"Diary of a Provincial Lady"

[fiefoe]

We like her for her -
<irrepressible honesty>

• Reply that we shall be delighted to see her (an old school friend), and what a lot we shall have to talk about, after all these years! (This, I find on reflection, is not true, but cannot rewrite letter on that account.)
• Am convinced we are going to be late, as Robert has trouble in getting car to start, but he refuses to be agitated. Am bound to add that subsequent events justify this attitude, as we arrive before anybody else...
• (A rough sea-crossing) A man in sea-boots says that If I stay there, I may get Badly Knocked About. Renewed déménagement of self, camp-stool, American Tragedy. Am slightly comforted by having been called "Miss".
  

<ability to see the forest from blades of grass>

• Bournemouth. Find that history, as usual, repeats itself. Same hotel, same frenzied scurry round the school...
• Notice, and am gratified by, appearance of large clump of crocuses near the front gate. Should like to make whimsical and charming references to these, and try to fancy myself as "Elizabeth of the German Garden", but am interrupted by Cook, saying that the Fish is here, but he's only brought cod and haddock, and the haddock doesn't smell any too fresh, so what about cod?  Have often noticed that Life is like that.
  

<modern sensibility>

• Hesitate to write back and say that I have never heard of Symphony in Three Sexes, so merely accept. Ask for Symphony in Three Sexes at the library, although doubtfully. Doubt more than justified by tone in which Mr. Jones replies that it is not in stock, and never has been.
• Find, to my surprise, that Sir W. and I embark almost at once on the subject of Birth Control. Why or how this topic presents itself cannot say at all, but greatly prefer it to water-supplies.