Thursday
Bedford Park, London
Dear Stella,
I cannot find words to express my sorrow and sympathy in your so great loss. Doris’s letter was a great shock to me, how much worse the news must have been to you I can only imagine. From the many talks we had in this room I know how devoted he was to you and the children, and his plans and his hopes for the future were always based on a happy home life.
Arthur led a full and happy life. He was universally liked and I shall always remember our walks and talks and feel the better for his breezy and cheerful outlook. There is a grain of comfort in the fact that you share the same profession and will, in time, be able to carry out some of his ideas.
Try and bear up my dear, you have the two children who will comfort you and look to you for comfort.
My love to you and the youngsters, in heartfelt sympathy,
Jack
Carmelite Convent, Reading
My dear Stella,
Pax Christi!
My poor dear child I cannot tell you how sorry I am for you and how much we all sympathise with you and the children in this moment of great loss. Our Mother [Superior] thought that the telegram would be the quickest way of showing our sympathy. She is asking Father Burnett to say Mass for Arthur as soon as he can, but it will not be this week as all his mass intentions are booked. Probably early next week. We had already arranged to say the Office for the Dead this afternoon, so I was able to put Arthur into that as well.
I cannot thank God enough that you have the children to help you through these days of grief. The women who are left absolutely alone are, indeed, to be pitied. And I am sure that you will be brave and bright for the sake of your dear little ones.
I am glad that Mother is with you, she will know just what is best for you, and I hope you will do all that she wishes in the way of taking care of yourself.
We are praying for you every minute as you know, and always hold you and Arthur and the children before God.
God bless and comfort you, my dear little sister. With very much love and prayer, your devoted sister,
Sister of the Heart of Mary