Two Requests for Loans

I'm really into what I'm knitting today, so no commentary.

To a Friend, requesting a Loan

5 Sydney Villas, Windsor.              

December 18th.

            My Dear Thompson,

                     I have a great favour to ask you, which I hope you will be able to accord me. I am urgently in need of £30, and wondered whether you could oblige me with that sum for acouple of months, when I would punctually repay you. I naturally do not like to bother you in this way, and only extreme urgency induces me to do so; although I feel that if it is in your power to help me in this I may count upon your goodwill.
                                                        Ever yours,
                                                                 H. Peters.

H. knew he should ask for a loan around Christmas, eh?

From a Lady to a Relative, asking for a Loan

The Dower House, Uxbridge.         

December 3rd.

               My Dear Mary,

                      I am in great anxiety at the present moment, being unexpectedly called upon to pay a heavy bill of costs to my solicitors, which they claim to my great astonishment. It amounts to £68, and they ask for this amount within just ten days. I am quite unable to meet this heavy sum just now, and I write to ask if you would be so very kind as to lend me £25 towards it.

              You may depend upon my repaying you as soon as I receive my dividends, although they are, as you know, painfully inadequate to my expenses. I had no idea that the bill would amount to so much, and I really cannot see what has been done to justify so large a claim. But it has to be met, I suppose; it is of little use protesting. I shall be sincerely grateful for your assistance.

                                   Your affectionate cousin,

                                                    Lucy Rice.

From a Lady to an Artist respecting her Daughter's Portrait

I didn't post yesterday because I was having a time of it. Two days ago, I decided to take up French again. No problem, I studied French for 14 years at school. I also decided that I wanted to take some of my free time and study, really study. I wrote out a list of things I was interested in, and made up a schedule. All good. Well, I have a lot to do today (multiple meetings with timelines that are very tight or overlapping). As a result, instead of sticking to any sort of schedule yesterday (made even more difficult by the rain), I took a nap, ate early and often, and sat without doing anything for extended periods. In the end, I emailed one of the people I was having a meeting with, gave a little fib as to why I'd have to leave early (it wasn't exactly a lie, I just wanted to have a little more time in between, so I moved my second meeting up a few minutes), and had a positive response. This took a huge weight off my shoulders, but by then it was night and I didn't realize the day was over.

So, here we are, with only one letter to share. I wish I could share more, but alas, this letter has no companion. Artists write what they will, so there is no prescribed response from one.

From a Lady to an Artist respecting her Daughter's Portrait

18 Beaumont Square, S. W.       

Tuesday, March 7th. 

          

              Mrs. Allison is very desirous of having a portrait of her daughter painted by Mr. Harvey. Will he be good enough to make an appointment with her at his studio when the price of the portrait, the number of sittings to be given, and other details to be discussed?

A nice note. I imagine Mrs. Allison will accompany her daughter, since I to think it would be decorous or a young lady to be alone with an artist in his studio.

A letter to and response from a Teacher of Music

It's another pleasant day here, in spite of it all.

Yesterday there were protests in Richmond, our capital, about the closures. The governor extended closures of non-essential businesses by two weeks. People got angry. I can't imagine why. Honestly, the fewer people gather, the less likely the corona virus is to spread. I know, people want to go back to normal, but it's not reasonable at this point. It wouldn't be reasonable next week, the initial date of reopenings. I'm all for protesting injustice, I have a few times, but I find it a bit wild to protest something that is keeping people safe.

Rant over. To distract myself from the folly of my peers, I made curry and eclairs for dessert. I'm hoping to eat away the frustration.

I took music lessons for years growing up. I don't think this is how my family communicated with the instructors, not they to my parents.

From a Lady to a Teacher of Music

3 Cavendish Place, W.     

July 21st.

             Mrs. Cole would be obliged if Mr. Adrian Mitchell would let her know his terms for a course of twelve lessons at her own residence; perhaps Mr. Mitchell would make it convenient to call upon her one morning during this week before 12 o'clock, when he would be able to judge of the progress her daughter has already made.

From a Music Teacher to a Lady

10 Tavistock Street, S. W.    

July 22nd.

