2110-2-10-18

Thomas Nelson and Sons Publishers

35 & 36 Paternoster Row London, E.C.

Dec: 22: 13

My dearest wee Mother

Your present & Nan's arrived & they are very "exceptible". Pyjamas & socks were just what I wanted & you have sent such very pretty ones. Very many thanks. We are sending off some things to you today

We did not go after all to Ockham, as Alice was colded & we thought it a pity to leave home when we were going away on Friday. Also we saw more of Walter. He came to dine last night very full of Robbie's first sermon.

It was a great pleasure seeing him & getting his crack. I am very busy sending away Xmas presents. I do hope the Aunts' address will come to-day, or we will be late with the presents. Alice was in bed yesterday, but I hope she will soon be up. She is of a cold. John may be described in the Emperor Hadrian's words to the soul as "Animula, Glandula, vagula", but he is taking cod-liver oil for them. I read a [short?] report of John Simon's speech in the Morning Post. It seemed very moderate. I see that David Bailey is really deceased at last. You seem to be having a lot of speeches at meetings, wee body.

Much love to all & very many thanks

Your affectionate son

John