2110-1-2-14

UNION SOCIETY, OXFORD.

B.N.C.

Dec: 3 [1896]

My dear Mother

I am sorry you have had anxiety on account of my worthless self. I am really very well just now, and I have given John Edgar a serious rowing for telling tales out of school. I am sure I wish too it was New Year & that concert over; but I hope it may go off all right. I hope I shall have the pleasure of hearing Anna's paper. You ask for the Men of the Times, but are you aware that it is a [pending?]

volume which does not come out till the New Year. I will give you it as a Xmas present. I corrected a proof of my biography today.

I had a very nice letter from Chambers yesterday. They say that as far as the reports of their travellers go, John Burnet has materially increased their prospects of sale in the S. of Scotland. They say they wish they had the book rights, as they think they could make a success. They ask for any future work, so I have written them

tentatively about the Lost Lady. They ask for a photograph, which I haven't got, and biographical details, which I supplied to the best of my ability.

Hugh Black has been up here for some days, staying with Jameson in Balliol. I dined with him last night. At first I thought him a very queer person, but really he is rather nice. I promised to go and see him in Edinburgh.

My debate at the Union was last night. I ran all the way from dinner and arrived out of breath. The result was that I was completely at my ease. I suppose I rather came off. At least I was much applauded, and I never spoke with such freedom, though I was

almost entirely unprepared. They said that my voice was heard in the farthest corner of the gallery, which I was glad of. I will send some of the reports when they come out.

I have just been entering my name for the Senior Hulmes. I feel more shaky than ever about them. I shall have to do an enormous amount of work in the Vac.

I hope you are all well & cheerful. Love to Father, Anna, Willie, Ervie, Peter & yourself.

Your affectionate son John Buchan