               Mr. Adrian Mitchell presents his compliments to Mrs. Cole and begs to say that his terms are one guinea per lesson; he makes no reduction for a course of lessons. He will have the honour of calling on Mrs. Cole on Wednesday morning at 11:30.

Three Letters to Medical Men

It's a glorious sunny day here. It's a little cool, but perfect for walking around and not getting to hotted. I went for one this morning, and will go out again later.

I know what you are here for, the letters. This post will have three letters to "medical men" as they are called. I wonder why not "doctors". It was the 1920's, when this book was published, and 100 years ago the world was different. Okay, not really, they would experience the a huge depression (not very unlike our current one) and had just experienced a pandemic (again with the similarities!). Anyway, here are the letters.

From a Lady to a Medical Man, requesting his immediate attendance

Vernon Villa, Richmond.         

March 29th.  

                  Dear Dr. Bell,

                          My daughter is suffering from a severe sore throat, and I shall be glad if you will call and see her this morning, as I feel very anxious about her. I am afraid I ought to have sent for you yesterday.

                                              Very truly yours,

                                                           Mary Boyce.

It's a good thing sore throat isn't a common symptom for COVID-19, Mary.

From a Lady to a Medical Man, requesting him to call

Clarence Villa, Maida Vale.         

March 29th.   

                  Mrs. Graham presents her compliments to Dr. Brooke and will feel greatly obliged if he will come and see her little boy, who seems very feverish and unwell, and she is afraid the illness may prove a serious one.

That's it. That's the letter. Honestly, it feels a little much to include both letters. Aren't they both saying the same thing? But, unfortunately for Mrs. Graham, a fever is a symptom of COVID-19.

From a Lady to a Medical Man, asking for his account

Clarence Villa, Maida Vale.          

May 1st.  

                    Mrs. Graham presents her compliments to Dr. Brooke and wishes him to know how much she is indebted to him for his attendance on her little boy, as she is going into the country immediately for some months.

I'll be honest about this one. I would not have known she was requesting a bill, if it had not said that was what she was doing. I guess talking about money was a no-no back then. Still, I think the letter could benefit from a little more specificity.

From a Lady to her Solicitor on several counts

It's cool and rainy. A perfect day to knit and read. Not at the same time of course. I am knitting while watching Poirot with David Suchet. I really don't think anyone else portrayed him as well. He did it for 25 years, and honestly, there is no need for anyone else to do it. I'm talking to you, Kenneth Branaugh.


Speaking of Kenneth Branaugh, I'm probably going to start watching the Harry Potter movies again soon. I just know that if I do, I'm going to want to knit everything from the movies, and I already have a list of things that need doing.

There are three letters in succession from a Lady to her Solicitor in the book. Each one has a different request, and they are really quite short.

From a Lady to a Solicitor, asking Advice

Fern Lodge, Christchurch, Hants.        

April 3rd.

            W. Ross, Esq.

                    Dear Sir,

                          I am in a little difficulty respecting a late servant of mine. I dismissed her for misconduct without giving her a months warning, and she has now summoned me for a month's wages. What would you advise me to do in the matter? Perhaps you will kindly drop me a line.

        With compliments,

                                                             Yours truly,

                                                                        Frances Bates.

Frances, you ought to pay your servant. Did she murder a member of your household? Because if not, she probably did nothing really wrong.

From a Lady to a Solicitor, respecting a Claim

3 Cumberland Gardens, W.          

July 6th.   

            S. Tanner, Esq.

                   Dear Sir,

                           I enclose a letter received this morning from Messrs. Barnes, Mr. White's solicitors asking me for compensation for damage done to his car by it's coming into collision with mine. I will send my chauffeur to you to-morrow morning that he may explain the nature of the accident and perhaps you will see that no blame attaches to him. Will you have the goodness after you ahve seen him to write to Messrs. Barnes?

                                                                   Yours very truly,

                                                                                   Margaret Turner.

If you've ever seen the classic Upstairs Downstairs, you might remember the episode where the young woman character kills a cyclist because he came around the corner unseen. She got off, but she was drunk when it happened. I always hated that episode. This letter reminds me of that.

From a lady to a Solicitor, requiring his attendance upon a Relative

 8 South Crescent, Regent's Park.          

February 14th.      

