From collection Frances Willard Journal Transcripts
Exquisite day but Frances so drooping after the exertions of last week that I stayed from church to read to her as Lady Henry's mother came down before noon. We all lunched together-the Countess is a woman of great force and many gifts. I read a great deal to Frank from Lecky's History of European Morals-the chapter on the Position of women makes one's blood boil with-indignation. He is a "cock of the walk."
June 5, 1893
Reigate.
Busy all day with letters and work of various kinds. Frank dictated long article on the Federation meetings. Mrs. Walker and quite a number of Salvation Army leaders came down to the Priory by Lady H's invitation-also Mrs. Andrew & Dr. Bushnell and several others. Mr. Clifford came to dinner and spent the night at Priory. He read some beautiful selections in the eve.
June 6, 1893
Frances complained while dressing of a pain in her left side but could not be persuaded to go back to bed saying it was only rheumatism. She carried a bag of hot water to [bed crossed out] breakfast and then until noon sat out in the sun all wrapped up and dictated to Miss Murrell. After luncheon Lady H sent for the doctor who said she was threatened with pleurisy & must go to bed at once. Lady H. is nursing her most tenderly.
June 7, 1893
Frances is cared for like a princess. Lady Henry is so beautiful to her. Bless their precious hearts. I rejoice in their joy at being together. Dr. says the lungs are not at all affected, that the pain is muscular. Poor F. bemoans the ill-timed sickness that will keep her from the Hyde Park Demonstration. Lady Henry has had to be in town today with Committee. Got home at 615. We all gave up Dr. Barnardo's great meeting.
June 8, 1893
Thirty one years ago today dear Mary Willard of 19 B.Y. passed to the place better suited to her heavenly spirit than this poor world. A year ago today Frances Kate Jackson Alice Briggs Irene[?] & I went with precious Mother Willard to the old home (Swampscott) now near Davis Street & Orrington Ave in Evanston. We saw the room where Mary died & it was pathetic to see Mrs Willard & hear her tender loving voice rehearse the details of the scene. F. is still in bed-slight fever continuing.
