Aunt Jinny's Diary: The Diary

Note clipped to the front in my Grandmother's handwriting.

This journal was written by a cousin of my Father's Mother - known to us as Aunt Jinny - she lived in York and died in the house she was born, on September 6th 1855, and died in the years between 1942-1946, as near as I can ascertain, unmarried, living alone. The journal has a very interesting account of a visit to France in 1877.

September 6th 1869

This is my fourteenth birthday and my father wishes me to keep a journal of the most memorable events that may happen to me. I hope I shall be able to continue it for years.

June 4th. This day a very sorrowful event took place in the death of our dear little Prinny. We took him out for a walk on Sunday after noon (it was very hot). Father threw him in the river for a swim. He sank instantly and we saw him no more alive.

June and July. This summer we spent nearly a month in Scarbro and a very happy time. The Schofields of Rochdale lodged in the same house as we did, we used to bathe together and have such fun. We went up to our necks in the sea and then ran back as fast as we could. One day we want to Scalby-Mills to Picnic, we played until we were tired, then we got on the top of a high hill and sat down to tea. After we drank two quarts of new milk and eaten our cheesecakes we had a famous game at Robin Hood and came home very tired.

Septr 6th. is my birthday. I received a great presents I had my friend Alice Knowles and Lizzie Whitehead to tea and altogether spent a very happy afternoon.

1870

Jan 5. I went to Alice Knowles' party. I was dressed in my blue frock with a while muslin over it which looked very pretty.

Jany 18th. I had a party of my own. There were 16 of us and a jolly party we made. We broke up at twelve o'clock which is very late.

Jany 26th. Mother went to Leeds to Mr Tordoff's Funeral he was buried at Pudsey near Leeds. There was a large funeral Mr Bains, Mr Snell, Mr. Holdgate and Mr. Pope.

June 18th. We went to Scarbro again and stayed three weeks we met Mr and Miss Naylor there and Alice Knowles came and spent a day with us.

July 21st. Jane Purrington (? My great-great grandmother - Louise) came to York to see us and stopped three weeks during which time she was very miserable.

Aug 27. I went to Mr Winndell's to have my ears pierced. They did not hurt much and soon mended.

Aug 30th. Lizzie Whitehead was married to Mr Abbey. I was at the wedding the first I had ever been at. They went to London on their wedding tour at 6 o'clock and stopped a week.

Sept 6th was my birthday. I am 15 years old and I received many presents. I had Alice Knowles to tea and spent a nice afternoon.

1871

Jany 10. I went to Thirsk to see Lizzie. Mr Abbey was so kind I really enjoyed myself very much.

Jany 17. I went to Alice Knowles' to tea and took my wool antemacassa.

Jany 31st. I was invited to Florrie Brown's party but I cannot go as I have a sore throat and I go back to school today.

Feby 18th. I was invited to Miss Duffield's party but did not go. Florrie Brown went.

Mar 1st. Mr and Mrs Abbey are come to live in the market. They have taken Mr Butterell's shop and seem to be doing well.

March 21st. This day the Princess Louise was married to the Marquis of Lorne. York was very gay there was an illumination at the Mansion House and we had holiday all the day.

May 18th. Mrs Henderson died after a short illness by falling down some stairs in ?Goodramgate and breaking her leg aged ninety-one.

June 20th. Mrs Abbey was confined of a little girl she is going to be called Annie Gertrude she is such a pretty little baby and I think I shall like her very much.

24th. We went to Scarbro it was very cold and Father thought we should have to come home because he could not bear it but after a few days it turned warmer. Father was very poorly for the first two days with a bad inflammation in his eye.

26th. Alice Knowles came with the trip to see us I went to meet her and as I was waiting for her outside the station door I saw Mademoiselle Pattois and Lucy Shaw they had come with the trip. After we had gone home and got rested we went a long way on the north sands we came home and got dinner after we had rested and washed we went into the town and on the south sands returning home about half past four o'clock and after having had a refreshing tea went to the station to see Alice off the train leaving Scarbro at about a quarter past six. I was very sorry to part with my companion but I would rather give her up than return to York.

July 18th. We returned home to York after having a fortnight and two days. Mrs Appleby returning with us. Mrs Lazenby had prepared all nicely for us.

