Overview
Mon. Oct. 11.
Another dull morning changing to a fine hot afternoon. At 10.30 we two set out in the gig for the Havelock
[page break]
Caves arriving there at midday. Tied up the horse on the roadside + carried our rug etc. over to our old ledge on the steep hillside by waterfalls. En route I took a photo (1/2 pl[ate]) (3) the craggy Havelock Hills from the Caves showing Tukituki River + bridge etc. in foreground. Then she took a (1/2 pl[ate]) one (4) of me taking a photo with my little camera. On reaching the ledge we found the sun so beautifully warm that we slipped into our B-S's [bathing suits] right away. How we cuddled + loved each other (Act I Scene IV) + had lunch + discussed our plans. It was delicious + really perfectly nice, because I love her with my whole heart + soul + would not hurt her for the world. O darling Softie there never was such another girl as you, so soft + warm + sweet + good, I adore, respect, revere + love you so very very much. Later on when the sun had declined in the west, we moved to the foot of the hillside where the trees thin out + had afternoon tea. I took a 1/4 pl[ate] photo (5) of Her here leaning up against an overhanging tree which was picturesquely silhouetted on a sunlit rocky slope beyond. She took on (1/4 pl[ate]) (6) of me "Caught" in her hairnet like a trout being landed. Left for home at 4.40. I took a (1/2 pl[ate]) photo (7) of Her
[page break]
standing at the horse's head on the road near to, + looking towards, the Caves. On reaching Grays Road we found the Frank Goulding had just arrived from England via Auckland + Napier. He is a jolly fellow + we had a most interesting chat at tea + in the early part of the evening. Afterwards Beloved + I retired to the drawing-room for our "last evening" together. We recalled some incidents of our "lovely past" + from some of Her recollections I found, for the first time, how passionately She fell in love with me. That God should let me win such a love fills me with supreme happiness + wonder, + to keep it undimmed + unblemished will be my most sacred + greatest endeavour in life. With His help my happiness will be to make her happy.
Previous diary entry Next diary entry