Towards the end of April 1881 Mrs. Jex-Blake went south, leaving her daughter more reluctantly than usual. It was only those who knew S. J.-B. very intimately who were at all aware of the effort it sometimes cost her to get through each “day’s darg,” and to keep a bright face turned to her patients and a brave face to the world at large. She was more tired than usual at the end of that winter, and Mrs. Jex-Blake was well aware of this.
The usual series of love letters passed between Mother and daughter:
“Eastfield,
April 30th. [1881].
Own Darling,
I am really well, but feel only half of myself without you. I am very good,—I sleep well, eat well—two hot dinners a day,—but, as I was very tired, keep my room, it is so much easier to be quiet there. Florence quite mothers me....
You may be sure Dobbs is most attentive—and backs anything she advises with the
Dr.’s wishes....”
“4 Manor Place,
Edinburgh.