Sept 6. This is my sixteenth birthday and I received three presents namely a fan from mother, a nightdress-case from Alice Knowles and Kenneth and Hugh from Alice Jackson. I had nobody to tea.

Dec 24th. We had Miss Palmer as usual to dinner and in the afternoon Alice Knowles came for me went a walk and returned to Lizzie's to tea.

26. Fred and I went to Arundel's to tea with Mademoiselle Pattois after tea Mademoiselle went home and Fannie and I fetched her back at eight and then we had some dancing.

27. We all went to Mrs ? to tea. Lizzie and Annie Gertrude were there. Fred and I went home with Lizzie and baby and then went to Arundels and after having spent the evening in dancing returned home at half past ten.

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Memorandums

Sept 6. I began my patchwork quilt.

Dec 22. I left school altogether.

1872

Jany 1st. We had Miss Palmer to dinner and in the afternoon I went to Miss Jacques' and saw the procession pass in honor of the nine hours movement.

2nd Mademoiselle came to tea in the evening. She read to us out of Kenneth and Hugh and Mr. Waite came to supper.

3rd. We had a small party of young folks viz Mr and Mrs Abbey and Annie Gertrude. Mrs Whitehead Alice Knowles and Jennie and Charlie Swales.

4th. I went to Alice Knowles to tea with Miss Kettlewell. They played at whist all the evening I did not join but for all that I enjoyed myself.

Feby 19. I went to Mrs Charter's to learn Dress-making and Millinery.

June and July. Went to Scarbro met Mrs and Miss Naylor also Mrs and Miss Walker and Mrs Walters enjoyed myself very much. Extremely sorry when the time arrived to come home. In June Mademoiselle went home to Paris.

August and Sept. Could not go to Miss ?Trotters because of Louis Holden's illness.

Nov 10th to 17th. Went to special services at Mr Sampson church with Miss Salt and Miss Peacock enjoyed them very much.

1873

Feby 28th. Miss Peacock went home to London to keep her brother and Miss Ward came to stay for a few weeks until she goes to Scarbro. I like her very much.

Feby 22nd is Miss Trotter's birthday. We made her a present of a satchel with her initials engraved upon. 14 children sat down to tea and upon the whole I think we enjoyed ourselves very much.

June 18. Today is the gala Miss Palmers and Miss Gordons are here to dinner and tea. They went to the gala in the afternoon and poor Miss Lucy Palmer was taken ill and had to stay in York the night. Fred and I went to Miss Trotters to bid the little Pattersons goodbye (for they are leaving for good) and got home about ten o'clock thoroughly tired out.

20. Left Miss Salt for good and am delighted for I never liked her.

21. Very busy all the morning. Mr. Foster came and brought Edie we left York for Scarbrough at twenty past three and arrived there at Mrs Drakes at half past five after having a comfortable tea went out for a walk with Sarah.

22 June, warm day went to the meeting and we sang "Christ what burdens bowed thine head" never spent such a happy morning before. Mr Mackintosh was there and broke bread and Mr. Gardner spoke for a few minutes.

23. Mr Mackintosh went to Ireland for a fortnight - I am so sorry. Mr and Mrs Brooks came today while I was out walking with Miss Ward we went to meet Miss ? first and then went through the Plantation up to new Scarbro' and listened to the music on the Spa for about half an hour.

24. Was rather a wet morning and I did not go out in the afternoon. I went with Mr. and Mrs Brooks to ?see Mr and Mrs Ashley Poor Eva had the toothache very bad in the evening. Went to the meeting and sat by Miss Ward and enjoyed it very much. Mrs Brooks did not go she went to the Station to meet Miss Leedhams.

25. Was introduced to Miss Leedhams and went out with them in the morning we went on the north sands and climbed up the castle hill and went round the south when we were in St Nicholas street it began to rain fast. We ran until we came to N. Marine Road when we met Mr. and Mrs. Brooks and took shelter with them until the shower passed off in the evening I went out with Lizzie Ward.

