Midsummer's Eve

I talked to her of Frances and the work she is doing. She was so interested. She is no longer young, alas, but she has devoted her life to reform. She spoke heartrendingly of a visit she had paid to Newgate more than twenty years ago. She said she would never forget the sight. There were women there ... three hundred of them with their children ... some who had never been brought before a court of justice. They had no bedding. They slept on the floor. Their rags scarcely covered them. She could do little then but take them clothes, and this she did. She called on her friends to help. She worked for these people. She has given her life to this cause. She formed a society for the improvement of female prisoners. Goodness flowed from her. She has had a school and a manufactory set up in Newgate. Not only did she confine her efforts to Newgate but she has visited prisons all over the country and even in the Continent. Annora, I want to do something like that with my life.”

"Frances feels that too.”

"Frances is different from Mrs. Fry. Mrs. Fry is gentle. Frances is without sentiment, almost cynical. Frances is angry with society.”

"She gets things done. That is what matters.”

"Oh yes, I greatly admire Frances.”

"I think my cousin Peterkin Lansdon is impressed by Frances's work, too.”

"You feel like that when you go to her Mission. You feel there is something there worthwhile. It's a good thing to devote your life to such a cause ... like Mrs. Fry. I think of her often. And there is so much more which needs to be done. Transportation, for instance. I think that is a very cruel way of treating men and women.”

I told him the story of Digory.

"Seven years for stealing a pheasant! Torn from his home, from his family, for such an offence ... and a boy, a young boy!”

"He had no home and family. He was by no means innocent. He was a thief and I believe always had been. I often wonder whether he would have changed if he had had the chance.”

"Perhaps you will see him when you get to Australia.”

I "My father thinks that very unlikely. He says he could have been sent anywhere in Australia.”

"I shall be travelling all over Australia. I want to get first-hand accounts from prisoners. Why they were accused. What the journey out was like. What happened to them when they arrived.”

"My father, of course, told you something of his experiences. He was fortunate. He was allotted to a man who was just, even though he demanded a great deal from his workers. My father became a friend of his. And my father has some land over there which he has kept for years.”

"I know. His is a most interesting story. His was, of course, a rather special case.”

"Yes. He always says it would have been the gallows for him had it not been for my mother, who forced my grandfather to save him from that fate.”

"Well, before I die I want to see transportation abolished. I want to see our prisons changed. When I have my information and my book is finished and published I want it to be widely read. I want it to awaken people's consciences. I want a bill brought in to change the law.”

"You are very determined, Matthew.”

"The way to get something done is to make up your mind you are going to do it.”

"You are so ... selfless.”

"It is easy for me to be. Quite a number of people have to work to keep themselves and that has to be their first consideration. I am fortunate in having inherited an income which keeps me adequately if not in comfort. I can devote all my time to what I really want to do and don't have to be bothered with that tiresome business of earning a living.”

"It's a great help.”

"I thank God for it.”

"I am so glad you are here," I said.

As we approached the Cape we encountered storms. Our ship seemed to have become frail-vulnerable to rough winds and high seas. There were times when it was impossible to stand upright.

Helena wanted nothing but to lie in her bunk but Jacco and I went on deck for we found the fresh air good for the queasiness which I think we all felt to some extent.

We clung to the rail and watched the angry water pounding against the ship's side.

I think we were both wondering whether our flimsy craft could continue to take such a battering.

The crew were all at their posts and had little time for us. Jacco and I cautiously made our way to one of the benches which was slightly sheltered from the shrieking wind.

"I wonder what it's like to be thrown into the sea," said Jacco.

"We'd not have a chance.”

"They say your whole life flashes before your eyes.”

"I should have imagined one would have been thinking about the present rather than the past," I commented wryly. "Trying to keep afloat would take up all your energies, mental and physical.”

"The Chief Engineer said this morning that he had seen worse storms. But perhaps we haven't seen the end of this.”

"How cheerful you are!”

"Mrs. Prevost is laid low and I don't think her husband feels very well either. Where is Helena?”

"In her bunk. I wonder if she is very frightened. Perhaps I ought to go down and see.”