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COCOA TREE, ST JAMES'S STREET, S.W.
July: 7: 1901
My dear old Nan
I am sure I am very much obliged to my aged mother for the tablecloth & the shortbread & to you for the photographs. I am getting frames for them and they will occupy a place of honour in the windy desert of my rooms. Tell mother I shall write & congratulate Dr Tindal, though I think the type has been perpetuated enough. I have just come back from Clapham, where I found Aunt
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returned from her native wilds, very sunburnt, & contemptuous of Scotland. He seems to have spent most of her time mending dykes and chasing cattle. They are not going away to Southwold till about the 6th of August.
I have had a sore week of it. The Spectator of course kept me very busy; then I had a certain amount to do in Chambers, and in addition I was very gay. I dined with Lady Arthur on Wednesday - Paul Phipps, Miss Florence Wolseley (an heiress, begorrah!)
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the Lindleys, & Lady Mary Morrison. Then we went on to Lady Sligo's dance, which was very crowded. The Duchess of Northumberland had the most amazing diamonds I have ever seen. Then I went on to Lady Tweedmouth's which was horribly packed. I danced once with Lady Grizel Cochrane, & then I went away early. On Friday night I dined with Hamilton, my old chief, & last night I dined with Reggie Boyle. Lady Alice Boyle, who sings "Jamie's joined the Volunteers", is getting married next week to young Fergusson of Kilkerran. However I shall have a quiet week, I hope.
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this week, & get through a lot of work. We are prosecuting for the Crown in the Russell case before the House of Lords the week after.
My rooms are getting habitable again. The other people's furniture is coming in about July 15th. When do you go to Bamflat? Be sure & send me some heather when you get there.
With love to all
Your affectionate brother John
