Letters from a Victorian Father

Dear Dorothy,

I am having a day in today, and was very pleased your letter came to-hand with the mid-day post.

The reason for this is that I have a gentle, common or garden “Blue Pip”.

At this hour (6.30pm) I should have been at Lewisham across the water, giving a friend of mine of some years standing his first lesson in a certain language. We have had some correspondence passing between the two of us with the result that, owing to matters domestic (he is on the verge of plunging into the vortices of marriage), it is agreed that a postponement of a month be made.

The coin would have been more than welcome just now, as he would probably have paid the full- or half-term in advance according as I liked.

He is a Chemist, not a seller of drugs, but one versed in the science of Nature; and he is going up for his intermediate B.Sc. at London University and wants this particular language.

I am getting sick of pupils, though I like teaching.

Do you know, young lady, it is quite cold today – a promise of Winter. These old houses are very draughty and I have to counteract the currents of air from door and window frames by elaborate curtain arrangements; and you know a nice big fire invites draughts. I can stand the cold outside, but draughts inside are a trial.

City Lights! When I was at the Pictures last week with my friend, he told me that City Lights was not released yet. I particularly wish to see this picture – “Charlie” is always a delight to me. It’s fine to have a jolly good laugh!

Conservative! Of course I meant old-fashioned politics! There is but one party today on the good side, whether you term them Liberals or Conservatives or the best elements on the Labour side. The danger is Communism!

Personally I shall vote Conservative, I think we ought to have tariffs. Times change you know, and we must change with them; for the machinery of government that was fruitful in Victorian days may be only fit for the scrap-heap under George V.

Antigua! You take me back thirty years, you naughty girl. What a lovely climate, as you say. In January 1901, I left Cape Verde Islands on the West coast of Africa after a three year’s residence there, and instead of coming home to England direct, I took a trip across the Atlantic to Florida. The first land we sighted was Antigua. I could have thrown a stone ashore. A few other small islands and then we hugged the coast of Cuba – right in-shore – for ever so long.

Just the part of the world to winter in later on when you have made your fortune; or are, at least well-off. You will travel there by aeroplane.

I have been adopted by a cat. There have always been a couple of dogs and cats in this house, but for five years I have taken not the slightest notice of them. I like animals in a sensible way, but I much prefer little kids. One day this cat came up and said “How d’ye do?”. Out you go my son! Next day ditto and for some days, so I thought a drop of milk wouldn’t hurt the chap. Soon he was waiting for me on the mat, and now follows me up and down stairs like a dog.

“Alright old son”, I said, “if we are to be friends let us have a fair understanding”. I can’t stand cats or dogs pawing me or taking up my time and attention. Cats especially are sinners. It took a steady lot of training. Now he knows his lesson. He must wait patiently for his milk – the top cream from the bottle – until I have lighted the fire and put on the kettle. Then he may look at me all day if he likes, but no curling around round your legs, purring and brushing. Now I have him tamed fine; so that he is companion and not a nuisance. He makes a meow only when he wants me to open the door to let him out. Still, he has funny little ways of telling me we are friends and as I treat him like a gentleman with steady, kind treatment we are alright.

If you give in to a cat it will enslave you. A dog is different. Down the ages they have had a different training, but a cat, generally, doesn’t understand the word “don’t”.

Love Dad.