11 September 1911 – 17 September 1911

Dad cannot live long. Mother bears up wonderfully well. Tried to do some examination work but failed utterly. A---- is watching in the sick-room with Mother who will not leave. 8.30. The nurse says he will not live through the night. 8.45. Telegraphed for A---- to come. 11.00. A---- came downstairs and had a little supper. 12.00. Went to bed. H---- and the others lit a fire and we have all sat around it silent, listening to its murmur. Every one felt cold. Dad has been unconscious for over an hour. 1.45 a.m. Heard a noise, then heard Mother coming downstairs past my bedroom door with some one--sobbing. I knew it must be all over. H----was helping her down. Waited in my bedroom in the dark for three parts of an hour, when H---- came up, opened the door slowly and said, "He's gone, old man." It was a tremendous relief to know that since he had to die his sufferings and cruel plight were over. Fell asleep from sheer exhaustion and slept soundly.