Wednesday, October 1st.

Twenty-seven years of age to-day, another year gone, I hope not lost. I have tried to do my duty where called upon, I trust honestly. I was very pleased last night when wished “Many happy returns of the day”, it shews that I am thought of, and that what concerns me is kept in mind. My service whilst here is to count, this is another advantage. Everything seems to smile upon and favour me and yet I fear. Mrs. Stokes rode the skeleton this afternoon, Mrs. Hill and Miss Collins riding too. How I wished the Brigade Major anywhere else and yet that was not quite right as Mrs. Stokes made up the party. Had tea on our return and then up to Mess. Have become quite an ally of the Field Battery and Morris since we lost all our friends in the 10th Brigade. Whist and then home to write for the mail.

Thursday, 2nd.

Writing for this mail and attending to drill. Wrote to my Mother, Colonel Willy and Hancock about bill for bugle.

Friday, 3rd.

Battery was to have gone out but weather was unfavourable. Succeeded in finding a couple of pairs of carpet skates for Mrs. Hill and Miss Collins, all for the practice of the rink. Called with them. Got through the Chief Judge, Mrs. Lawson and Mrs. Creighton. Dined with Innes at the point. Met the ladies driving and was I think really looked for. Perhaps it may be as I so sincerely wish.

Saturday, 4th.

Cannot as yet get the General to come to any decision about asking for me, but hope he will. The more I am in Halifax, the more I wish to stay and really only for one reason – which is not to be written, altho’ I believe it is talked about. Was at Mrs. Hills nearly all, the afternoon. They are such nice people, the ladies in particular I mean. I scarcely know what they think of my goings on. I hope they do not quite take me for a lunatic. I don’t think they do. Was only roused to leave by their first dinner bell ringing, which allowed me a considerable call, and such a really enjoyable one. To Mess and a rubber. Home feeling fresh and lively instead of sleepy as last night.

Sunday, 5th.

Rainy morning but cleared up. Heard the Bishop, not for the first time, at St. Paul’s. Walked with Morris p.m.

Monday, 6th.

Grand day. ...or morning drill. The Hills and Miss Collins drove and I was pressed into the service as supernumerary staff, galloper, etc.; day beautiful and every thing most promising. After a deal of riding, I was glad to knock off about one. Lunched with Mrs. Hill and Miss C., looking after Volunteers and attending to drill afterwards. My journey and going away in these pleasant times is horrible to think of. However, I suppose it must be got over.

Tuesday, 7th.

A lowry morning, but had at any rate a fine afternoon, which we took advantage of and had a most pleasant riding party, Miss C. and I, Mrs. Hill and W. Hill, rode a new road beyond the rocking stone, round into the Margaret’s Bay Road and home, about seventeen miles, and fast. I wish this could last; sad it is, it must come to an end. Dining at R.A. Mess, found 17th dining there. In my present frame of mind do not care for heavy nights or big parties.

Wednesday, 8th.

Raining great part of morning, afterwards thick fog. Called about twelve on Mrs. Hill. Chatted and lunched there, not leaving until after two. Plenty of writing in office. After drill walked with W. Hill. Inspected the Victoria Rifles after dinner, a strong shew especially of the un-uniformed. Do not work badly in the old stereotyped way but anything new puts them out at once. Whist afterwards at Mess and home as usual. Lost my ride today but as I spent two hours did not grudge it much.