io8 A GARDEN DIARY 



FEBRUARY 13, 1900 



T F what lies beyond the next few weeks could 

 J- be suddenly laid open to us, what should 

 we see ? It is, I am aware, rank cowardice 

 upon my part, but if by merely ruffling over the 

 blank pages of this diary which I hold in my 

 hand I could in an instant find out, I know that 

 I should refuse to do so. The same feeling has 

 beset me before now, but hitherto always with 

 regard to personal matters ; never, so far as I 

 can remember, with regard to public ones. Three 

 weeks ! It is not a very long time. Only a 

 few more crocuses and scillas will be out in our 

 little Dutch garden ; only a few more oaks and 

 chestnuts cut in the copse, yet within that time 

 the fate of Ladysmith must be decided. Should 

 help fail to reach it and it may well prove im- 

 possible what shall we see ? what will the 

 world see ? what will our various enemies see ? 

 Only two alternatives appear to be open : an 

 unbelievable surrender, and an only too easily 

 believable slaughter. That last of course is the 



