14.—­Who do you think has found us out?  Our dear old Governor-General, “in all his laurels,” as enthusiastic little Avice was heard saying, which made Freddy stare hard and vainly in search of them.  He is staying at Hollybridge Park, and seeing our name in the S. Clements’ list of visitors, he made Lady Hollybridge drive him over to call, and was much disappointed to find that you could not be here during his visit.  He was as kind and warm-hearted as ever, and paid our dear mother such compliments on her son, that we tell her the bows on her cap are starting upright with pride.

Lady Hollybridge already knew Edith.  She made herself very pleasant, and insisted on our coming en Masse to a great garden party which they are giving to-morrow.  Hollybridge is the S. Clements’ lion, with splendid grounds and gardens, and some fine old pictures, so it is a fine chance for the young people; and we are going to hire one of the large excursion waggonettes, which will hold all who have age, dress, and will for gaieties.  The pupils, as Mr. Methuen is a friend of the Hollybridge people, will attend us as outriders on their bicycles.  I am rather delighted at thus catching out the young ladies who did not think it worth while to bring a Sunday bonnet.  They have all rushed into S. Clements to furbish themselves for the occasion, and we are left to the company of the small Druces.  Neither Margaret nor Emily chooses to go, and will keep my mother company.

I ventured on administering a sovereign apiece to Isa and Jane Druce.  The first blushed and owned that it was very welcome, as her wardrobe had never recovered a great thunderstorm at Oxford.  Jane’s awkwardness made her seem as if it were an offence on my part, but her mother tells me it made her very happy.  Her father says that she tells him he was hard on Avice, a great favourite of his, and that I must ask Jane to explain, for it is beyond him.  It is all right about the Oxford girl.  I have engaged her, and she goes home to-morrow to prepare herself.  This afternoon she is delighted to assist her young ladies in their preparations.  I liked her much in the private interview.  I was rather surprised to find that it was ‘Miss Avice,’ of whom she spoke with the greatest fervour, as having first made friends with her, and then having constantly lent her books and read to her in her illness.

15.—­S.  Swithun is evidently going to be merciful to us to-day, and the damsels have been indefatigable—­all, that is to say, but the two Londoners, who have lawn tennis dresses, and their mother’s maid to turn them out complete.  Isa brought home some tulle and white jessamine with which she is deftly freshening the pretty compromise between a bonnet and a hat which she wears on Sunday; also a charming parasol, with a china knob and a wreath of roses at the side.  She hopes I shall not think her extravagant, but she had a little money of her own.