“She said she would be with me through this work.”
“She will again. Mary K....” Illegible lines followed.
“Is this Mary K. now?”
“No. Mary K. has gone. This is Mar....” Again the reply trailed off indeterminately.
“Mary Kendal?”
“No. Mary K. has gone. Matthew.”
Eventually, failing to elicit any response from Mary K., I asked whether Matthew had anything to say to me, and he replied with vague phrases, so reminiscent of the “letter” that I impatiently gave up the attempt for the day.
The next day, Friday, Matthew’s signature was the only one obtainable, but I have no record of any messages. I think I refused to take them from him. Saturday morning, I tried again.
“Matthew ald....”
“I want Mary K. Why isn’t she here?”