Douce of an Expert

September 20th, 1897

My dear Raymond and Joe


Those were splendid letters you wrote to me from Criccieth, dated August 25th. They were long, and interesting, and well, and carefully written.

What a splendid swim you two boys and Uncle Joe must have had on that rough day at Criccieth. Didn't you feel proud when the Photographer came and asked to have the honour of taking your portraits. I looked eagerly for them in the Illustrated London News on the Graphic. What paper were they put in? Do tell me. Never mind my chuff my boys. I was just as proud myself, when I was a boy, and when we were at Dover or some other place, we would bathe when no one else would venture in the water. I remember how proud I felt when the people crowded on the esplanade and looked at those daring swimmers (ahem), and then, didn't we show off, and do all sorts of wonderful things? Well a few! But soberly my dear boys, it is not well to be to venturesome. The sea is always treacherous, and you should always be prudent and careful when dealing with her. Better to err on the side of prudence than to be too rash.

Rod in Pickle

You said you enclosed a letter from Mrs. McCan, but you must have forgotten to do so, for none came.
F.M.

KIMBERLEY CLUB,
KIMBERLEY.

Sept 13th, 1897

My dear Mary

Your letter from Criccieth, of Aug 19, came to me early last week. Joe and Sara had just arrived, and you were having pleasant times.

I should like to see your little Welsh maid, who is so like Brenda Bennett, and hear her imperfect English. Imperfect English from pretty lips is always pretty.

You can not wish me with you, more than I wish to be with you. Mrs. and Miss Coghlan, are not going to live with the Moreton's. I asked Moreton, and he said the report must have originated in Mrs. Moreton having offered to take Mrs. & Miss Coghlan for a week, whilst their own house was being done up. I felt my way in the matter of getting a room at the Moretons, but I do not know yet, how the scheme will meet their views.