Blackwell Family Kitty Barry From Newcombe, MabelMy dear Kitty Your letter I read aloud entirely to Jessie this morning as we were having our coffee before getting up - The latter part of course was important and interesting information though probably not so much so as it might have been some months ago. For now it relates to past interests. To you it must have been as you say most wonderful to hear of such a sudden attachment. I hope you will approve of the Irish lady when you see her. From these [mentions?] you will imagine us in just those delicious mountain pastures in spring freshness that you know & that I wish you could appreciate with us. We found them half way up the ascent of the [Mottarone?]. No more now as we are going in a [now?] Yours with love, and many thanks for your nice long letter, M. NP.S. here is your gentian - out [out] of a huge bunch. We gather many flowers: lilies, forgetmenots ec. About the Browning poem - well, I fear I am not a good enough Christian to be able to [call] say it [any] is free from fatalism. That is an unappreciative criticism I fear! Mabel's love. J. 29 April. 96. 30 April 96. You would like some comment on your news in M's letter? I am sure the lady love of Mr. Harvey is attractive and beautiful. I hope she is not "M. oldfield" X for tho' she is both, she is not quiet enough. Whoever she is I am sure she will be very happy with such a sweet natured husband. X whom I could fall in love with in 1/2 a second if I were a man.1. Cheyne Wash. 1.April 11 Many thanks for the telegraph which I found on my return - quite an interesting artic and the photo is pleasant. Though not very like. No we dont know what the initials L.N.G mean. There is a little notice in Womens franchise so I will send that as it may interest you, The paper also. We are glad you like the pictures - I think it is right 3 Nuremburg & one other but I did not remember it was a friend A. homme. - not Albert anyway. I thought we had selected 4 - by S.P.N. only. But please keep it & if we ever do visit Hastings again I will look & see if have worth my mistake. Please excuse card as I have one of my worst headaches. St. Lenards air did not.Newcomb Miss Barry Rock House Hastings Sussex just me atall. I expect this cold & tiring weather effected your invalid also. If you can come to London, do come & see us. It was nice to meet you again. Affectiony yours [?] affec MN. Dormans, E. Winstead. 16 March My dear Kitty, You see we have not gone to Eastbourne or Bournemouth so Mamma was pleased to get your note saying High Wickham is ready. I hope next week I shall return from here quite well again. That then she will go t Hastings. If you go t Penzancewhich in itself is a very hideous place, you will of course walk over t Newlyn. If you go right through that very fishy little village you will pass Cliff Castle Cottage where we passed a very pleasant summer. Our Americans friends stayed in another cottage near by and we used t row & go sailing on the bay. Mr Whitmore is from one of the bank of artists that have taken possession of the village. He returned There, after marrying an american girl. If you by chance know any of the artists there or at St. Ives you will find a good many of them are Americans. I sent your message t Jessie and it will doubtless satisfy her, and perhaps stop her from pestering you so! - though you take her attacks so kindly that I believe sh delights in continuing her teasing. With love, and again many thanks for the book. Yours very affectionately Mabel NewcombeMiss Barry Newcomb 1 Cheyne Walk S. W. June 29. Dear K. I am very sorry about your eyes: it must be trying. I will give my mother yr message; but I know she will say no, that her 4 maids are sufficient. Your note was brought to me in the midst of "On the Eve" of Turgenef. Read it: I like it. I am [consoling my self] "Getting this time" with it on one of these sadly beautiful afternoons. The river looks fresh and Battersea very green. Tis no longer "gloomy" Battersea; but it is now very gay - for other people, Bertha is one of those : She has a bicycle - & I hear tho' I've not seen her - looks nice on it. I am never going to ride one. I dont mind seeing others on them. Some of the beautiful talented Americans & titled English look very elegant on them at Battersea. You may well call me a g.l - tho' I have but entered on my novitiate yet : it is best to be [entered] admitted in the autumn when the Bishop returns. I was sorry not to have had on my 'canonicals' when at a Social Purity meeting the other day - if you really wanted to hear what they are like. not that [they] clothes matter very much if our heads & hearts are in the right place. I could write you a letter telling you about a child named - well I will just give you this story tho' you dont deserve it, you so brutally ignored what I said to you before you went to I. a cottage I took a little child (of 4) on my knees, and stroked his straight hair - The mother seemed pleased & flattered & so my vanity caused me to continue my interest & ask his name. He replied "H—y" "It is not " replied the mother " a Christian name [explained the mther] Miss", "You see." "it is a very nice name." "Yes we like it and had him baptized H....y James Howes." I forgot if I've given you this little distinct story before? Are you interested in the 'literary & scientific' theory of culture ' as explained in Shairp's (the Oxford professor of history) "Culture & Religion". It is a collection of lectures, with no, as far as I read, theology in it - The last paper about lofty self-chosen ideals you would like, Mabel12th June '97 Newcomb I, Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, S.W. My dear Kitty Would you please thank Mr Estcomt for telling us of his pony. A year ago we should have rejoiced to have of such a suitable creature - but in the autumn we came across "Tommy" who has proved all we can wish. If I had more money I should like to have "Belle" too, but as we are so little at Dormans we findone quite enough care and expense. I cannot yet think of any friends wanting a pony - but will you say to Mr. Estcomt that I will keep his letter and will write to him if I hear of anyone. He does not mention one important point - the price. You mentioned to my mother that you had an unfinished letter for us - when is it coming? You know I always appreciate a letter from you, Are you coming up for the Jubilee? We have fortunately got seats that we can get to easily. You may have heard from Paul Harvey of our fruitless attempts to renew the acquaintance. He was wrong in thinking my recognition of him was unfriendly it was merely uncertain - for he appears to have a double in [Chelken?] and I had before bowed to the wrong person. Howeverwe are perhaps meant (and it may be better so ) to remain as bowing acquaintances, - for as they have left town now & we shall be going later, we are not likely to meet at all. After a cold Whitsenstide at Dormans we are now rejoicing in brightness and heat again. London is full of strange soldiers [and] but I suppose that wont attract you like a naval review? You must be wearied with poor Miss Blackwell's long illness - you do not say how she now is, With love from all Yours affectionately Mabel Newcomb[*15. Nov. '94 Mabel Newcomb*] 1, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. My dear Kitty Many thanks for your letters (mine & Jessie's) and for the enclosure. I suppose it is all one can expect him to say on the subject and I think Jessie will take it as final - for she wrote she did not expect he would like the matter mentioned again though she so wished it to have a clear ending. She was quite satisfied to have hadthe opportunity of expressing her feelings -- and now we may consider it "a closed page", I trust. We are so glad you enjoyed your little visit to us - it was an equal pleasure to see you here, although for such a passing visit. My head did not get better, so (having finished the shopping with Claude!) I went with Papa for three days at Dormans. On Monday we had a flooded river, - (at Dormans - not the Thames!) - but it only gave a pretty effect tot he country and did no harm. Claude has quite settled down on the [Landly?] - and seems younger on taking his old place - but he does not mean to stay in London and is already looking out for some foreign surveying appointment to go to when his visit is over. He does not approve oftown life. - but next week he is going to Dormans. This is but a hurried answer to your letter - but there are canvassing books waiting to be written - so for the sake of Progressive candidates, no more, but love from [all] Mama, Bertha and from Yours very affectionately Mabel NewcombeHotel de France Argeles de Bigrere Hantes Pyrénées. 