             H. Barker Esq.

                    Dear Sir,

                           I am desired by my father to ask you if you will kindly come and see him this afternoon on urgent private business; he seems very anxious to see you, anbd asked me to lose no time in sending for you.

                                                          Faithfully yours,

                                                                          Marion Burgess.

I can think of no good commentary for this one.

Request and reply for a Reference

Getting back into the slight routine of things is nice. Having a reason to get up at a reasonable hour (not too late or early), and having little things to do during the day other than binge watch The Great British Baking Show is a pleasant change.

I started a new knitting project today: a Halloween sweater! I know it's early, but I took requests from family members and this was one. I drafted out the design on some software, searched through my stash to make sure the colors were available, and started work. So far, I've got a cat tail and the bottom of a cauldron.

These letters are almost are a request and a reply, and as such, they are here together. I wish asking for references nowadays was this easy.

To a Gentleman, asking him to act as a Reference

16 Blandford Gardens, W.                  

July 14th.         

            Dear Mr. Roberts,

                   I have taken a furnished house at Richmond for a year and am required to give two references. As you have known me for many years, I thought perhaps you would kindly allow me to refer the agent to you. I referred him to my brother-in-law in the first instance.

              I hope Mrs. Roberts is pretty well. Please remember me to her and believe me,

                                                   Very truly yours,

                                                                   M. E. Kelly.

From a Gentleman giving a Reference

Ludlow House, Highgate.               

March 1st.    

            Messrs. Wilson & Brown.

                      Dear Sirs,

                              In repl to your letter I beg to say I have known Mrs. Kelly for many years, and consider her to be a most responsible person and a highly desirable tenant.

                                                        Faithfully yours,

                                                              Donald Roberts.

Did you notice the dates? The request was made July 14th, and the reference was given March 1st.

Now I know that these are just example letters, but shouldn't it be the other way around? Or at the very least, shouldn't the dates be a little closer?

Several letters to Clergymen

Spring Break is over. I actually enjoyed the time not checking emails or worrying about Zoom meetings. It was bizarre going back and seeing how many "held messages" I had.

I know this whole thing is a lot for some people, and not as much for others. I doubt anyone is reading my posts, but to those that are, "Ca va bien aller!" even if it doesn't feel like it will be any time soon.

There are several letters to Clergymen in a row in this book, so I'm putting them all together. Here you go!

From a Lady to a Clergyman respecting an application for Assistance

Greenwood, Ipswich.        

          Dear Sir,

              Would you be kind enough to tell me if you know anything of Mrs. Parker? She has applied to me for assistance, but I invariably make a point of ascertaining how far the person applying for help is deserving of it, as I do not approve of indiscriminate charity, considering it is likely to do more harm than good. Perhaps I had better send you her letter, and if you have no personal knowledge of her would you oblige me by making inquiries in your village?

                                                                          Very truly yours,

                                                                                      Grace Meadows

RUDE. If someone went to the trouble of sending a letter to ask for help, she absolutely needs help. And who are you to judge that, Grace?

From a Gentleman to a Clergyman, asking him to visit his Mother

3 St. John's Villas, Barnes.            

 April 10th.      

           The Rev. James Wilson,

                     Dear Sir,

                             My mother is very seriously ill, and begs me to say it would be a great comfort to her if you would come and see her, and read a little with he, if you could spare the time. In any case I should be very glad to think she had seen you, as it is her great wish to do so.

                                                                     Faithfully yours,

                                                                                  George Bryce.

I certainly hope George is visiting his "very seriously ill" mother as well, sine he obviously has a good enough relationship with her to write to a clergyman on her behalf.

 From a Gentleman to a Clergyman, requesting his immediate presence

10 Campden Place, W.          

 December 14th.   

              The Rev. Mr. Brooke.

                        Dear Sir,

                                Will you do me the favour to come round immediately for the purpose of baptising our little boy? He is critically ill, and we are very anxious to have him baptised. I fear there is not the faintest hope of recovery.

                                                                  Faithfully yours,

                                                                            Henry Lloyd

From a Lady to a Clergyman respecting a School Treat

The Firs.               

August 24th. 

                The Rev. --- Jennings.

