Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

H.C. 27. Collections for choir excursion, Morning 14.10½, Afternoon 8/7½, total £1.3.6.

Mrs Routh is very ill and was prayed for in church this afternoon. I went down to see her this evening. Doctor Finlay of Brailes and Francy Junior and Routh were there, also Miss Grace, Mary Thame and Miss Hayward? I was not permitted to stay with Mrs R more than 3 minutes. Doctor Routh and the nurse were in the room all the time. The former was deeply affected.

At Sibford Ferris, on my return, I met Mr Oddie who walked back to Sibford Gower with me and told me of his quarrels with R H Lam who he says behaves very badly.

Frank went to Swalcliffe Church this evening. I churched Richard Gaydon’s wife.

Rain. Mrs Routh died at about 2.30 this morning. I went down in the afternoon to see Routh and expressed my sympathy. He was gone to Ascot. I saw Mary Thame there. She said Mrs R in her intervals of consciousness kept saying “Pray, pray.” and we prayed for her “most beautifully and earnestly.” I visited Miss and Miss S Dix, Mrs John and Marion Shelswell and Thomas Keen, Mrs Page, her daughter Mrs Kerr and two children.

Chiselhurst friends of Frank’s came and took lodgings as previously arranged, with Mr and Mrs Marshall. They called here this evening.

I met Susan Barton and spoke seriously to her about her living with John Lines She looks rather imbecile. She made no reply, only to say “yes, sir” when I reminded her that she was happy and comfortable in the situation I got her in Brighton.

Harry wrote me last week about his policy in Clergy Mutual he has not paid this year’s premium of £5. I have paid every farthing hitherto. It will be void in a day or two if premium £5 and fine of 5/- be not paid. I wrote to him and told him to see whether the office would lend him £5 on the policy so as to keep it up. He writes this morning that he has been to the office and they will send him the money on it. So I sent up the policy to the office today with the fine of 5/-.

I went to the Heath by Beggars ditch this afternoon with Miss Sottick and home by Pound Lane.