30 April. '94 My dear Kitty, Jessie sent me your last letter to her that I might share it too - but as I should like one all [to] myself I will begin one to you - for I believe you like receiving all well as writing them. We have now been away over a fortnight. - we had a smooth crossing and an easy journey. As I had not been so well before we started Bertha this time took the entire management of things. We stayed the night at Pau - but finding next day that every one was leaving there on account of the heat we came on here at once. The snow topped Pyrenees are in full view from our windows and nearer we have a very fertile valley below - and behind us the mountain side cultivated with little farms and orchards - now in full blossom The peasants and their animals are very picturesque - and the former very friendly and intelligent. They are said to be very comfortably off with their little possessions of land - and certainly though they work all day there never seems the least pressure or toil in their proceedings. Bertha has some of the children and old women as models and we find their conversations most entertaining - more so than that of most of the 50 english in the hotel. We have found a few nice people, but on the whole when one ceases to be amused at them they are pretty dull. Just now - a good may of the nicer people having left, we find out companions very dull. There isn't even an american, which amazes me, for there a re so many at Pau that I thought we should surely have some. 1st May. the weather has changed and we are rejoicing in heat and sunshine again - and in a new set of neighbors at table! So quietly do things change. You must not imagine we are entirely concerned with out hotel companions for really when we are out all day we see little of them. When Bertha is painting in a nice place we generally camp out till tea time, for the hotel keeper being the son of the head cook of Louis Phillipe, meals are a serious function, and we like to escape a lunch which lasts sometimes an hour an a quarter. Jessie suddenly had an idea just before we were packed up - that after all she would come abroad this time. however as Bertha had made her plans it could not be arranged. She Jessie told me soon after, that there was no longer the reason that she should be in town in April, - for the [army] navy Chaplain is not coming back yet after all. This so entirely 'entre nous' - but I remember when you were with us I thought his correspondenwas serious. She did not seem very disappointed but then one can never tell what she means quite. It is a pity she did not come - far beyond the pleasure to me of having her, - she would have had 6 clergy for comanions here. 3 May. This letter I have left forgotten and unfinished, but today it is too damp and cold again to be out long - so I can finish it, and hope you may feel inclined to write to me before we leave here, probably next week. We shall probably go on to Luz or to Luchon and thus see a little more of the district. The mountain air which is most refreshing and delicious (when it is not raining) will be the same at other places the same height we suppose and we are inclined for fresh experiences. You see from this I am feeling stronger and more enterprising than when we came away. I dont in the least regret coming, now, though I had such a curious inexplicable aversion to leaving home this time. We are going tomorrow to Lourdes which is quite near here - and hope to see some of the ceremonies for the pilgrims who are mow there. Thy have a torch light procession in the evening up in to the mountains which they say is very picturesque. I forget whether you have been in this district - though probably you have heard of these pilgrimages and the wonderful cures. Many of our respectable evangelical neighbors are terribly shocked at the superstitions of the peasants - but it is so harmless that one could wish our people would show any such devotion or reverence. If it is ignorant it seems to me more worthy than the besotted lives of out poorest people. Have you read George Moore's last novel - Jessie seems to think it interesting - but Mamma's verdict was that it was so revolting that she tucked it under a more respected Merdie book - to be returned assoon as possible. Has Jessie told you that poor Leo has a bad cough? When she wrote last she was going to take him to that nice chemist that you and I went to - that afternoon of omnibuses! I'm afraid London does not suit him very well - but we are going away as early as possible this summer and shall probably go to the Lakes where he will have some invigorating mountain air. I dont know yet how soon B. & I are going to turn homewards - but we are planning to come to Nîmes & Avignon. With much love, and kind regards to Dr. Blackwell Yours affectionately Mabel Newcomb Mabel Newcomb[e][*Newcomb?*] 1 Cheyne Walk Chelsea S.W. [NORTHCOTE, PARK HILL ROAD, CROYDON.] May 27' 1891. My dear Miss Barry (otherwise Kitty) How pleased your kind letter made me this morning , coming, as it did, with one which was rather vexing. I do hope Sarah is "a round peg in a round hole." Your kindness will I am sure be most helpful to her, so I do hope her "strength will be equal to her day." Please remember me very kindly to her, I shall write when I have a little more leisure. Will she tell Dr Blackwell that Jessie & I attended the anti-vivisection meeting at St James' Hall yesterday. Her letter was read, adn received by the audience with evident satisfaction. There was a fairly good attendance Lawson Tait mad a rather long & "surgical" speech, but the conclusions were valuable. Mrs Kenwich Miller had to curtail her speech (which was the best of all) from the lateness of the hour when she was called upon. (past 5 o'clock.) The British Womens' Temperance meeting is this evening & the Ladies National on Friday. One lives double in London, even with careful selection from the many things that interest one. I suppose Dr told you that we made a standing engagement for you to visit us & the naval Ex? at the same time. Mabel to be your escort. That same little person is "on" with her council work at the "House Arto". There is much to do for their coming exhibition Mabel looks very well, but the symptom shows all is not quite right in her system again. I am watching the effort of a change of conditions by her return home. Yes! This weather is trying, no new experience however, as I saw in one of Charles Lamb's letters dated 1826. The he quoted some one who said "spring had come in severely". Here I must say good affectionately yours [?]I, [Cheyne Walk] Mabel Newcomb, Chelsea, S.W. Eusemere Pooley, 17 Sep Dearest Kitty I intended enclosing a letter partly to scold you! But Jessie wishes hers to go by this post and I have to go out to drive momma in the pony chaise, so I must keep my reproof for another time. I will say though that they are not serious merely concern Jessie's [back?] along farm life which you encouraged Yours with much love MabelI. Cheyne Wack. S.W 24. Feb '95 My dear Kitty It's most kind of you to tell us of the miserable state of Hastings after the post-though we are very sorry to hear it - for next week we hoped the "king & queen' might get away to that land of delight-high bickham. My mother has got a cold and the surest cure in her is the air of Hastings. However if afterthis sunshines we get a few good showers of rain it may get right again as you say. Here we have still stand pipes in the streets and much illness was predicted from the state of the drains - typhoid etc to add to the miseries of the poorer people. At present though we only hear of coughs & influenza. We ourselves have not realized the drawbacks of the frost as much as the pleasures - for our pipes are well arrayed and don't freeze - and we have had a splendid time skating. It does not tire me like walking and I really feel younger when my blood circulates quickly. Jessies' head was well enough for her to go in for it enthusiastically and she has been in excellent spirits. The "hole in her head" that she speaks of need not have been at all serious or be slow in healing if she could have acknowledged that nature cant always work unaided. out of consideration to our feelings she did not tell what had happened at first and left the then small break in the skin to [take] of itself. When after much persuasion she did let the doctor see it he said it might of course to have been seen to earlierand that it would probably not have been a "hole" at all if he had seen it at once. A few days of his treatment cured it and I hope Jessie now sees there is some use in doctors! She has plenty to do in her district and as far as one can tell is quite happy in her work. She has her neuralgia in her stomach now and then - but as she tells you it is quickly relieved by a "spong of piline" hot fomantation. I hope by the look of your writing that your hand is getting better - a letter from you is always a pleasure to me! Your letter telling of Alan's proposal was [*very entertaining. Yours with love M. Newcombe Did you like Mr. Adderly's little book?*]1. Nov. '94 I, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. My dear Kitty, Your letter received this morning did not surprise me [and] for Jessie had already forwarded yours of the 28th to her - with her answer which she asks me to forward, and to tell you what will perhaps surprise you that I the "Guardian angel" knew that she had written to Mr. Harvey from Bath, andboth Momma and I consented to her doing so. I do not think it was in any way departing from the arrangement that the correspondence should cease - for she had promised him that she would write from Bath, and this sudden silence might give to the affair a serious aspect which might be misleading as to her real feelings about the friendship. I trusted & advised she should write a short friendly note (not desiring an answer) which would bring their friendship to an easy and natural end. She has no wish to continue the friendship and quite agrees to our advice that there shall be no more writing - but she felt - and I think justly that it was due to her that there should not be any misconstruction of or too serious reason assumed for this sudden silence. Of course I do not know what Jessie wrote - or what Mr Harvey has replied but I should be very sorry tothink that he has misunderstood her - we said anything that could pain her. But I look forward to seeing you on the 9th when we shall have an opportunity of talking more satisfactorily than one can write. My mother sends her love and says she hopes to see you that day so she does not intend going to Hastings yet. Will you let us know what time we may expect you? With love Yours affectionately Mabel Newcombe If you object to travelling on [Guy Fawkes] Lord Mayor's day - earlier in the week would suit us just as well if you prefer it & would let us know. It would give you longer time here.[*Newcomb*] Blackberry. Dormans East Grinstead 5. Jan. '95 My dear Kitty Here at last is my little book of New Years greetings. I have not read it all but I thought the idea of it would appeal to you. Thank you so much for your long letter so welcome when one is in the country. Yes I do keep as warm hereas anywhere while such cold winds are blowing. The little rooms are most cosy with big wood fires. No I hadn't noticed those advertisements you speak of. Do thread a tale therefrom and send it to us to be amused with. This is a mean little answer to yours - but Papa has just come down and I want to get this off by this afternoon's post - and to talk to him too! Always yours with love Mabel Newcombe I forgot to tell you Jessie & I much enjoyed Cecil Dredme reading it aloud when she was here.[*Newcomb*] 30th May I, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. My dear Kitty You must wonder that I have not written in answer to your letter to me at Dormans - but our plans have so unsettled that I was really not able to say if a Wednesday would suit us. At present I am all the time at Dormans except when I am [not] home from Saturday to Monday. MyFather goes down then and I come up here. So until my mother is better I'm afraid a Wednesday will not suit us - but I will write again later if I happen to be here in the middle of the week. Cant you really manage more than one day? I shall tell our invalid your advice about avoiding the sea while the high dry winds continue. She is getting slowly stronger at Dormans and there - except from the gardener's & farmers point of view - the want of rain is not unpleasant at all. Your letter telling of your friends interest in Armenia will please my mother to hear of. I have so many small things to attend to on my return that I cannot write more now. except love from yours Mabel[*P. Mark 1910*] November 1st. All Saints Day. 1. Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. My dear Kitty. We are very blessed to have seen the photograph of the wreaths which so clearly shows ours in front. I chose it because I know it would last, and I thought its simplicity would be what you would like. We are gratified that you should have selected it to remain. The memorial that appeals to us most is the idea of Rock House as a rest house for students with a low relief medallion on it. But where would you be - in Scotland perhaps? I know today little Miss Shaw - sculptor have just going this studio with a friend some years ago. She is an anti vivisectionist - so it should be very appropriate that she should make the medallion. I seem to rememberthat her low relief work was good. Bertha has been made a 6 weeks rest cure - here at home - the chronic form of gastric catarrh. She is now able to get up & go out a little - but is still on a special diet & is not to do any work - or attend any suffrage meetings! She overdid it - in the spring in her devotion to the cause. My father is getting more & more of a care, as his memory gets worse & also he is not able to walk or read as much as he did. Sorting letters & papers is an endless task we know - not nicely you will have to destroy a large proportion? If you ever come to London do come & see