Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

John Lively at work here, cutting ivy on house and clearing spouts on the house. Rainy nearly all day.

Frank drove Bell, Rosa and Miss Sottick to a garden party at Brailes Vicarage. I visited school and asked Langley to write me a note saying he and his wife wish to be considered as giving their services voluntarily for choir, organ and Sunday School. I did not press him, but he seemed willing to do so. Called on Mr Woolgrove who agreed with me and Mr Riddle about Nelsie Golder and countersigned cheque to Henry Bishop, her stepfather. I sent him the cheque with a brief note saying her services were no longer required but giving no reason.

Showery. Took Miss Sottick for a walk this afternoon. We went round Beggars’ Ditch, Traitor’s ford and Temple Mill. We walked through the rain from Traitor’s Ford.

The letter and cheque above mentioned were sent to Henry Bishop to day.

Sent copy of advertisement etc to Butler & Tanner for New Edition (the 5th) of A.C.S. Alcestis.

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.