                       Dear Sir,

                               I understand from one of your parishioners, Mrs. Fulbourne, that you propose giving a Sunday School Treat to the children of your schools. I shall have much pleasure in placing my grounds and the adjoining field at your disposal for that purpose, and I shall be happy to provide a substantial tea for the teachers and the ladies connected with the schools. With compliments to yourself and Mrs. Jennings,

                                                      Yours very truly,

                                                                 Adelaide Barcombe.

  

From a Lady asking for a Subscription

I ordered a bunch of wine in the mail last week, and it came today! I went out and bought some as well, since I was not expecting my delivery for at least 4 more days. I also made a batch of dandelion wine to celebrate Ostara, the Spring Equinox, and the recipe said it would be done after three weeks (today). That makes 10 bottles of wine. Hopefully it will last a good month and a half, but who knows.

I'm reading the Count of Monte Cristo, and something about 19th century French literature makes me want to indulge.

Now, to the letter. It has to do with charity, as this little section of letters all seem to be. When I read subscription, I thought for a magazine or something like that. Magazine's were very popular in the 1920's. It's not for that, but for something altogether appropriate for right now, I'd say.

From a Lady asking for a Subscription

Longfield.                       

December 18th.    

          Dear Mr. Allison,

                I know how generous you are in subscribing to any deserving charity, and I also know how many are the claims made upon you for assistance; but I still venture to ask for a subscription for our Infirmary, which is very much in need of support. I will only add that the institution is an excellent one, and that I should be very grateful for any donation, however small, as there is a great deal of illness just about now, and the Infirmary is not equal to the demands made upon it. I take the greatest interest in this charity, and am doing all I can amongst my friends in its behalf.

                                                                                 Very truly yours,

                                                                                                 Julia Fryer

I somehow think that if someone sent that letter requesting money for a hospital now, it probably wouldn't work out so well. I want to make one more note of the date, perhaps the author was hoping for some good, old-fashioned, Christmas charity.

Two letters Soliciting Votes

I don't have much else to write today. Just sharing the letters. I don't want to get behind! These are VERY similar, so I thought I'd put them together.

From a Lady to a Nobleman, soliciting his Votes

5 Gloucester Gardens, S. W.         

March 14th.

       Dear Lord Wisbeach,

             May I so far trespass on your good nature as to ask for your votes for a candidate for admission to the Infant Orphan School at Winford, of which I see you are governor? I fear my slight acquaintance with you hardly justifies me in making this request, but if it is in your power to grant it I trust you will do so. You will judge, from the enclosed particulars, of the merits of the case.

                                                                   Very truly yours,

                                                                               Maude Fairleigh.

I must say, when I first read the title, I wasn't expecting it to be about admission to a school, did you? Also, what a name that Lord has!

From a Lady to a Gentleman, asking for his votes

Dale House, Colchester.             

February 17th.     

                Mrs. Lonsdale is greatly interested in obtaining admission for a little girl to the Mayfield Orphan Asylum, and ventures to ask Mr. Boyd for his votes the May election if they are available. This is a most pitiful case, and Mrs. Lonsdale hopes that she may be so fortunate as to obtain Mr. Boyd's support. The card and all the particulars are enclosed.

Much less formal for a gentleman than a nobleman, eh?

To a Lady asking her to become a Patroness

I spent another good day doing very little. I've been reading some Agatha Raisin novels, which are surprisingly good. Unfortunately, if I want any more, I can't get them from my library. They are shut down completely. Last week they were doing curbside pick-up, but no longer. I get it, but still.

Yesterday was the largest full moon of the year, and to celebrate, I refreshed my home protection spell. Hopefully it will keep the corona virus at bay. I also enchanted all of my knitting needles. I did magic wand dedication ceremony, then placed a crystal on each one. I made sure I did it before dark so they could take in the power of that fantastic full moon.

I finished another sweater this morning. It's a chunky cabled thing that's a bit of a mess, to be honest, but I made it up as I went along and didn't exactly take good notes. I know I couldn't do it again, not that I'd want to, anyway.


So, here I am sharing another letter. I don't have much to say about it this time. I'll let it speak for itself.

To a Lady asking her to become a Patroness

Oldfield Grange,            

November 14th.      

