Dear Maudie, Are you deceased or diseased?

Postcards from my collection;

Set of six "Oilette" postcards Sent to Miss Maudie Anscombe, Lynton Lodge, Hove, Sussex, UK. The cards were all posted during December 1904 and January 1905.  Oilette is a trade name used by Raphael Tuck to describe cards reproduced from original paintings.

Once on board the lugger, and the girl is mine. Illustration by G. E. Shepheard
Posted December 1st, 1904.

Message reads; Dear Maudie, I know this set will suit you. Went to see your Darling Lewis Waller in His Majesty's servant yesterday. Love Charlie

*** Lewis Waller played the part of Geoffrey Mohun in His Majesty's servant written By Sarah Barnwell Elliott and performed at the Aquarium Theatre (later the Imperial Theatre) Westminster, London. There is a photograph of Lewis Waller playing the part of Geoffrey Mohun here

Sarah Barnwell Elliott, novelist, short-story writer, and advocate of women's rights, born in Savannah Georgia, the daughter of Stephen Elliott, a bishop of the Episcopal Church, who was a leader in the founding of the University of the South at Sewanee. More here 

The Lass that loves a sailor.
Posted December 8th, 1904.

Dear Maudie, Did it feel grand, then at being able to crow over ones learned relation? Don't say you did not! I hope your pink dress is finished and that your green dress suits you and that your friends like your blue dress and that your yellow dress is not too thin for the cold weather and that your purple dress will be ready in time for the ball. I hope you appreciate my delicate cynicism! Much love, Charlie

The course of true love never did run smooth.
Posted December 14th, 1904

Dear Maudie, Your irregularity is simply disgraceful!!! I'm in the eighth heaven of delight. Bert has a cold; Aunt May has a cold; Vera has a cold; Metcalf has a cold; the driver of the G.M.C has a cold, and I have not! Metcalf and I are busy thinking out grand Xmas decorations so you'd better dodge along soon and help us. Much love, Charlie.

Two is Company.
Posted January 1st, 1905.

Dear Maudie, Below is own interesting programme on Wednesday last - 2.15pm arrived Waterloo. 2.25 Coliseum - House full. 2.30 Prince of Wales House Full (this continues with a list of other theatres also displaying house full signs). 3.00 stop for refreshments. 4.00 attended evensong at St. Paul's. 4.35 left St. Paul's at beginning of sermon. 4.40 tea at A.B.C shop 5.30 arrived at Drury Lane theatre, outside. 7.00 Drury Lane, inside. Remainder of day is oblivion owing to exhaustion. Only just recovered. Much love, Charlie.

The old, old story.
Posted January 11th, 1905.

Dear Maudie, Are you deceased or diseased? Please relive my anxiety at once, as it is preying on my mind. Shan't tell you any news, as I don't wish to waste my time on a corpse. Much love, Charlie.

The harvest moon.
Posted on January 21st, 1905.

Dear Maudie, Thanks for relieving my anxiety. I have had a ferocious cold this week - hence the lateness. You had better come and say farewell to the Clarke's as they are departing Tues or Wed. Lamentations going on all around. Much love, Charlie.

I love this set of cards, not just for the illustrations but for the wonderful messages.  If you missed the previous set of cards sent to Maudie you can see them here.