From collection Frances Willard Journal Transcripts
by the way. -Drove with James, coachman of 22 yrs standing, met dear Isabel smiling and delightful after her trip of 9 days, 27 "illuminates addresses" & 22 thousand in audience, Wales.
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December 17, 1893
We sat in her boudoir & I bro't the most pressing matters to her notice from letters & telegrams. She saw I was "worrit" & got knowledge of that calendar of H.L.H. printed without my knowledge or consent. She sent peremptory message to "stay proceedings" but I tell her she will "hear from it." Did 50 "[.. ...] ons" of bicycle (named Gladys) & took for motto of booklet "It's Dogged as does it." All day Sunday Isabel in bed & suffering intensely with one of the headaches she has had for 15 years & the best physicians express themselves as utterly baffled. It is in the eyes & temples & is a sort of neuralgia. She vomits with it- sometimes 14 times. She is perfectly patient & lovely. Dear Nan& Bess in London hearing great preachers.
December 18, 1893
Capt Pollen here & Somey's destiny considered. He will not study- probably cannot-lacks power of continued concentration although very bright & intelligent. It is now probable that he will go on a trip around the world. A hunting party assembled for Somey's amusement-a son of Lord Lansdowne, Lord Russell & what not. Poor Isabel & Alys dancing attendance at dinner while I stay quiet & dine at 7 instead of 9! Off& on-50 times with [trike] [?] & lots of turns. Alys Smith learning wonderfully well-I tell her "long legs& youth" are on her side & on mine "grit& gumption! "- Dear George Bain &his wife have lost their daughter Laura-the flower of the flock-3 children in less than 5 years& duties of a pastor's wife thrown in. Well for her to go early-sweet& mellow soul! And we shall all so soon be gone!
December 19, 1893
Give me our colder but infinitely brighter skies in the old land rather than this drip& dampness. But the castle is splendid & as I went around it with Little Holdsworth-under the wing of Ellis-& took account of it as a museum of antiquities, a gallery of pictures& tapestries, a curio-collection, a stately residence, I was glad to know about but should be still gladder to leave it for Reigate Cottage or Eagle's Nest (up Hudson) or dear old Rest Cottage only that its windows are dark. Mary Sims read me from Charles Reade's "Cloister & Hearth" where climaxes are thicker than bugs under a stone! And then while she reads I go to sleep& very late dear Cossie comes.
December 20, 1893
This is a culminating time with poor Cossie in her business, with