      The Countess of Dulwich,

             Mr. Gray vegs to ask the Countess of Dulwich if she will kindly allow her name to be placed on the list of patronesses of the Oldfield Hospital Ball to be held at the Town Hall on the 10th of next month. The Ball committee are very desirous of securing an influential list of patronesses, as this point materially influences the sale of tickets. Mr. Gray therefore trusts that he may count upon the support of the Countess of Dulwich on this occasion.

From a Gentleman soliciting a Nobleman to open a Bazaar

I got my sewing machine! I am not a sewer. I had a pattern, cut the fabric, ironed it, all ready to go. And it was SO. SMALL. I mean, somehow my hips were a lot bigger than the pattern, even though I took measurements and painstakingly drafted it. I made some adjustments, and well, now I have a bunch of scraps of fabric sewn together in a strange way, with a zipper on one side, and a leg shorter than the other. I don't know how that last one happened, since I didn't cut the pant legs any shorter. In the end, my legs did fit in, at least.

Last night, in my optimism, I ordered more fabric. I am pretty discouraged at the initial result of my sewing, but I am sure that I will get the hang of it eventually. For now, let's stick to knitting.

The last letter was from a Lady requesting assistance with a bazaar. This one is from a Gentleman. I have decided, from here on out, if the letters go together (like this one and yesterdays, or the two banking ones), I will put them on one post. There are so many letters in this book, it could take me a year to post each one individually 5 days a week. Once my regular school schedule kicks back in in a few months, I don't expect I'll be able to keep that up AND post knitting patterns.

From a Gentleman soliciting a Nobleman to open a Bazaar

Down Grange, Canterbury.           

January 17th.     

         The Earl of Bicester.

                 My Lord,

                       May I solicit the honor of your Lordship's presence at a bazaar to be held for the benefit of the Cottage Hospital Fund at our Town Hall on July 23rd? The ladies of the neighbourhood have taken the greatest interest in promoting this bazaar, and they are very desirous that it should be opened by your Lordship. I therefore venture to make the request, as your support and countenance would, I feel sure, prove of great service to the undertaking.

                                                                     I beg to remain, my Lord,

                                                                                        Yours faithfully,

                                                                                                    Alfred Armstrong.

He sure gave a lot of notice! January 17th for an event in July! The world could be different place in that amount of time....

From a Lady purposing to get up a Bazaar

Today is Monday, the first weekday of spring break. It's not that much different than a work day, but I do have a little more freedom.

I've been working on a cardigan, since I finished my striped pullover. I was hoping to get a sewing machine today, but alas it has yet to come. I'd noticed packages coming last week about 10am, and it's well after 2 now. I keep saying, "Maybe it will be here tomorrow" and yet it never is.

The only positive that has come of this, is that I finally took the opportunity to clean out a little vintage TV table come shelf that I am planning to use as sewing storage. That is, if I ever get to sew!

The letter today is exactly the sort of thing that you would expect from a lady of the aristocracy doing sometime in the 1920's: putting on a bazaar. If you've ever seen Mapp and Lucia, you are imagining the same thing I am. A couple of middle-aged women passive aggressively vying for the role of Liz I.

From a Lady purposing to get up a Bazaar

Ashmead, Tunbridge Wells.          

February 20th.   

          Mrs. Barrett presents her compliments to the Countess of Carlow and is very desirous of obtaining her patronage for a bazaar to be held in the Town Hall in June next for the benefit of the local hospital. Several ladies in the immediate neighbourhood have kindly promised their assistance; amongs overs, Lady Sarah Linton, the Hon. Misses Carden, Mrs. Rivers, and Mrs. Churchill, and if Lady Carlow would interest herself in the undertaking either by holding a stall or contributing articles to the bazaar it would be of considerable service to the charity.

No signature, since the name is stated at the top.

As I was writing I noticed the address. I'll sign off with a little bit of Oscar Wilde:

Jack: Well if you want to know, Cecily happens to be my aunt.

Algernon: You're aunt!

Jack: Yes. Charming old lady she is, too. Lives in Tunbridge Wells.