us? Yours affectly Mabel Newcombe[* June 29, 1885*] Northcote E. Croydon Sunday evening My dear Miss Barry I quite meant to write and tell you how much I liked being abroad when I was there, but as you may imagine I had plenty to do, so that I put off writing letters except those for home. I enjoyed my five weeks stay, quite as much as I expected to. Bertha and I were in a pension but we had a dear little sitting room all to ourselves. Bertha used to go to a studio half the day so at first I had to go about a little by myself shopping & sight seeing. But duringmost of the time a nice family of Americans (who Bertha had travelled with in Italy) stayed at our Pension. They were (as I usually find Americans) most charming, and added much to the pleasure of my visit. They used to take me about with them, and indeed we spent most of our time with them. I like Paris very much indeed, but I shouldn't care to live there. And though I was delighted to have the change I still like England quite as much & enjoy being home again. It was very hot indeed at the end of our stay so that we appreciated the delightful country at Haslemere after the noise & heat of the towne. Bertie & I were a week with Momma & Jessie at Haslemere, and we had lovely walks on [??head] & Blackdown & to some of the villages near. It is certainly most lovely country & a nice little town, but the place I should like to live at is Tilford just beyond Craig Farm. Do you know it, with its dear little river & pretty village green? I like Haslemere very much but I found the air so depressing I was always tired there. But when we went on to stay at the Inn on the moors near Tilford, - it was quite a different thing. It reminded me of Dartmoor & I got quite strong directly. I went to Craid Farm & Mr Gibbs showed me all over. I was much interested in the sucessful fruit growing. [The House]though is horribly ugly, and it is not my idea of a farm. Mr. Cox was away while we were there, but since we have been home he has been to stay here two days. We all found him very interesting & nice. It does seem a pity that the farm should have to be given up, just as Mr. Gibbs is beginning to see some result of his work. If it were prettier & nearer the village, I should like Papa to take it. Do you know the Salts, who live in the little house near by? Papa introduced us to them & we spent two evenings there. Papa is down at Tilford again now, & went to the sale of a most perfect piece of land above Tilford village, but he writes that he could not get it. We are trying to find a cottage there, for our old cook so that also if it is large enough we can go down when we like. At present nothing suitable is to be got. We have been very busy since we have been back, putting our rooms nice, after the spring cleaning, & arranging our possessions, after our travels. Bertha bought some rather nice things in Florence & Venice, - but I didn't find Paris at all a nice place to buy things. I hope before we go away again, you will be up in London, and really come & see us. It is getting so dark now that I mustleave off, hoping that I shall see you soon to talk, instead of writing about the place we have both been to. Jessie sends her love and many thanks for your letter. With love From Yours affectionately Mabel Newcombe[*Newcombe*] Ensemere. Pooley. Penrith. 29. Sept. '94 My dear Kitty I felt I little deserved such a nice long letter as yours of yesterday when I had put off writing to say why I should scold you for encouraging Jessie to try farm life. Life on a nice clean farm for a young woman who liked hard work and was determined to put up with many distasteful as well as pleasant experiences might be a very attractive change in any one's existence - and would be quite interesting no doubt as you say. But for Jessie, who only likes hard work in very short spells &when she is quite in the mood - and when there is nothing unpleasant connected with it- and when she is not bound to any one else's time or rule it would be a most useless experience and I happen to know that this break is merely a possible resort from disappointments to which she fears in the future but which , if she settles to some really useful work for which she has aptitude, may not occur. Just now a real work has presented itself in taking care of Ada who has been ill. You will probably see her next Wednesday or Thursday - for Ada has gone to Hastings with her nurse and has got into somewhat dull rooms. As our house at Chelsea is not yet finished being cleaned &c Ada cannot return home yet so we have telegraphed to her that Jessie will come to find her suitable rooms and to keep her cheerful during her convalescence. We think St Leonards may be better - but Jessie is sure to find time to come over the hills to Rock House. My mother and I stay on here another week till we can go back to Chelsea - unless Ada writes that she would prefer me to Jessie. I should come and see you in that case - but you know I don't care for Hastings air and though I stored up a good deal of strength during the hot weather I'm not much good for any extra exertion just now. It is getting cold up here now but we have no rain or damp, like you in the South and the trees and bracken are turning to beautiful browns & yellows, though in some places on a sunny daythe country does not show any signs of autumn. Thank you so much in that cutting about Swindale - we read it with interest for we intend tomorrow driving to Mosdale which is just above the head of Swindale. Bertha has just illustrated a book by George Watson on "Life in the Dales", which is chiefly taken from Sleddale, Swindale, etc These smaller dales - with the higher ranges in the distance are far more beautiful then the craggy surroundings right under the mountains. At least I think so - for after the grandeur of the Pyrenees the more frequented show places here seem rather mean. Wouldn't you like to come one spring to visit these dales when all the flowers are out and when the visitors are not? I lent Jessie your letter and she took it out, without its envelope - and lost it! Did you read the review of Miss Cobbe's life in the Chronicle? I mean to get the book when we return for it sounds quite interesting. What a wonderfully happy disposition to wish to live the same life over again! Your work in helping with Dr. Blackwells' letters must be quite interesting. But could letters ever be longer than some that people write even in this rushing end of the century? My mother & Jessie are such inveterate writers that I often try to remonstrate and get them to give way in favor of out door life - when the weather is good. We hear from Claude that he may arrive in London in Octoberand we look forward to his arrival with some fear as well as pleasure for it is so unfortunate that he should come right into London with its limited orderly life from the years of freedom he has had in Australia. We had planned he should have come while we were here where he could have [came while or who have] had fishing & shooting & lived in the comfort of tweed & flannel! I can't quite think what I shall do this winter. If Ada wishes to live at home I shall have her income and go out where I can't yet decide - for I'm not strong enough to do my continuous work and I don't suppose it is likely there is any chance of going abroad again. Now you must be quite tired of all this account of us and our doings which I see my letter has got full of. With kindest regards to Dr. Blackwell and to yourself always much love From Yours affectionately Mabel Newcombe My mother is out or I know she would send suitable messages to you