'To May from Mr Rice, Xmas 1909'
My copy is simply the first story, but it, too, has an inscription in it:
'Nora Gertrude Pattinson with love from Auntie Jessie, Xmas 1938'
This, then, was a gift to my mum from her aunt. I'm struck by the formal way it is inscribed with her full name. She would have been nine, and since I know she hated* her middle name, I imagine she wouldn't have been best pleased to see it written out like this. I love coming across these little messages in old books, even - in fact, especially - when I don't know the story behind them. How about you?
The What Katy Did series was my mum's favourite when she was a girl. She tried to get me to read it but it was way too old-fashioned for a girl in the 1970's!
ReplyDeleteI must have read it as a child but I can't remember it. Still, the fact that I've kept it all these years means it must have meant something at the time.
DeletePhew ! ... I thought you knew something I didn't. I'll go visit her this afternoon to make sure.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, bro. She's fine!
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