Place Viger Hotel
Montreal
(Thursday) 20 November 1913
My dearest girlie
Now this is absolutely the last letter you will get from Canada this trip. I said possibly the previous one would be, but as the sailing is postponed I know you will think me a callous brute for not writing you for over a week.
However there ain’t much news. On Monday night I went out to Bird’s domicile & after tea I went with him to a church social. Fact I did. First I’ve been to for years & years.
Things were rather deadly for some time but after a bit they livened just a little.
Bird told a man I could play, of course the inevitable happened & I regaled them with the Prelude & it was received with gusto. In other words I was encored & I was the only one to be so honored all the evening. Later, Bird sand a song & I accompanied him. That was what I really went for.
Then I found a nice sensible girl – American, & we talked for half an hour or so. I think she is the only girl I have had the patience to converse with, throughout the trip.
I arrived here about 12.30 am & slept like a top.
Tuesday, Wednesday are just blank days as far as pleasure is concerned.
I worked hard all day & at night I stayed in the hotel & read & wrote a letter or two. On Wednesday I had a little change as I had a hair cut & a shampoo & other little incidentals. That passed an hour away & then I went to bed early.
Thursday, today, I have worked like a nigger. I was down at the office by 8.15 this morning & left at 6.30. A record very nearly I think. I still have heaps & heaps to do but shall sail without fail on the appointed day.
I cabled you on Tuesday I was sailing next Tuesday by the "Corsican" but the day has been postponed & now it is Wednesday. Where are we going on Saturday the 6th Dec.? You must think out a nice place, somewhere nice & quiet where e shall not be disturbed. Why? Well, why ask. I’ll show you why on the day.
Now look here dearie; there is no possible doubt about you coming to Liverpool is there? I shall be most horribly disappointed if you don’t come. I will send you a wireless a day or two before we land to let you know when we are expected in.
All the mails on this side are at sixes & sevens. I have received letters posted on the 10th Nov before those posted on the 5th Nov & two of yours have done some funny things like that.
I hope to receive a letter tomorrow from you but owing to the excessive storms all the mails are late & quite disorganised.
I hear things are alright again at home so feel more perky. Father has climbed down & apologised.
I am sorry to hear about Mrs Nicholson & hope that by now she is on the high road to recovery.
I had a card today from Mrs Boraston. Rather kind of her to remember me.
I feel very lively tonight & full of good spirits. I think it is because the day of my departure is nigh & I am looking forward to it so much.
A fortnight tonight I shall be with you & then, what-ho for a jolly good time.
With all my dearest love girlie & heaps of kisses
Yours for all time
Harry
Frieda says she does quite a lot now. "Does oo". I does a frightful amount tonight.
Miss Darlington
14 Kenwood Rd
Stretford
Manchester Eng