and Dr. Blackwell.Newcomb Northcole E. Croydon 8th June. 83 My dear Miss Barry, I have been to busy all this week that until this evening I haven't found time to write to you to say how sorry Jessie and I were that you should be prevented by illness from coming to see us. It really seems as if you are neverto come. We had planned such nice walks, and sight-seeing in London, and the weather this walk has been perfect for going about. Isn't this a wonderful summer for England? If you have any American friends over here now. I should think they won't be able to complain of the climate now. I was at that meeting at Princes Hall when Mrs Cady Stanton and Miss Anthony spoke. It was very interesting indeed, and I was much interested and amused with the audience as well as the speakers. It was mostly composed of Americans, mostly women and a great many girls. Oscar Wilde was there, and his mother. Dr Blackwell was spoken of by Miss Anthony and her name was received with much applause. I hope we shall hear soon that you are getting better. I meant when I began this letter to write you a nice long one, for I think there is nothing nicer than having plenty of letters when you are ill. But somehow my thoughts dont flow any more than this pen, which is a bad one. So perhaps its the pen's fault. We started for Addington Church this evening, but as the rain came on heavily we have to spend the evening at home. Hoping you are better & with kind regards to Dr. Blackwell I am yours very sincerely Mabel Newcombe 3 April. 98 1. Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. My dear Kitty, You will receive a letter from Wm. [?] 48 Cheyne Walk asking for more particulars of the servant you told Jessie of. If we had the ordering of the domestic staff here, Jessie & I would have liked her ourselves. - but as another servant does not they [??] appear at all desirable. I at once thought of this very nice I [?] this is a dirty sheet of paper - but it is growing dark & I can't tell. Please excuse it; if it is so.place now vacant. Mr. March is a quaker - but with all [??] to be certain amount of conventionality in living so that a young servant would receive only good training. She is very particular - but all this is an advantage I should say. The house is small & there are only Mr. & Mrs. March and one older other good cook servant. She is getting a new cook so if your protege goes I suppose they would start together after Easter. This place is quite near to the Harvey's house. I saw Mr. & Mrs. Harvey and the baby some days ago. The latter behaved with great good grace & sat quite contentedly on my lap - while its mother & I arranged Childrens Country Holiday Fund work. Mrs. Harvey is going to take the responsibility of a large Board School. I have found her two competent helpers - so that she may not have to visit cottages & run any risk of infection foryour little God-child. How important and what a new post for you to be the hostess of a real baby! I expect it is most pleasant to you - but does the dog enjoy the new pet as much? It is long since I have heard from you - so do write when you have time. With kindest regards to Dr. Blackwell Yours affectonately Mabel Newcombe 12. July. 1910 1. Cheyne Walk, Chelsea. My dear Kitty Barry I am so very pleased to have that quite charming picture of Dr. Blackwell and also your nice long letter. had I known all the facts you tell me I should not have written as I did - but I imagined you going off, unprepared, to a distant Churchyard merely because Dr. Blackwell had admired it as a peaceful country resting place. I still do think people will always associate Hastings with her & probably ask for some memorial there. Would it be possible to put a very simple stone in the spot that she had selected in the cemetary stating the dates of birth and death and that she lies in the churchyard at Hilman? The design for any stone memorial seems then the most difficult thing to choose. I have never seen one I liked really. At Lingfield we put a marble cross at my mothers grave of tosam design as that of Charles Kingsley. I enclose you a photograph but we dont feel altogether satisfied. I have chosen for myself a flat stone - like the very old grave stones to covering the grave, nothing raised. I will know the task you now have of sorting & arranging possessions sad - yet necessary. It will bevery nice if you continue to have a second home in Scotland with such good attentive friends. Winter at Rock House - summer in Scotland - and I hope a dog to keep you always company? What a pity that portrait of Dr. Blackwell did not appear in the Englishwoman with Mrs. Fawcetts article? How very appreciative she has been it quite counterbalances that Garrett Anderson episode. Yours affectly Mabel Newcombe23 Dec. 97 Donnington Holt, Newbury. My dear Kitty It is very kind of you to have sent us a book for Christmas. Yesterday it arrived just before I left and my mother began it at once. I have not read it - so I shall have the pleasure when I get back. You see I am awayfor Christmas - at a very nice comfortable pretty house in the country. I send you one of my photographs taken near [?] which I thought would bring pleasant remembrances of a southern shepherd boy. Do come and see us next time you visit your god-child. For I haven't time now to write and it seems long since I have had a talk with you. With all good wishes to Dr. Blackwell & love to yourself Yours affectionately Mabel Newcombe26. Dec. '95 I, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. My dear Kitty Thank you very much for the photographic picture of you view from Rock House. I think your efforts with the photographer have been most successful in suppressing his art while reproducing Mr. Bor[?]w's picture. For I suppose it was for this that you wrote you hadgot a photographer under your tuition. It is to be framed and hung where it will be seen often by the Hastings-loving parents. We have had the most damping atmosphere in this festive season, and one feels terribly sorry for the poor people who had only the pelting Christmas [?] on which to buy their dinners and presents. A curious stillness only marks the holiday today - but we have not been out to see where the people are crowded in. [Jossie?] sends her love and thanks for your letter which she will answer when the book you speak of arrives. Your letter took 24 hours to get from Hastings post office to Chelsea! We have not yet decided when we start for Italy but as I am enduring a most persistent cold and cough I *Some men here go by singing "Glorious beer" - the last appropriate English song[We] somewhat inclined for a change... If you already have Stevenson's Inland Voyage please tell me. I did not write your name in it [learning] you might have it. I think you owe me a letter so that may be an excuse that I don't write more today. With all good wishes for the New Year to Dr. Blackwell and yourself Always yours affectionately Mabel Newcombe10 Oct. '94 1, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. My dear Kitty Jessie has written to me since I heard from you that she has explained to you all the compact and that your are quite satisfied that the friendship between her and Paul Harvey shall go on - on that basis. As far as I could understand, - for she did not trouble to give me all the laws they seem to have laid down, it seemed to me that there was no harmin continuing the correspondence and in their meeting reasonably often. I know you think as we do that while one is young - (or fairly so!) it is pleasant to have the companionship of men as well as only ones own sex. Of course there