WCP216

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Dec[embe]^r. 11th. 1890

My dear Violet

I did not write because I had nothing to tell, & was very busy. I did not go to London as the weather was so bad & I was afraid of getting ill. Ma caught cold and she is very poorly,— has been in bed 3 — 4 days & had a big doctor from Bournemouth so you must come home as soon as possible & look after her, & mind you do what the doctor tells you and get rid of your cough. Poor Mr. Sharpe — has had a very narrow escape — all from neglecting a cold, & even now he cannot walk alone & is not really out of danger. I send you a [2] checque[sic] for £2.6 which Mrs. Boole will change for you — after you have written your name across the back of it — & that will leave you a pound for travelling & other expenses.

I think the mess will be all over when you come. The plastering will all be finished tomorrow & the tile-paving I think on Saturday & then there will be only a little carpenter’s work, & moving the range to the new kitchen, & painting, &c. & then all will be done. The window has just been taken away from the end of the passage & a [3] new ceiling made so now we can walk right through from the front door into the bath room. The bath & lavatory are not come yet & that will probably be done while you are here. The new stairs too will be left till after you & Willie¹ are gone.

The medal has been sent me, silver, about as big as a crown piece — but — they are going to send a checque[sic] to make up for it, — so I am going to give you & Willie each a handsome birth-day present to celebrate the occasion! There!!

Your affectionate Papa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]