head and am going to have a little chat with you while it dries. How are you all? You are in bed now I suppose - it is just 8 o'clock here. It has been a very nice day but I have not been out. I went to my piano lesson at 9 and I have to get another book of xx studies. I have finished the other book. Mr. Pauer said he was in a train yesterday and heard 2 young ladies talking about two young Australians at the Royal College of Music now wasn't it Jimmy and fancy being talked about in a train in England. I wonder who it was. I went to harmony at 11 today and now I have no more lessons till next Wednesday. college closes on Monday. I went to Ethel Cairns' room to tea this afternoon. Cissie Russell is going home to Canada for her summer holidays - isn't she a lucky girl. I had a letter from Arthur this morning - he didn't get home till 1 p.m. yesterday morning. Poor old Granny is very bad and they don't expect her to live many days longer. Well Pets Miss Palmer came to Lots at lunch time and told her that Sir George had been in and said that Lots must be sent home and have her scholarship taken away as she is always ill and missing lessons.. Lots had to go to the Dr. yesterday morning and he said he didn't know what was the matter with her, but there was something wrong and if her cough didn't go away soon she must not stay in England another winter. She has brought it all on herself - but I shall be very very sorry if she has to go home. I wouldn't like it a bit here if she were sent home - we are so useful to one another. But I really think Sir George will have her sent home. I will see what he says about it when we are down on Saturday. Lots is in a fearful state about it and says she won't go home. Miss Palmer said they were arragning about her passage money - that she had written to Lord Hindlip. I do hope she won't be sent home - I should want to go too. Well my Pet I must say adieu for tonight with heaps of love and kisses from Dees.

Friday 11 a.m.

Oh. Such a lovely perfect day - I want to finish my letters this morning because I want to go out and buy some things after lunch. I have practised 2 hours this morning. I must get my studies when I am out and a pair of evening shoes to go to Lady Grove's. I want such a lot of things today. I think Lots and I will be going to the Exhibition with Hedley to-morrow afternoon to hear the French Republich band and we will go from there to Lady Grove's. I had a letter from Hedley this morning asking us to go with him. It is our Orchestral concert this evening - I am going to wear my pink dress and Lots new evening dress will be home for it. Mother is going down to Southsea today until Monday for the Whitsuntide. I only wish I could go to the sea-side. It was 13 months yesterday since we landed in England. I haven't any more news for you darlings. I hope to be able to start my letters early at Lady Grove's because we will be there till Sunday. Lots is busy sewing braid on the bottom of her dress. She hasn't practised at all this morning. I hop you are all quite well my Pets - I dreamt I was home last night, rather disappointing this morning. Give my love to all at Darling St. and everybody else. Fondest love and kisses to my dearest - Auntie & heaps for your own dear selves at "Enara".

From you loving daughter,
Jessie

April 19th, 1891

My own dearest Pa & Ma,

It is Sunday afternoon and I haven't much time to tell you all I have to tell you.

Well about Colombo - we went ashore about 9 o'clock on the Wednesday. A small party of us together - Mr. Addy, Mr. Hain, Miss McGracie and Jessie Violet - I did enjoy it - Colombo is such a very pretty place - it was scorching there and yet everything is so green and such a lovely shades of green. We went to the Oriental Hotel first and had an iced drink and then got into a carriage and drove about 7 miles out to Mount Lavinia - such a pretty drive - the niggers worry the life out of you asking for money and calling us xx & xx and they run after the carriage till you give them something. We have lunch at the Mount Lavinia Hotel and then drove back towards town and called to see Arabi Pasha, the State Prisoner. We presented our cards and then went into the house and sat talking to him for awhile. He is a fine big fellow, about 6ft 1" - he has a difficulty in expressing himself in English. After leaving there we were driven to the Cinnamon Gardens and the Museum - it is a splendid museum. Then we drove to the Galle Face Hotel to drink and the gentlemen had afternoon tea and out to do some shopping and what do you think we did then? We all got into a pram each - we felt quite young again - it was awfully funny - we just drove round by the beach and back to the Hotel. We had dinner at 7.30 and then went out in prams agains. We stayed at the Oriental Hotel all night and came back to the "Orient" at 8 in the morning. And my it was hot. The boat didn't leave till 11 though and we were glad to get away from the niggers and their row.

