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24 July 1899 — Dowlais House, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan | |
Monday. 24th July [1899]. We breakfasted at 9. When Ivor came down he told me he had sent the necessary telegrams about the Rhuvon-Merthyr affair & I was relieved. After breakfast the neighbouring photographer came & took a photograph of us in the group & then Young Ivor Duncannon & Mr Gordon went off to Cardiff to go over the Dowlais Cardiff works there. I sat working in the Drawing Room with Cornelia who told me a lot about her work in the Ladies League against Ritualism. After luncheon she, Ivor & I sat a bit in the garden in the shade, the much desired rain has all cleared off & it is finer than ever. There is only abt a fortnight’s water left wherewith to work the works here. After 5 o’cl tea Cornelia & I went up to call on Mrs Martin & her daughters & on Mrs Cresswell the Dr’s wife & daughter & thence to the district nurse. Then we returned to the house & fetched Ivor & took a walk up to the ponds which is a good deal higher than this house & the air is deliciously cool & fresh– As we came back through the Dowlais street the people at their doors greeted us in the most friendly manner & seemed delighted to see Ivor & Cornelia. On our return home at 7 I went to my bedroom & sat to write when there came a knock at the door & the servant brought me in a telegram. It was from Merthyr thanking Ivor & me for what we had done & saying all was settled. I at once ran down & finding Ivor & Cornelia together told them of it. Cornelia was most kind, kissed me heartily & told me how glad she was that I was pleased at which I sobbed with relief & contentment—for all this past year I had been worried by it—& Cornelia’s kind words upset me & touched me to the heart. Mrs [illegible word] came to say that an old nursery maid of our youth one “Harriet” Wild wanted to see me. I went to interview her in the housekeeper’s room. She was a nice looking person of over 70—well dressed & well spoken. We spoke of old times & she asked me whether I remembered how me & my brother Augustus had rung the dinner gong from the top of Canford tower one 1st April. She asked after all the brothers & sisters & we chatted till the dinner bell sounded & I had to run & dress & Ivor Cornelia & I dined at 8.30. We took a few turns up & down the drive after dinner by the light of the works. It was almost cold– The great heat has disappeared. Then we played patience till 10.30 & retired to our rooms. Cornelia came to my room to talk (in our dressing gowns). She spoke kindly over the late affair and recommended Ivor especially to my care during the next 3 weeks—& I thanked her again for her part in all Ivor had done & she left me to pack my box for the return to town tomorrow—& now I must get into bed—& close my windows & shut out the brilliant light from the dear old works. | |
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