26. We went with Mrs. Brooks to Mr. Guard's shop to get some Merino for her fancier which I am going to make her.

29. We went to meeting in the morning. Mr. Wood was there. Alice Leedham went with me and Mr. Gardner spoke beautifully. In the afternoon I went to fetch Lizzie and we went on the castle hill and came home with us to tea we went to meeting and Mrs Gardner's intended son-in-law preached. It was very beautiful.

July 1st. I went to fetch Lizzie and then we met Mrs Hutchinson and Miss Fannie Matterson. They stayed and spoke. Lizzie and I went on the castle-hill to see the cannons fire and then we went on the sands nearly as far as Scalby and got home about six o'clock after tea we had mademoiselle up and we sang a lot of hymns. We went to the meeting and Mr. Gardner lectured beautifully it was so affecting I could not help crying.

2nd I went with Mr and Mrs Brooks to Filey Mr and Mrs Ashley, Miss Carrie, Eva, Pollie and Alice went with us we went to the end of the Brig and returning met Mr. and Mrs. Gardner, Miss King and her gentleman. They went a short walk on the Brig[1] but we went to the station and were only 5 minutes before the time the Gardners went in the same carriage and we sang hymns all the way home. I had tea with Mr. Brooks and went to the Reading-meeting in the evening.

3rd. I went to bathe with Pollie and Eva on the south sands. I cut my foot it was so stoney.

5. Mother would not let me bather so Sally went with Pollie and a poor bather they made.

4. I was at Mr. Brooks to tea they had the Gardner's and the Ashleys to tea and a scripture reading afterwards.

6. I went to meet Lizzie and we went to the meeting together Mr. Gardner spoke about the merchant who saw a pearl of great price and went and sold all he had and bought it. In the afternoon I went out for a walk with Lizzie up Scalby road and came home by the cliffs. We had 17 to tea viz Mr and Mrs Gardner, Mr. and Mrs Ashley. Mrs Drake, Mr. Machon. Mr Guard and Harry. Lizzie, Mr. Holmes Mademoiselle, Father Sarah and I besides the Hoctessors Mother and Mr and Mrs Brooks after tea we went into the drawing room to read and went to the meeting in the evening. I met Annie Bousfield there.

7. Did not go out in the morning nor afternoon in the evening went out with Sallie round by Mr. Machintoshe's and the plantation after that went for Lizzie and Miss ?. They came up to our lodgings I stayed till nine.

8. Pollie went to Bridlington and left Alice with us in the afternoon we went for a drive.

1876

Sept 6th

This is my 21st birthday I though I should never live to see it. I am at home came from Scarbro last night. I am to remain until Friday evening. My dear Mother has given me a beautiful Bible. Oh! that that book may indeed be "A light unto my path and a lamp to my feet" That if god spares me another year oh may he ? more to his glory. Lizzie gave me a Morrocan leather glove case with stretchers, Jessie a fancy hair brush, Fred a cake, Alice a pair of silver solibars, Miss Trotter an album, Miss Elizabeth and Lucy Palmer a book each Miss Salt a crimson Tic. Miss Armett and Doddy an illuminated Card. It is not a merry birthday for dear father is so ill, he seems so fond of me and calls me his little lightfoot. I do not believe he will ever see another of my birthdays but the greatest comfort is he is ready to go. Miss Palmer, Salt, Armett and Matheson came to tea. If Lizzie had been here I should have been happy, but I daresay she is thinking about me.

Dec 29th

Ah! how can I write it but I must - my poor dear father has gone home at four o'clock this morning. How happy he is at the moment. I can hardly believe he is with Jesus after all those years of suffering. Oh no not for worlds could I wish him back again. I am never never forget his proof suffering face the last time I saw him moved those fearful ?jealousies. It is good of the Lord to take him. His last words were "Oh Lord take me, Blessed Lord help me." and now he is at home and at rest - Blessed be God. I never thought I should feel it so, not until he was taken did I know how dear he was to me. Oh! if I only had him back again I would try to please him more for he was always so fond of me and I did not deserve it.

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1877

Jany 1st

New Years' day. But what a new years day such as I have never spent before. I never wish to see such another. The last remains of my dear father were interred this morning in York cemetery. Now he is hid for ever from my eyes in this world, but we shall meet once more never never to part again. Oh! the joy of the moment who can tell can I not live nearer to Jesus, after what he has done for me, but I do forget him and wander away so often. Still he is always the same and I know I am His so when he demands ? the ?air I shall surely rise to meet Death with dear Father and he for me with the Lord. Oh Lord grant that my life may be spent for thee that I may ? afterward.

