Was called out at 3.30 a.m. to Mrs Marshall1, Beechbank. Sandie2, who came in for me said she was “nearly dead”. However she was not so very ill + some brandy had a good effect. Saw her during the day + at night. There was a slight fall of snow + the ground was all white. It thawed calmly during the day + had almost disappeared at night when it was quite mild. Motored to Faldonside + was disgusted to meet Mrs D.3 coming out of the gate in the car. Called at Wellwood + got Helen’s4 present. Sent away one or two more letters (Isa Boucher5, Vera Brown6). Bella7 still ill in bed. Smith the night nurse from Viewfield called for Helen + kindly came in, scrubbed the kitchen floor + blacked the grate. Helen entertained her to cake + Port.
1 Janet Winning Marshall née Crichton (1873-1930), wife of Robert Marshall, roadman, of Beechbank Cottages, Selkirk
2 Alexander ‘Sandie’ Marshall (1899-), son of the above
3 Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson (1872-1948) whose daughter Phyllis had died on 2 December 1920
4 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s daughter and sometime housekeeper
5 Isa Boucher is not identified but has been referred to previously “Got practical effusion from Rabagliati & cards from Isa Boucher & the Somers.” [diary entry for Thursday 21 December 1916]
6 Assume Vera Watson Brown, later Salvesen (1900-1974), daughter of William Brown, banker, and Henrietta Brown née Watson
7 Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-?1952), Dr Muir’s housekeeper
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]
Rumbling Clint's Scottish Notes 