is always the chance or perhaps the probability, that there will be pain more keen than the pleasure - when the friendship ceases, - and that it is the girl who is more likely to be the superior. For that "Love of man's life is a thing apart, - tis womans whole existence." is only too true. Jessie is quite content to risk the future for the sake of the present - and in spite of experience I have not discouraged her! The naval chaplain and [chief] apparent cause for affection, I do not regard as really serious though if on seeing him again and after giving time to renew the acquaintance and prove if he is really desirable, - it might be possible for Jessie to revive those (imaginary?) feelings towards him - and perhaps to settle down as a country clergymans wife. Jessie is quite sensible of your affection for her - for she remarks that she had "quite cut me out in Kitty's estimation." But I believe I may still hope my share exists. On Saturday you will see Mamma at St Leonards. In spite of Jessie's good care of Ada, - she is anxious, and is going down in order to have Dr. Shaw's opinion and to see whether it is desirable yet to have her moved to Bath. The sunny South would be good - but we feel - as she is so restless and changeable that it is better to keep her nearer to us. Yes, I was much amused that you are a saint & I a guardian angel. Jessie's affairs should be indeed tranquil if she considers that she is under such influence. We have dull wet weather here & the change from the dry hot days in the north is not pleasant and Mamma especially feels it much. Yours with love MabelOffham, Arundel 7. Oct. '95 My dear Kitty It's most kind of you to think of giving me D. Blackwell's book and I would like very much to posses it--but I don't want to seem greedy and we shall on our return home have a copy as Mamma has ordered one from our bookseller. Alsowe put it down on our list for Mudie, for it is good for Mudie as well as for authors that good books should be well asked for. When you come to town wont you stay at hotel Newcombe for the night - it will be open after the 15th Oct probably for all the winter. I'm not sure though that we shall be there all the time. Jessie told you perhaps that we had planned to go to Switzerland and Italy this autumn, but the friends we wished to travel with couldn't go - so we have had to give up the idea until we find someone else going. For although we are somewhat aged spinsters, my father doesn't like the idea of me going alone and as Jessie has never been before and it is uncertain how she would take things and people, I am quite willing to wait! If only you had not the dogs dependent on you, would you notlike to go by the Riviera to Italy and return by Switzerland or Austrian Tyrol in the spring? It has been just perfect here while the hot weather lasted - but now we have had rain The chalky soil of the downs is very apparent in the muddy roads and the hazes from the downs have to cheer the spirits as well as dry the roads. I think in summer you would like to stay here - the air is so good & the country really lovely. Jessie has I suppose told you what the place is like. Yours with love Mabel Newcombe1, CHEYNE WALK, CHELSEA, S.W. May 31st 1894 My dear Kitty Jessie tempts me with her open envelope to say "how do you do?" and a few words about your "dear boy". He called yesterday afternoon about tea time ("never takes tea in the afternoon") and in his nervous excited way poured out a grievance which he laid to my charge from some passing [?] made on his previous call about a week ago. It was too funny, but still I was sorry to have given him offense, especially when he had "dropped in" full of worry & disappointment. at the loss of an engagement to dinner at Richmond. I had been full of sympathy, but that did not seem to count while the unintentional stabs had wounded his self love cruelly. He is a dear generous hearted fellow & I have only good will towards him, but, as I tell him, when we talk on subjects involving principles which we see from a different point of view, he should eliminate the personal, and if banter sometimes comes in, as it will & I think should sometimes, as a relief, why should we take it so seriously. The war question must be tabooed, at least till he has instructed me in the noble side which he, I think honestly, sees & works for. We are thebest of friends again in a moment but as he told me he had told Dr. Blackwell, & she thought he was an inspired man. I scribble you these few lines. I am always pleased to see him, but if he comes to us without formality he must see us as we are with faith in us that we would not willingly offend. I cannot think how he can have passed through a public school or college training &come out as sensitive & blushing as an Ensemere Hill. Pooley Bridge Penrith. [1 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, SW] 21. Aug. 94 My dear Kitty, Your most interesting letter to Jessie she allowed us also to enjoy knowing you would not mind. Since we have been in this calm and beautiful country place I have several times felt inspired to write to you for I remember my last letter was written in the hurry and heat of July in London. Now everything seems to have"settled itself" and the events of life assume due and rational proportions when viewed from the surroundings of peaceful nature & in the non-eventful influence of the country. This last sentence is somewhat involved but you will understand that if refers to Jessie as among us here. Our life perhaps may be likely to get too calm and as far as I am concerned too self contained - but in a week or two we are looking toward to a visit from some friends we all like, and who will supply a certain amount of fresh life which I think one ought to have to vary family companionship which we have so much of. We have - 4 miles off - a very charming boy friend who offers to take us sailing. We have known him since he was quite tiny and he is always fresh and amusing. But he is one of (to me) an utterly uncongenial family and I forego the pleasure of seeing him as often as we might when my temper and mannerwould be sure to be upset if I had to endure his companions also. I hope you wont say one ought to make an effort to be amiable - for I know you in your [??] view of life do allow one some small vices. We were much amused at that article on quarrelling! Have you read Lady Dufferin's life published with some of her poems? We have thought it very charming. Now we have got Blackmores last effort "Perlycross" - but it is a poor tedious production of an over written author. Jessie says she has not told you what sort of surroundings we have - and as this is exactly the sort of place you would like if you ever came to this district I must tell you about it. Ellesmere is a large, rambling old country house that belonged formerly to anti slavery Clarkson - and has been honoured by visits from Bishop Wilberforce and other reformers of that time. This association is of course pleasing to my mother. Why the land has been let and the house come down to be let as lodgings we cannot think. for it stands well high above the lake with a beautiful view of the distant range of Helvellyn . We go down to ourboat landing down a beautiful old beech avenue - or when the weather is not wet - through a nice sloppy field. For a week when we first came we had delicious hot weather and spent our time in the hay fields by the side of the lake - or lazily rowing about the little bays, but for the last fortnight alas we have had true Lakes weather - wet & windy. How we begin to feel hopeful again for the sun appears at intervals. We have two quiet ladies as neighbors (for the house is let in "Lets") and they offer me their hammock - so I am now going out, with a fur rug. So no more now dear Kitty - but much love from Yours affectionately Mable42 Plazza Poli. Rome 12 April. 