Jany 23rd. This is Lizzie's birthday she back back from York last evening. Am so glad for have been looking forward a long time to spending one with her. She did not receive many presents. Jessie gave her a jet necklace and I a smelling bottle. In the evening Joe Goodlarne and Alice came to tea. The former I think was rather cool Am rather sorry, for he is a nice fellow, only not one I should choose for a friend, he is too wild and has not a good name in Scarbro, in fact it is not safe for us to speak to him. People might take away our characters.

22nd Poor Miss Bailey has gone home at last only fancy it is only two months since she left because I little thought when I saw her at Christmas that that would be the last time. Lizzie says she was very happy and quite ready to go.

Mar 1st. Willie Ward came this evening. He is at Boronbees. Jessie went to meet him as Lizzie is in York. He came and had supper with us. I do not think him very much altered. Lizzie told me he had grown so, but I do not see it.

April. Poor Lizzie has been very poorly, so much so she has been forced to have the Doctor. He says it is rheumatism in her head. I have had a very hard time, for had the workroom duties to perform, besides wait on dear Lizzie, which was a pleasure, had a put ice lotions on her head about every five minutes. The pain was so bad, poor dear she has been in bed a fortnight and has now gone to Ripon to spend a week or so with her sister Annie. I do sincerely hope she will come back very much strengthened and happies. but I do not know how that can be while she is kept in such suspense about Mr. Partnes, only fancy, she has not had a line from him since last December, I almost make it out. If ever man was fond of a girl I thought he was of her. Men are such queer creatures I feel I can never trust one I wonder if I shall always remain in the same mind. I hope not for I should not like to be an old maid, they are generally such disagreeable creatures. Well but there is no one I know that I could really love. I wonder if I ?hendid love Charlie.

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My glass I want me to lace her bonnet strings or go and look for her jacket. I got so vexed I know how disobliging I am but really Mrs B would ? ? not that she is not nice for with all her faults I do love her. Whilst I was there I met Miss Davy. I do not know how it was, but she had a most peculiar fascination over me. I felt I loved her at first sight - although I only saw her twice. Mr Brookes gave Fred Flossy I bought her home, poor little thing she was so frightened in the train I should think she had never been outside the door before.

Dec. Oh dear! what a long time since I last wrote. I hardly like to put down some things that have happened this year, for fear anyone should get hold of this book but still I must write them down for do not want to forget the dates. First of all Lizzie has been poorly all the spring, she has imbibed a bad smell, it has caused the skin to peel off her hands, the doctor says it was Sea-leteria. I do not know whether it can be for she was not poorly of herself, she continued in that state for about four months on Saturday in July Willie asked me if I would join

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June 16 At eight o'clock in the evening I left Plymouth for Jersey in the Commerce. Miss Trotter and all her boarders, Nellie, Hannah and Mr. Joseph were there to see me off. I stayed on deck until about a quarter past nine then went down into the cabin for felt so sick. There were four gentlemen there and one young lady, we were both very glad to see one another for it would have been very awkward to have been alone. What a long night it was I could not sleep, only doze, about six I was very sick had a cup of coffee, but it was no use. We arrived at Guernsey at a quarter past eight, had to change steamers, for the Southampton, and had to pay 3/6 extra second class it was so cold, and what with feeling sick I was glad when we got to dear old Jersey. The tide being low, we had to get into boats. Moth, Janet and Mr Mourant were on the pier and was not I delighted to see them once more. He soon drove to La Solitude then I had the soda water and milk that Mrs Trotter had got for me, but was sick again, about five we had some dinner, but it was no use; I could not keep it indeed for 46 hours I could not keep anything and for a week afterwards I felt the effect of the voyage. Next day being Sunday I did not go out until the evening then we went down to the meeting. Mr Biolerts from Chester preached.

20. We went to Florence Lodge and had tea with Mr Le Brun and Elsie, Janet and Elsie sang some songs.

21. We went to St. Hellier by the 9.30 train, called to see Mr. Parlett and Mrs Bison, then in the evening we packed up and did not finish until about eleven had not much sleep that night - for we were so excited.