We came over to the "Orient" in a Katamaran - they only hold two passengers. Harry will know what I mean and Headley Ham bought a model of one for me - it is such a nice one - I will keep it in my room at the College. I would like to stay at Colombo for 2 months just to see everything. I am in love with the place but it is very hot there. We had plenty of claret and iced drinks, etc. The numbers of our rooms at the Orient Grand were Miss McGracie and I 17 and McAddy and Hedley Ham 18.

Oh. Ma dearest we did enjoy ourselves. There was a dear little black kiddy there I wanted to buy it - they would sell it for 17/6. It was a rather a pretty little youngster. What would you think if I sent you home a little blackpie in a box. It was simply lovely at Colomb. Ma dearest.

We passed through the Gates of Hell on Friday - that is passing between Arabia and Africa and we passed the 12 apostles.

It is very interesting to know and see all the different things we read about. I am just the same as when I left you all - I got a little thinner but now again I am the same. Hedley Hain is a real true friend to me - I like him so much - he is always thinking of me and what would do me good, etc. I was sick in bed this morning and he came in to see me and he went to the bar and brought me some brandy and soda and I went off to sleep again till 1/2 past 12 and was verry much better after. The 1st saloon had a fancy dress Ball last Monday and we were all invited. I went as "My Sweetheat" (Minnie Palucer) and I was told by nearly all that I looked the best. It was awfully pretty and so easily got up. I did enjoy it. It lasted till 12 o'clock. I had every dance but one and I could have filled my programme twice over - we are going to have a fancy dress Ball next Wednesday in our saloon - an American artist is printing our programmes and is doing them beautifully - he is going to paint one specially for me with thinkgs to come in with my costume. I am going as "Yvonne" from (Paul Jones) in the Second Act (Nellie Stewart). I think it will look very nice and Tuesday we are going to have our second sports. I don't think I well be in for anything this time. We had a little dance on Friday night - I only had two because I was sea-sick again. I have finished a letter to Jim - 22 pages. I will write again from Naples - we will be there on Friday. I think we stay there about 2 days so we intend to enjoy ourselves there too - but we couldn't enjoy it more than Colombo.

Hedley Hain bought me a nice fan at Colombo and we all got one given to us from a friend of Mr. Addy's and I have got a little silver elephant in remembrance of Colombo and we pressed a lot of flowers to send to you but the sea air has spoiled them and I can only send you one fern that we saved. We often have dances now and it is much more lively. We had a concert last Wednesday and a dance after it - a good many of the 1st saloon passengers were over at it. I sang "Carissima" with violen obligato and I also played "Home Sweet Home" and accompanied some of the gentlemen. It was a great success. I was told by several that I was the best pianist on board - they like my singing very much. The concert was on deck and they had awnings up and the saloon piano - a "Collard & Collard" they have 3 of them on board - but neither of them are much good.

It has not been at all hot in the Red Sea - but rather cold and windy today. It was very rough last night and at 3 o'clock in the morning the Stewards on watch had to come and close all the portholes. We had lovely things to eat and drink in Colombo. I will have a lot of things by the time I get to London. I am in friends with everyone on board and consequently I get a good many nice things - especially from Hedley Hain and a Mr. Newman. Paddy is still as lively as ever. I do hope you are all well at "Enara". You know you must tell me all the news. I suppose Jim has been home by now. Fancy I have been away from home 4 weeks yesterday and we will be in London at about 8 am next Saturday week, just 6 weeks from Melbourne. It was too rough to have church this morning but I think these will be to-night. We had a birthday party last Thursday just a few of us together - wine, etc. We rather like birthdays. Such a lot of people are down writing now. I will be in London before you get this. I had a dance with Mr. Argyle, Mr. Goldschimdt, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Chanock and one of the officers from the 1st saloon at their Ball - besides some from our saloon. Hedley Hain and Jane brother and sister on board and for always - so you have another son Pa and Ma dearest - and a good son too - he is going to take great care of me. You must tell me all that happens at "Enara" and all the visitors there too.

I hope Aggie is getting better - give my love and a kiss to her. Oh ma. We did have fun at Colombo - isn't it grand to have seen and shook hands with Arabi Pasha. I have had bad eyes on board - but they are nearly better. I have lots to tell about Hedley hain some other time. He is the nicest fellow next to Him that I have ever met - and we are great friends. I often have a cry at night - he wont let me get sad in the daytime. It will be Alfred's birthday next Sunday. I am late but I wish him very many happy returns of the day. I must say Goodbye now with very best love and kisses to you both & Alice, Harry, Annie, Emilie & Alfred with heaps of kisses.

from you own Jessie Violet.