Marion Lightbourn diary

wish I didn't have such a pain in my back, it makes me feel so tired all the time.

Hope to pay some calls this afternoon it is a lovely day.

July 2^nd Couldn't go to the Tennis on Saturday was very sorry.

It has been raining in torrents all the morning. nevertheless off we go to our picnic to River Farm. Oh! dear the rain.

Wednesday July 4^th Rain, again will it ever stop. We are all so disappointed not being able to go to the Garden Party. Last night we went to the L - to a "musical" enjoyed it very much, afterwards went to the Tecumseh had a jolly time, saw M^rs N. & M^rs L. this morning

Jane is sitting Busily knitting Herself an under vest. As her needle plies Her mind , it flies Far out into Towards the West.

As Westward ho Her thoughts do go. In fancy she espies. The only man I know who can Get one fly in both his eyes.

Watching. There is silence in the room As three maidens wrapt in gloom Looked through their window pane "Will it ever cease" they say Will we ever have a day. Without this beastly rain?

Saturday July 7^th Another rainy day, no tennis I fear. Bess & I had a pleasant drive yesterday paid two calls. Have just had a delighful walk in the woods with Anna & the four dogs. Have just received a letter from Mother saying it is time I thought of coming back, I wish my visit was just beginning.

Wednesday July 11^th On Monday we went to M^rs W's ^{had two callers} to spend the evening & yesterday we went in to M^rs B - Garden Party it was rather pleasant: a dreadful storm came on before we got home we fortunately didn't get very wet though it rained in torrents the storm raged frightfully for 8 hours or more. This morning we learnt what

terrible destruction had been walking around us, at 2 o clock the river rose & carried away bridges, houses & everything it could come accross.

We drove over to town this morning & the scene was dreadful, such heart rending tales, one poor woman we saw who had lost three little children, I fear she will die, poor thing oh! it was pitiful & the pretty bridge we crossed last night is completely carried away. I hope never to witness such another storm, the Medway is roaring like a small Niagara.

No mails had arrived when we left town; such a queer looking set we were. mud & water,

& no wonder when to reach Blackfriar's Bridge, we drove through water 3 feet high & then walked on planks & sticks for a quarter of a mile.

The heat was very great. I was very glad that my new dress didn't get injured last ^night

Thursday July 12^th Such an absurd thing happened last night: the servants came home from town very delighted with being able to procure three papers containing accounts of the storm but found their dismay that they had been taken in - the papers were old ones. Today is fine but not settled. Afternoon very cloudy