22nd. We left Jersey at 7.30 in the Alliance, it was raining fast so we went down to the cabin, and tucked ourselves snugly in our berths, expecting to be very sick, but were doomed to disappointment, for had not a symptom of the sea malady. We arrived at St. Malo at a quarter to twelve, the weather had cleared. In getting off the steamer I met with a small adventure; I got separated from my friends, was surrounded by frenchman, who wanted to know what I had got in my basket, at first I could not understand what they said, but after a time I saw they wanted to know if I had anything to declare; I told them I had tea and sugar, but only the quantity allowed for each person, then they let me go to my friends, and did not I stick close after that We were then marched off to the custom house. After a deal of parley they let us off free, we had still an hour and a half to wait for the boat to cross to Dinard, so employed the interval in going over the town of St. Malo; it is so very different from anything I had ever seen before, the streets were so very narrow and dirty but certainly not so bad as one was led to expect from all accounts. There was one very nice china shop, with some beautiful things in.

As as we had crossed to Dinard it began to pour with such rain as I had never seen before, we should soon have been drenched so we jumped into a cab or rather a kind of omnibus and drove to the office, where we had to wait three hours for the diligence to take us to Dinan, we went over the town of Dinard (it is a seaport) there are some very nice houses, and a very pretty little bay, the bathing machines are different to ours indeed everything is different, the men of the working class wear dark blue print trousers with blouses of the same colour over them, the women wear their white caps, some plain and some elaborately embroidered, even the little baby girls wear their night caps.

At five we left Dinard in the diligence for Dinan, it was a lovely drive of twelve miles, but oh! how the thing did shake, so different from our English omnibuses. The country is so wooded, I never saw so many trees before, there are plenty of woods and avenues, the effect is charming we passed through two or three small villages, where we stopped a few minutes for passengers. About a quarter to eight we arrived at Dinan a quaint old town. It gives one rather a strange feeling when first entering the houses look so very dirty and the people untidy, some children sitting on mud heaps whilst others are rolling on the road, or sitting on the kerbstones. There are some lamps hung in the middle of the streets, with strings suspended from one house to another.

When we arrived at our Hotel we left our boxes and traps whilst we went to seek lodgings, we had rather a bother every place seemed full, at last we were fortunate, and very glad we all were for a rest. Certainly we were not long before we were in bed, only we took something to refresh the inner man, which sadly need it I am sure

23rd Friday. We did not go out until the evening, for Janet had a bad headache in the morning we dusted and arranged our rooms to English fashion, and put our clothes in the drawers etc. In the evening we went dans les jardins des Anglais over the bridge, and came back by the river side.

24. Was a very wet day, it rained in torrents all the afternoon and evening, we could not go out, so were forced to be content to sit in the house with our work and reading.

25. This being Sunday and as there is no meeting here so we did not go out in the morning, but had a little meeting to ourselves; Ma and Janet sang several hymns, read a chapter or two; and had prayer. I for one enjoyed it very much, although we could not in reality remember our Lord's death; I am sure we did so in spirit.

In the afternoon we went to the L'eglise de St. Sanreur as I wished to see the performance in its own country and indeed it was nothing less than that. We had to pay a half penny each for a chair. The service was mostly chanting, but with no tune, there after a time the worshippers turned their chairs round to the altar and knelt upon them. After the priests had tinkled a little bell, and done some more chanting first in a squeaky, then in a deep voice; there was a procession round the church. First some chorister boys bearing candles, then some priests chanting then the officiating priest bearing an image of the Virgin and child, with a rosary round its neck. After that the service was over and very glad we were to get into the fresh air again.

