An incredible piece of luck today. A phone message from Craske, the auctioneer revealed that Craske was now putting in a valuation of Dr. Laver's estate. When Poulter explained the position about William Wire's “Diary” and other stuff, Craske came down at once, and we had a long interview. By another incredible stroke of luck Hull was out. Craske was most helpful, and the upshot is that he arranged for me to go to the house with him on Saturday morning to see Mrs Lyon-Campbell, who will then let me find [William Wire's] “Diary”.
Poulter explained everything, and Craske admitted in confidence that there was another will, made in favour of the Museum and the [Essex Archaeological] Society, but that some while ago Laver was somehow persuaded into making a new will in favour of his sister, who in return agreed to leave everything to him should she die first. Poor old Laver seems to have been quite sure that she would be the first to go, being 4 years older than he. What a tragic mistake.
Last night there were two alarms, the last until midnight, when it began to snow, and continued all night with great violence, so that this morning there was almost 2 feet in parts. I saw such a pretty girl going by Bourne Road this afternoon, wearing a bright green coat with a fur-lined hood. She looked beautiful against the snow. Early this morning I saw five of Moy’s carts, one behind the other, moving silently along Magdalene Street towards the coalyards, gradually fading into shapes in the mist.
Tonight trusted there would be no alarm, so went to the Hippodrome to see “Our Town”, a film made in an entirely new way, which I much enjoyed. Bright moonlight, and a few planes across.
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