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3, TEMPLE GARDENS, TEMPLE.
28: 11: 03
My dearest Mother
Many thanks for your letter. I could not quite make out from his letter what Mr Robertson's address is – does he live in Glasgow? You might tell him that there is no demand for actuaries in the government service of the Transvaal & the O.R.C. An actuarial training is useful but it should be combined with an ordinary accountant's experience.
Certainly I will ask W.B. to
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send copies of my book to the Philips & to Banflat. I always meant to send a copy to my worthy uncle. My book seems to be doing well. All the London papers had 2 column reviews on the day of publication – very favourable, especially the Times. Sir Robert Finlay is quite enthusiastic about it & wrote me a very nice letter.
Egypt is still "wrop in mystery". Gorst is in London & I am dining with him next week, so
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something may happen soon. I fancy he is as keen to leave as I am to go. Sandy Gillon came & stayed with me last night on his way to the Oxford Caledonian dinner, which is to night. I am unfortunately prevented from going, having accepted an invitation to the Humphrey Wards, which is sure to be much less amusing. Sandy is in tremendous form, a perfect tonic to meet.
Why why do you worry about Willie? You cannot abridge time and space to suit your convenience.
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Do try to be sensible, like a good old body, & try to keep well.
I have been very busy all week and am very well. I had one nice dinner party at the Russells – the beautiful Mrs Oliver Howard (now a very pale grass widow, Oliver being in Nigeria), Lady Granville, the Evelyn Cecils, Lady Sligo, & the Maxses. I took in a Miss Villiers who had been staying at Knowsley when Joe was there for the Liverpool speeches, & she told me some outstanding stories about the indiscretions of that great man.
With much love to all
Your affectionate son
John
