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[Page 30]
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to occupy the wonderful old place surrounded by every evidence of great wealth. In the terraced gardens with statues and marble fountains the Peacocks strut proudly, the Park adjoins with the deer browsing contentedly, and the moat surrounding for the protection of the mansion seems a sinecure in such a scene of peace.
Among many interesting friends of Mrs. Hamilton Earle were Sir Arthur and Lady Conan Doyle, and we spent a delightful afternoon at their house. Their children, two boys and a girl, welcomed us in Indian garb and with all the seriousness of make-believe, on hearing that I came from Australia, they were anxious that I should be initiated into the mysteries of their tribe, but being a woman there arose a difficulty for no one but their own sister had that privilege. On Consultation with the "big Chief" (their father) they concluded that I could represent the soldiers of Australia, who had fought so bravely and so well, and so with due ceremony I was accepted. Of all my pleasant days it was one that stood out, for the atmosphere was so delightfully friendly, and yet everywhere such distinctiveness. In the beautiful music room we had a feast of good things, just entirely impromptu, and as an outcome of a general conversation, Mrs. Hamilton Earle (Miss Louise Dale) sang song after song by favourite composers and Lady Conan Doyle, an exquisite Pianist played. It was by no means a conventional entertainment, but one of the most joyous possible. Sir Arthur spoke his admiration of my country men in the war, and said in his history, that he was then writing that they would get full justice for their wonderful deeds.
PART 8
I had only just returned from my visit to Crowborough, when I got a surprise ring from Cecil over from France on duty. We met for lunch, and he left for Grantham where he had to report.
That afternoon I had a party of visitors at the Overseas Club, among them our Q.M.C.A. representatives, who included Mr. Jenner, and Mr. Land, the latter due to leave for Australia.
While in London during these Summer months, I reserved Saturday afternoons for visiting outlying beauty spots, and found many