[Note: Stationery letterhead “LABES PEJOR MORTE” is the Durrant family motto: “Disgrace is worse than death.”]

R.M.D4.
Victoria
2^nd March

Dear Mr Boggs.

I cannot tell you how utterly shocked and distressed I was by the news in this mornings paper. Nothing one can say helps very much, or indeed at all.

I know my husband would wish me to express his deep sympathy with mine until he can do so himself I am writing to you, because although I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Boggs it is some time ago, and she probably would not remember me.

Believe me
Yours very sincerely
Elsie Durrant.