In a house close to the church there was a death, a child I think, the coffin was brought close to the front door, covered with a pall, and a cross of flowers on the top, there was also a bowl of Holy water, so that passers by might sprinkle it over the coffin and a little chorister boy kept guard waving some sucseuse. In the evening we went through Le Petit Fosse's as far as le chateau de Beau-manoir, and back by the river, that is indeed a most lovely walk, words cannot describe it, the pretty serpentine river sounding along in a valley, with hills of trees each side with their beautiful ? of shaded green pieces of rocks here and there, covered with moss, and shaded there a kind of wood, the ground covered with large leaves, then a house peeping amongst the trees, and last of all

26. Was a very showery day we were not able to go far for fear of being drenched so only went round the town saw two or three images of the Virgin, in the archway or gates with lamps, and a box for money, such words as "Notre dame is notre esperance" The first few days we were here I was very much amazed with the French ways. They do not seem to know what comforts are, they have no carpets on the floors which are waxed and polished bright and are very slippery I have fallen with my chair two or three times then again about the tea they cannot manage it at all, the first night they brought it to us in a doll's teapot and cold, the next time in a large basin how we did laugh, it was such fun.

27 Tuesday. It has been beautifully fine, in the morning we went for a walk in Le grand Fosse's then came in, and had an early dinner and at two started for Le chateau de Beau Manoir, down a long beautiful lane; on the right hand side a lovely valley with woods here and there we had rather a steep climb up to Le chateau, but when you get there, the view well repays you it reminded me as I went up of Excelsior, after we had gone round and visited the chapel of Saint Joseph we spread our ?ulsters under a tree, and took out our work, but Mrs Mourant and Janet were not comfortable so they fetched chairs out of the chapel to sit upon and dared to sing heretical hymns whilst using them, but as no wicked priest came near, they were not caught. We stayed there until five, then began our descent coming home by the river and the Viaduct Bridge, it being Tuesday the women were washing their clothes in the river they kneel down on the bank side, they put them in the river, then take them out, put them on a large stone, and soap them, and then beat them with a flat mallet; it is really surprising how nice and white they look but I should think it is very hard work.

28. This too has been a splendid day, but very hot at half past two, we started for les Fountaines de caux. Stayed on the embankment to wait for the St. Malo boat, the Ille de Bance, but there was no face we knew. We went to a farmhouse for some peas, had some new milk fresh from the cow, such a queer place it was, the floor was of mud, swimming with water in places, there were two or three beds in the wall over a linen press which had doors to close them, so that they looked like cupboards! it must have been very hot, to sleep up there and they must have had steps to climb up by. It is a lovely place Les Foutaines des Eause, the approach to it reminded me of Forge Valley, with its high hills each side and the little stream running along in the valley, such a quantity of pretty flowers, such as foxgloves stonecrop etc. etc. Les Fontaines is a large square, surrounded by trees indeed quite shaded, it was so nice and cool we sat down for about an hour, and worked then returned home, under the Railway bridge, and the pretty avenue of trees. Saw a man washing his feet in the river, without any soap. The french are not as particular as we.

29 Thursday. We did not do much this day, so as to save ourselves for the morrow, spent the morning in Les Jardins des Anglaises sitting on a seat with our embroidery, and admiring the beautiful view, how I do wish my friends in York could see it. In the afternoon we went for a walk in Les grands et les petits Fosse's.

30. Was a fine morning, so at ten minutes to four Janet jumped out of bed very disgusted with herself for having slept so long, for the train started at five. We had to hurry with the dressing process, Madame Pire got up and made us some cafe au lait, and boiled the eggs. Then we had sandwiches to cut and our basket to pack for the day. We had to hurry to the station, and were only just in time for the train another two minutes we should have missed it. We had a long ride for about two hours when we got to Doh, we had to stay twenty minutes. What for I don't know, I certainly should not like to go a long journey in their trains if this is a specimen. They go so slowly, staying even five minutes at all the little pokey stations, so when we got to Portoison, we were glad, the diligence was waiting, then we had a drive for about an hour, not quite such a shaky affair, as from Dinard to Dinan, the sides were open, which let in the dust, so we covered ourselves with the waterproofs for about the last mile and a half we were travelling over sand, how heavy it must be for the poor horses. At half past eight we arrived at Mont Saint Michel, leaving our ulsters and baskets at the Hotel we followed our barefooted old guide up the steps to Le Chateau. He directed all his conversation to Janet and certainly it was not worth much, only gave us a few dates etc, however he soon said he had finished and handed us over to another guide who took us out into all the old rooms it was well worth seeing but if it had been in England, things would have been in far better preservation, after a time we were again handed over to another guide, who took us over the church, it is very grand, but the images and idolatry is something dreadful. There was a priest at a Harmonium, with six choristers chanting, it sounded very sweet, there was another party went round with us; a priest and four girls, they bowed as they passed the altars and said they prayers to the Virgin. After that we went on to the Battlements and what a splendid view we had, it was so high; when the tide is up; Mont Sainte Michel is surrounded by water on all sides, but just a narrow road, the tide was out, and so far that we could not see any water at all, when it does come in it is remarkable for its swiftness, even faster than a horse galloping, it is the quicksands I suppose that cause it, and the three views of sea, one of which divides Normandie from Bretange. It must be a fine sight to see the tide come in, also to see the sun rise and set. After we had bought a few views views and books, we began our descent had some dinner in the open air then went and sat upon some rocks watching the fishermen. At half past two we again started for Pontosson, it was very hot and dusty and I was glad to see the little town again, it is much cleaner than Dinan, though I don't think any larger. The train started at twenty to five, but what a journey - at Dol we had to wait three quarters of an hour for fear of an accident I suppose, I got very impatient, it seemed such wasted time sitting there doing nothing; at last we reached Dinan at seven o'clock, thoroughly tired out.