96 My dear Kitty Your letter was not in the least dull and I have just read it through again & enjoyed your appreciation of Bordighera. How I wish you could have been with us there for though the crowd of perhaps 12 omnibuses may wait at the station there is enough left of simplicity of life and beautiful country even for those who have know the place before the new hotels & villas were built. I had never been there before and like it far better than I expected to- for I had a prejudice against it, thinking it was a dull little place for old maids and invalids. Coming from the highly respectable English colony of Costebelle where we saw something of the aimless villa life (of retired military people mostly) as well as that of the apparently mindless though exceedingly kindly people in our hotel*, we found Bordighera. quite lively and literary and artistic! [*Your friends were not there, I think*] I suppose you were there [long?] before the time of the MacDonalds and Mr. Bicknell? The weather was perfect all the time we were there and we had a donkey and when it was not too hot explored the nearer valleys. - Sasso Borghetto, Vallecrosia, Gallefona &c - though we had to leave Dolce Acqua & Piqua for a longer stay some other time. Jessie really liked it very much & especially appreciated a MacDonald picnic - with a curate of the party No: Miss MacD. was nice, but the curate stupid. J. Our hotel was the only one near the old town - except one villa, Pension Constantia. There is now no Pension Anglaise so probably it has enlarged into Hotel Bellavista, which is at the end of the Strada Romana under the old town, with the lovely view you speak of. From our windows at sunset it was more beautiful than any other on the riviera I think - except perhaps that of the Esterels that we had from Garibondy near Cannes. It was a great delight to be able to get out by a back door and up in a few minutes to the curious old arches & streets of the old town, to photograph & make bargains & purchases of the still [genuinely?] Italian people, - but when I go again I mean to go to one of the new hotels (which were full this time) for there was too often a smell of drains! We were all right but some of the people got bad throats. Here we have curiously "located" ourselves almost in the very spot you recommended - quite by chance. The English hotels on the high positions were full and we were recommended by friends to try this pension - 1 minute from Hotel Maximi. It is Irish and I should not recommend it except for the generous supply of good food and for the amiability of servants & mistress. However we are quite comfortable enough and your opinion as to the healthiness of this quarter over the new is confirmed by several people who frequent this house year after year. Thank you so much for telling me of hotels in Venice. I think we shall go to H. Danieli as other friends have alsospoken well of it. On Tuesday we go to Siena for a week or more. Of course with Easter ceremonies and music added to the usual sightseeing of Rome we have been "going it" rather much. We spent one lovely warm dat at Frascati - going up through the woods to Tusculum. If one wants to realise the size of S. Peters I think it is most evident from there. Do you remember the view with the city hardly visible & the Cathedral standing clearly out against the Campagna? April 18th. Hotel Continental. Siena. We left Rome yesterday feeling satisfied that we had taken in, of its sights and pictures, enough to [satisfy] give us a good general idea and to leave a wish to see more another time. At present though, I keep my old love for Florence as a city, and for pictures Rome won't compare. There were many interesting book shops and if I had had time I could have bought you books no doubt. But we are collecting old coopers & beautiful pots &c so that we cannot even look at books unless we wish to be ruined by our luggage tickets! Do you know this lovely place? As I write now by the window with a view of the curious Duomo and the expanse of green & blue hills beyond it is most beautiful in the soft sunset light. I much enjoy too the feeling that there is not too much to be seen, and that one may be allowed calmly to read or work or photograph. I could go on with the last amusement all day - for the peasants with their white oxen & donkeys are continually passing or grouping themselves in the streets in the most charming ways. Jessie regrets that in this hotel (once a palace) there are not the usual Americans & English to fill the large rooms or to make the broad staircases & halls less desolate. The season is only just beginning - and last night when we were summoned to table d'hote the long table was spread for many, but only attended by Mabel, Jessie, and a white cat! Can't you come and help fill it? Always yours with love Mabel Newcombe.P.S. We are not going to Venice after all for my father writes that he thinks we have had enough cities for one tour and trust we are to go on to the Lakes & Switzerland. [?]120. Marnia S. Leonardo. [*Oct 7 1894*] Oct 16. Dearest K. Do you like the watermark of this paper - I have just discovered it! What I tease I am (to my own [?]) just when you would be sympathetic, at a time when I am feeling most wretched by (you know that of course). But I think you will forgive me. One has to do it to cheat oneself into being cheerful! Last evening after leading you on the parade I felt, and did all the evening, inclined to write "a few words of thanks" to you for warning me with all true kindness not to sacrifice my own peace of heart for the sake of giving APH "experience". I wrote to Mabel instead & expressed [let off] my gratitude to you to her (too deep for you to hear) Now to thank you for your note which I brought to be corrected this afternoon. I had startedto call in Dr. to return her [book] & see if [feel then] she had forgiven my keeping you at luncheon the other day. I did not know that mother had received a note from her today: we hadn't had time to mention A.P.H. when mother arrived. I am having a great deal of talk with her on the subject now, tho' please understand that she has in no way come down on my account. We talk of the subject in a [??] conventional way. I find she did not give me permission to go on walk: she only gives me permission to act wisely!! I want it with her knowledge (than HRH knew I told him what she wrote ) but not with her permission. If D. thought I had broken down any conventionalitiesfor Leo if it was ordered; so I must not presume to speak, especially in other people's houses - that would be rude. Dear Kitty, it is all very kind of Dr. if she means to discuss my [?] peace, but I think she would prefer to leave matters alone just now if she could see what I have to do remaining "outside" myself as peacemaker. You would smile if you could see the mother & daughter (A) all the while I am writing this. One wants the window open, another shut, one reads aloud antivivisection tracts, the other jeers & blindly refuses the subject; I have to hear, & sympathize (for a convalescent must be humoured), during walks with one, and while nursing the other. Here are some Newcombe difficulties for your amusement! I have been asked to Wrotham but can't go; I have to ride with my narrow minded sisters, as Pater wishes. (Why! here has Mumie only just remembered to give me a letter from Mabel: such a nice one too - wise after your own heart. And so you said to me - but no Kitty dear, no further complications I trust I trust. I had already decided last night to let the friendship with HPH lapse on his part. If I like to torture myself let me - I am "too much a lady" (!!) ever to worry him I hope! How I do tease you Kitty. HPH and I are not corresponding now, & of course on his side he is not even thinking of me, tho' he might pretend he did. So you [*[My] Mine remains true - I mean I do nothing; but cherish the remembrance & so in that way remain true - see?