13th Doctor Sweater

I know the 13th Doctor wears a t-shirt, and not a pullover, but I am not really a sewer, and I am a knitter. I came up with this pattern after binge watching the newest season and becoming, once again, obsessed with the look. The yarn I used for this pattern is not a perfect match, but I used what I had on hand, not being able to go out because of the pandemic (I would not have gone even without the stay at home order, because I'd not like to get the corona virus). I also want to say, yes, I use cheap yarn. I knit in bulk, mostly for my friends and family (and me!), and I am a TEACHER.
1. I don't have the disposable income for massive quantities of real wool, and
2. I need to be able to throw things in the wash after work (when I finally get to go back) because children can be affectionate and inadvertently share germs. Acrylic yarn is much easier to wash, IMO.

13th Doctor inspired pullover

The pattern I used us adapted from a 1953 sweater. I took a lot of liberty with it, but the general style is the same. It should fit a size small. I will try to update the post at a later date for other sizes.

Yarn colors I used (all are loops and threads impeccable brand yarn unless otherwise stated):
Base: Sapphire
Stripes in this order:
Forest
Barley
Fern
Lion Brand Pound of Love Hunter
Misty Blue
Navy
Cherry
Pumpkin
Red Heart Butter
Yarn Bee Tobacco
Gold

The only color I'm not super happy with is the Red Heart Butter. That stripe is supposed to be more of a peach or apricot, but I don't have either of those, so I settled for a warm yellow. When I lined up the colors, I was happy with the look, so I'm going to stick with it. Given unlimited opportunities to go to craft or yarn stores I know I could come up with better colors, but I do not want to.

Really, the colors you need (raid your stash for what you can in this pandemic!) are: medium-light green, light brownish green, light green, dark green, medium blue, dark blue, red, orange, light orangy-peach color, dark gold or bronze, gold. If you have anything like this, you should be good. You can also look up the shirt online and raid your stash for the colors you think are best.

Materials:
All yarn colors listed above, or colors you think match the stripes better (or another color for the base since she has a few different options). All yarns must be medium weight, regardless of choice.
Size 4 (3.5mm) and 7 (5mm) needles
Stitch Markers

FRONT:
In base color CO 76 stitches on smaller needles (size 4).
K1P1 in single rib stitch for 3 inches.

My magic wand knitting needles (I like having magic in my knitwear)

(I want to show off my needles that have crystals on! They are my magic wands)
Knit the entire next row onto the larger needles (size 7). Do not K1P1 on this row.
Work in stockinette for 9 inches.
Begin the stripes by making two rows in each color in the above order.
Piece should measure about 12.25inches after stripes.
Transition back to main color and work until piece measures 18inches ending on a purl row.
K22st, bind off 32st, K22st.
Working each shoulder separately, continue working in stockinette decreasing 1 stitch at neck edge until only 18st are on each shoulder.
Bind off Loosely.

Front piece without any finishing

BACK:
Work the same as the front, only without the stripe.
When the piece measures 12.25inches place a stitch marker at the end of each row (to mark for sleeves).

NECKLINE:
Pick up 44 stitches along the neckline with smaller needles (size 4).
Work as K1P1 decreasing 1 each end every other row for 5 rows in base color.
Bind off in rib stitch loosely.
Do the same for both sides.
Sew the two pieces together at the shoulder and neckline, but not up the sides.

SLEEVES:
Pick up 50 stitches, from the stitch marker on the back to just above the stripes on the front,
with larger needles (size 7).
Work in stockinette in base color for 3.5 inches.
Changing to smaller needles, work in single rib stitch for 4 rows.
Bind off loosely.
Repeat for the other sleeve.

FINISHING:
Sew up sleeve and side seams.

Here I am in the finished project! I absolutely love the way it turned out! I'm going to go through my yarns to see if I can make it in another color.

From a Lady to her Bankers and From a Gentleman to his Bankers

I'm about to be on spring break. Really. Spring break. Honestly, I feel like there is no difference between spring break and not at this point. Yes, I am emailing parents. Yes, I am in regular contact. Yes, I am sharing resources. No, I am not getting up at 5:25 every morning and driving to work an hour later. Next week, I won't be contacting anyone, so that's the only difference.

I was supposed to be sewing yesterday, but alas, my machine has yet to arrive. It should be here by Monday, but I am holding out hope it will be here tomorrow. It left Kentucky this morning. I've driven from Kentucky to my home, and it's easily doable in a day. I didn't do it in a day, but according to my GPS I could have.