31st. Did not go out all day for was not very well and I was very thankful for the rest after yesterday's fatigue. In the afternoon Ma and Janet, went to the farm for some peas and eggs, and returned home by Les Fontaines des eaux at six. I had tea all ready for them, and had wakened Madame up about the hot water for tea.

July 2nd Sunday. Went into Les Jardines de Anglaises about half past eleven, and again in the afternoon. In the evening we went for a walk by Le Bance, past the farm it was very pretty indeed. We saw lots of pleasure parties on the river. Le Ille de Bance was full, they had been on excursions down the river, also a great many people had been into the country for the day, they were returning home with their baskets. The shops are open all the morning, in the afternoon they lock the doors and go out, but do not put up the shutters, there is a butter and egg market, first thing in the morning, after that they go to church.

Monday 3rd. Ma went to the farm before breakfast for some peas and butter so we did not get our breakfast until nearly nine, how very good the cafe is, I do enjoy it so after we had dressed we went to les Jardins, with our work, in the afternoon we went to see if we could get the donkey and chaise but it could not be spared until Friday. We had some new milk just warm from the cow, and saw a little baby only 15 days old. What a room it was to live in, only fancy eating, drinking, living and sleeping in one room, and two beds there too. About eight we again went out for about an hour in Les Jardines.

Tuesday 4th. We were out a little earlier this morning, went and sat in La Place, amongst the trees. It is a large elevated square, surrounded by avenues of trees on three sides, at one end there is the statue and at the other the stand for the band, which is generally played on a Sunday afternoon. After dinner I had a slight attack of Hesteria, but am thankful to say it was soon over. We had an early tea and went for a walk on the other side of the Viaduct Bridge went into a church it was rather plain and old fashioned but very clean inside the altar rails the steps and floor shone with polish. There were only three Altars and two confessionals in this church.

When Ma went for the bread before breakfast she saw a man with a pole and a lantern, after him a priest, with a which muslin blouse over his black skirts, and a shawl over that, carrying in his hand a 'bose which they say is Le bon Dieu. Taking this to a sick person to restore him I suppose how very dreadful.

July 3rd. I did no go out in the morning for felt rather tired. Mrs Mourant and Janet went in the market for some fish and to Au Pilage, and they saw Mombuell's Managerie come in, it is going away again at midnight for it is market day tomorrow. It has rained fast all the afternoon so we had to be content indoors with our work and books. After tea Janet and I went to La Place, just to see how the managerie looked then for a walk in Le Petit Fosse's, did not stay long for it was very damp.

July 4th. It has been another rainy day, but we put on our waterproofs and went out for a little were soon obliged to shelter in les Cordelfiers then we went on to see the market, the rain came down in torrents so were obliged to shelter again, then when it had abated a little get home as quickly as we could. Poor Janet's head was very bad, she was obliged to go to bed in the evening it was a little better, and as the weather had cleared a little we went to the farm for some eggs.

