From Miranda to Mary Harris.
We have had a very busy time. Our Southwark Flower Show, the first held at Red Cross Garden, was a great success. We found the plants grown by the poor people much healthier than we had dared to hope in such an atmosphere. Great interest was felt by the poor people; and they seem to feel encouraged; and many more intend to exhibit next year. The scene was very pretty, the garden decorated with flags, and little tables with tea under the balcony where people sat, as in a foreign town. There were two bands, one of them the Southwark Cadets; and the scene was enlivened by their bright coats. The plants were under cover in the hall. Out of doors the people danced Sir Roger de Coverley to the music of the band. Octavia is busy with plans for new cottages. We are so glad that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are interesting themselves to build such. They have consulted her about plans.
May 17th, 1893.
To Miss Olive Cockerell.
Dearest Olive,
If I don’t see you before you start, be sure my love and blessings go with you out into the strange, new world.[[122]] I hope you will be very happy, and that the lifting of the horizon, which is such a joy to the young, and to those who, as they grow older, still keep the child heart, may be a great refreshment. You leave behind you so much love, and a year so soon slips over, that I hope the sense in parting will be almost all of gain and hope.
I am, dearest Olive,
Your loving Godmother,
Octavia Hill.
June 18th, 1893.