12 Northampton Square

December 26 / 53

Dear Francis

Yesterday being Sunday Mrs Harrild did not keep the Christmas day in the usual way but wished it to be kept on Monday (this day) so that the children might enjoy themselves

In the evening yesterday (Christmas Day) I went to Sydenham immediately after tea and arrived at Round Hill about ¼ to 7 o’clock - the nurse told Mrs Harrild that I was just come and she was pleased and wish to see me - I went into the bedroom (she Mrs H was just got up) & she seemed very cheerful and pleased to see me and shook hands firmly and would not let go - after she smiled and said she had a pain in her side and would try to walk it off I returned by the next train and left her in high spirits as she said dinner would be ready on Monday soon after 2 o’clock as we were all going down including Mrs Oliver and Elizabeth - Mr O and the children arrived early at Sydenham as they had a ticket for the Crystal Palace - Mary & myself left by the ¼ past 1 o’clock train and on our arrival at the Sydenham station and in the act of helping Mary out of the carriage a gentleman (a stranger to me) tapped me on the shoulder & said there is sad news at Round Hill I was alarmed to know the consequence and he half whispered to me so that Mary might not know what passed - he whispered in my ear and said Mrs Harrild is gone - I need scarcely say what my feelings were but the news was X - The family of course are all in great distress

The medical men say it was the disease of the heart – Mary is very poorly independent of this loss she and the children send her love to Ann and self in which I join hoping you are all enjoying the best of health

Yours affectionately
G Baxter