So, instead of sewing, I continued to knit. I will be done with that sweater by Sunday! The front is done, and a good portion of the back. If my sewing machine gets here sooner, it will probably not be done until Monday (because I'm gonna be sewing all day).

I chose to include two letters today because the first one is very short. I'm talking two sentences. I didn't think two sentences made up a letter, but A Member of the Aristocracy sure thought so. I also thought, that it'd be really nice to compare what a woman is expected to write to her bankers as compared to a man. I have some feelings, but rather than go all out explaining it, I will provide the texts here, so you can do that for yourself.

From a Lady to her Bankers

5 Clifton Gardens, S. W.     

May 1st.   

        Messrs. Norton.

             Gentlemen,

                    Will you kindly place the enclosed cheque for £200 from Messrs. Fielding to my account, and I shall be greatly obliged if you will also forward me a book of fifty cheques.

                                                                      I am, Gentlemen,

                                                                                  Faithfully yours,

                                                                                                Maria Harper.

From a Gentleman to his Bankers

Mount Pleasant Villa, Charlton.    

June 5th.  

          Messrs. Roskel,

                Gentlemen,

                        I am obliged for your letter of yesterday's date. I was not aware that I had overdrawn my account, but I will at once attend to it, and request my solicitors, Messrs. King, to pay in a sum of £150 on Thursday next, the 7th instant.

           Apologising for this oversight on my part, I am, gentlemen,

                                                         Faithfully yours,

                                                                       Horace Brewster.

From a Lady excusing herself from being Godmother

The weather has warmed up again! I don't love hot weather, but I appreciate it when it's nice enough to take my dog for not one, but TWO long walks every day. One in the morning, and another in the evening.

As usual, I am speed knitting. I want to finish my Doctor Who sweater now! I also want to sew! I ordered a sewing machine and got an email saying it would be in today, but the the tracking number is showing that it's still in New Jersey (and I do not live in New Jersey). I won't be getting it today, that's for sure. I cut and pinned the fabric at least! If it doesn't come tomorrow, I am almost definitely going to be hand sewing myself a pair of pants.

This letter is a little different from the Godfather reply. At least in that one, the man accepted, even though he couldn't actually be there. I suppose the author of this book is giving options for people. If a man wants to refuse, he could probably write something similar, and if a woman wanted to accept she could copy the other one too.

From a Lady excusing herself from being Godmother

17 Athol Place, W.                

June 10th.        

          Dear Mrs. Morris,

              I am sure you will excuse me from undertaking to be godmother to your little daughter when I tell you that I have always thought that the parents and near relatives of a child are most fitted for the post of sponsors, as from their position towards it they have a better opportunity of fulfilling the promises made in it's name than those less near to it could possibly have. No doubt others think differently, but these are my views, and you will not, I am sure, be offended at my thus frankly expressing them. I hope to call and see you soon, and little Gertrude also.

                                                        Very sincerely yours,

                                                                     E. G. Robinson.

To a Lady asking her to be Godmother

Another day gone. I've been knitting like a fool, and for some reason that has made me very tired. I finished my friends sweater this morning, and let me tell you, the sewing together part is the WORST! At least it is to me. If I am not careful, I rush this last step and it turns out a bit of a mess. Since this is for my friend, though, I did make a little effort. Since she's my closest friend, however, I didn't put in quite as much as I could have....

And now it's a woman's turn to be asked to be godparent. Again, it's a short and sweet note, considering the request being made.

To a Lady asking her to be a Godmother

10 Enfield Gardens, W.             

June 9th.   

           My Dear Mrs. Robinson,

                  I very much wish you would be godmother to my little girl; we have named her after you, Ethel Gertrude. She is a sweet little thing, and I shall be so proud to show her to you. My sister, Mrs. Ellis, is also to be godmother, and my husband's brother will, I hope, be godfather. I will let you know on what day the christening will take place as soon as it is decided.

     With kindest remembrances from my husband and myself,

                                                                       Very sincerely yours,

                                                                                           Beatrice Morris.

Okay, Beatrice, I appreciate your sentiment of naming your daughter after a friend, but does the world really need TWO Ethel Gertrudes?