I am surprised at the conduct of the young woman
Arthur Conan Doyle announces a new arrival
1889 was a turning-point year for Arthur Conan Doyle. Two years earlier he had published A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes novel, and another would follow in 1890. His medical practice was faltering, his literary prospects were gathering pace, and in January his life shifted again with the birth of his first child, Mary Louise, to his wife, Louise (or ‘Toodles’ to her family). The following letter was his way of breaking the news to his mother
Jan 28 1889
Southsea
Toodles produced this morning at 6.15 a remarkably fine specimen of the Toodles minor, who is now howling her head off in the back bedroom. I must say that I am surprised at the conduct of the young woman, seeing that both her parents are modest sort of people. She came evidently for a long visit, and yet she has made no apology for the suddenness of her arrival. She had no luggage with her, nor any possessions of any kind, barring a slight cough, and a voice like a coalman. I regret to say that she had not even any clothes, and we have had for decency’s sake to rig her out with a wardrobe.
Now, one would not mind doing all this for the sake of a visitor, but when the said visitor does nothing but snuffle in reply it becomes monotonous. She has frank and engaging manners, but she is bald, which will prevent her from going out into society for some little time.
Forgive me for not telling you, dear. I knew how trying the suspense of waiting would be, and thought that on the whole it would be best that you should learn when it was too late to worry yourself.
P. S. Tell Lottie her flannel square came in very useful for the young Empress—her first bit of property.
I didn't know Conan Doyle had such a highly amusing sense of humor!
Charming. So many charming descriptions of the little stranger