July 5th. It was a wet morning again, but in the afternoon it cleared up so we went to Saint-Jean de Dieu (the Asylum) Mrs Mourant hired a donkey, and she rode there. Janet and I went over the grounds which are very pretty, and reminded me rather of Mount-Edge Cumbe, we went into the Church, saw a priest saying his prayers to each of the three altars. It was my turn to ride the donkey back as Janet said she did not wish to make a second donkey, and I think it would have been better if I had followed her example for when we got near to the Railway Station the stupid animal lay down on the road and if I had not had presence of mind to roll off its back the consequences might have been serious as it was I only felt stiff for a day or two, Mr Mousant had to lead the donkey home again, for I did not wish to be made another such spectacle for passers by. Poor Janet was so frightened that it brought on neuralgia, for after we went to bed, she had pains all over her body and did not go to sleep. until after two o'clock, but I think she had over-tired herself, for after tea she and Mrs Mourant walked as far as the farm for some butter, and when they got home Janet was quite over done.

6th Saturday again was a very wet day I did not get up until half past ten, and Janet not until twelve for she had not slept. I spent the remainder of the morning in putting clean laces on our dresses, after dinner we had to be content to sit in the house and work for the weather did not clear until teatime, about six we went in a boat on the Bance, and a delightful row it was the scenery was grand what with the hills each side, wooded and trees rising one about another at every wind of the river; everything was so still and after having rained all day, the grass and shrubs were such a beautiful green. We only went as far as the locks, I was the steer and managed very well considering the bends in the river, after that we took the long walk home by la Porte Sihon, and round by La Place.

Sunday again was a wet day, in the morning had reading prayer and singing; after dinner we had two or three heavy showers, so stood at the bedroom window and watched it rain, about half past three it cleared, so we went as far as the English church, and round by the lanes and Let Petit Fosse's home, about eight Mrs Mourant went to bed Janet and I soon followed.

8th Monday. Another wet day it has been and we are rather tired of rain rain and nothing but rain however we got out a little in the morning and were overtaken in a shower, and whilst waiting for it to clear Mrs Mourant and Janet decided to leave Dinan tomorrow, so we went to the Hotel to enquire the time, and book our places in the diligence, then Janet went home and Mrs Mourant and I went for some fruit and other things she wanted. In the afternoon Janet and I went shopping buying little presents after tea we packed, whilst Mrs Mourant went to the farm for some butter and eggs; they came to fetch the bose about eight o'clock, so we fancy that we are really going now

July 10th. We were up at four o'clock, for the diligence started at six, and even at that early hour in the morning most of the shops were open and the ? in the market selling fruit. Madame and Monsieur Jean Baptist were up to bid us goodbye, and ask Mrs M. to send them some more lodgers. It was still drizzling with rain, however it cleared a little before we got to Dinard, so were able to go about the town about half past nine we crossed to St. Malo, and then did it not pour with rain, however we had to go on with the luggage to the steamer, by that time the storm was over, so we crossed in the Pont-Boulaut to St. Servan. This is the cleanest french town I have seen except Pontosson, had not time to see very much as the boat started at half past twelve, there are a great many nice shops and as far as the town is concerned it is a great improvement to Dinan. When we got back to St. Malo Janet wanted to get some real currents to view to the market it was further than we expected and when he heard the clock strike a quarter after twelve we had to run for fear of losing the boat however there was plenty of time for she did not start until a quarter to one. I felt rather sorry to leave France but then the weather had been so unfavourable, we could not get out, and certainly La Solitude is comfortable and cheery in wet weather whilst Madame Fouere's is just the opposite. I was soon obliged to leave the Bridge, and lie down in the cabin, for was so sick could not move until the boat stopped Mrs Mourant and Janet were not able to stay on the bridge all the time, for were drenched with spray the waves seemed to rise as we got near Jersey. I think we were all very glad when we got to La Solitude, it seemed so like home again we were not long in getting a cup of tea ready. Janet then unpacked all the things, and put them in their places we then picked the ? and went to bed early for were tired out.

[1] "Between the North Yorkshire coastal resorts of Scarborough and Bridlington is the seaside resort of Filey, famous for the geological feature of Filey Brig. Filey Brig is a long ridge of rocks jutting into the North Sea." - From Charlotte (ENG-YKS-YORK).