*] oversee I have an opportunity of saying what you say, sweet as wise as it may be, & much as I might wish to when Mabel sends it me. Now Kitty dear it is 11. p.m.; & I write against my conscience any way; now I do not wish to appear ungrateful to you nor to reprove you my confidence (you think me conceited?) so I have tried to write to you cheerfully. I have kissed my patient to sleep (she will cry herself to, - somewhere selfishly I tell her - I'm a poor comforter!! - as she thinks her mother unjust to her &c. &c.! I don't!) And I must really bid you good night. I have underlined this letter much, as I have written it in haste & have no time I mean to correct it to make it clear. I wont trouble you to answer - not "to persecute" me, as you call it. Come & see me when you wish - tears (seriousness) or chaff (I hate that word, but it [means] expresses what I mean in one way) as you wish! We shall be here till the 25 perhaps longer.2 that P.M.G. woman's poetry. I used to see it last year. No, don't write novels: you always amuse me when you say I am to play a part in them. I am glad my ending was sad in your last dream. Was I drowned? I prefer now that Lucy Clough (!) should teach me swimming because I always tell her she is more likely to drown me than Isa. Isa is more likely to be careful and not pull me out of our depth so much. Isa is engaged to David Russell, so iscareful of herself. I can get cramp in the water - so my chances of your sad ending are not small. I agree with you - beauty without expression would be but dull. 'I wonder' if your Alice will be nearer you: I never go to meetings* so I am not likely to see nor hear of her. [*except one I went to with Anna Cust, to be amused - at the Socialists. I shan't go again.] I quite agree to "not the original that's certain" The cab double I referred to was probably a Kensington double I've seen before - a friend of a friend. Your reading emphasizes negative answer had the right effect you meant. O yes, voices don't count - many persons of one common (ordinary) type are alike in that. Your other letter I didn't keep: I remember you sent some P.M. extracts: the looking glass "wares" I had already read & thought good. I go to event by boat now, not train you'll be glad to hear. Neither way is much change from the atmosphere of the streets.Lately in the late hot Derby days I have spent much time in slums, and going to them along the hot dusty pavements. It is rather nice - all mixed up with scarlet fever, diptheria, chicken-pox, &c. I mean the martyrdom is nice, not the hot streets in themselves. Then, also on these lovely Derby days I've helped secretaries in hot dusty King St. send out circulars for the Stansfeld memorial. Miss W. Brown's ugly little secretary & everything squalid about. Amongst [New] Girton & other [circulars]address books I had the Swanley collegebarely with a page in comparison with what you are saddled with. When you tak of writing I shudder - a womans writing now-a-days makes one think of such horrid books as "Gallia" as "Transition" (which I have not read - only the D. Chronicles' notice which spoke of "Lucilla for whom it was not possible to feel any great emotion over the premature ending to her unballanced follies which came perilously near to sheer [neo] narrow-minded stupidity on various occasions") or as "The [Gods some mortals and Lord Wickenham". Mrs J. O Hobbes is very vulgar in that book. I am trying to read 3. addresses! I thought you would have chuckled and said we do "get our deserts in this world." Everything about is sufficiently wearying, and my only comfort is that I may soon be in the sisterhood of the Blackheath College. You haven't told me if it is possible you will trouble yourself to come to tea, when I'm resident there? It's probable you won't! Lazy Kitty. Does yr. friend Mr A.P.A. want a country villa [now] as he said because on the 20th of this monthNobles, Dormans Land is to be for sale: that is the lay of it. I don't know if it is perfect now- I never go down there & am not going. Nothing short of a smashed head would induce me, and that won't happen, as I've denied myself riding now. So if the cottage is wanted Nobles has its good points: the drawing room was nice & it was near the station without your seeing the trains. I am quite right in telling you of this cottage. Mr. Woodgate & his son I believe have enjoyed it. I can imagine why Mrs. Tancred is selling it - probably she was dull there. Shall I write to you about books next? What a long missive: Mr. Hickman will be jealous: or else pity you with so much. I should be bored if it were sent to me. But you are somehow different. What a contrast this epistle is to the few necessary words I have just despatched to Bertha about her dressmaker, studio, & some tea I had to get for her poor people at the stores. It"the Master"; but Zangwill is too idiotic feeble*. Schoenarch-Corolath's "melting snows" have you read? I don't usually like German ideas but these are pretty. Other books I recommend are Katherine Lauderdale, or better The Ralstons (decidedly good), Pratt Portraits (Anna [?] Fuller). The surrender of Margaret Bellarmine you would not like though it is a woman's book. "A Burn Jones-head" by Clara J. Rollins is too modern - an American lady becoming very English. "Vain fortune" by Geo. Moore I like, don't you? I am not thinking what I am writing as I'm talking; hence this school-girly catalogue. [*I don't like the heroine in the end to quote a piece of Geo. Herbert I like.] They are off to[?] till over Whitsuntide, like all other [?] holiday-makers; but I shall stay in all gloomy griminess here. Have you read "The Kings Diary": I will send it you to read on your journey, also a nice little life of Sowell of Buckham if you don't know it: I 'picked it up' on an old book stall. The latter I should want back. I suppose I enjoyed being with the Waltons - now established at Donnington Holt - in the last few days of their [Croydon abode. I had the [?] stately & conventional time never walking, of being on lovely lawns reading (for the weather was fine) and of talking above my intelligence. I suppose Dr. would says the friends I possess of this kind I 'ought not to have'. In spite of [?] these last friends I was with, I don't always like them; and as my mood wasn't entirely a contented one I "read Matthew Arnold morning noon & night" as A. expressed it. As she is a lady with all the nicest books I was able to find more M.A. than our library possesses - at least of his poems. Enough scribble. Always V. J. [Write to me before you go to I. not to [?] [?] please.]P.S. What do yo think of women on bicycles: you would be amused to watch the graceful movements (for one must admit they can look nice) of some of the elegant blueyed damsels in the parks? Their companions of the other sex are equally well dressed and pleasing to the eye you would think. Battersea looks quite a second Ranelagh now-a-days with private coaches going to the better class tea place. People seek their amusements in suitable places.