WCP407

[1]

[later annotation in pencil] May 1879

Waldron Edge, Croydon.

Tuesday evening

Dear Annie¹

I was glad to hear you arrived comfortably. I hope Willies² cough is no worse. You say nothing about it. To day for the first time it is mild and pleasant. George Silk³ has been politely cursing English Springs all the time he has been here. He took a strong pill — (blue-pill & colocynth) on Saturday evening — eats meat soaked in vinegar and apple-pie for supper, and of course had his stomach awfully upset all Sunday. We have religiously played at chess every [2] evening, & yesterday we went to lunch with Mr. Stevens⁴ & played billiards in the afternoon. I brought home two Primula japonicas with me. The pies are lasting out very well but we have now got into the bakers’ bread!

G.S. went this morning, and I shall now have a little tranquillity till Saturday. The kitten is very melancholy, & got very thin, but is now a little more cheerful. She evidently could not make out the awful quiet of the house at all. Give the children a kiss for me & tell Violet⁵ to write me a long letter. With kind remembrances to all at home | I remain | your ever affectionate | Alfred. [signature]