2110-2-11-9

Thomas Nelson and Sons Publishers

Parkside Works Dalkeith Road Edinburgh

Jan: 23: 14

My own little darling

I have just got your letter. I am glad you got to the play, & I do hope you are feeling well & taking great care of yourself. The weather here continues bright and clear. I had a busy morning here yesterday, and went out to Fairnilee at 2.35. James, the chauffeur, regarded me much as a conscientious Christian martyr may have regarded the Emperor Nero. I thought Mr Roberts truly better. Mrs Roberts is still in bed, but is rapidly getting well, he says. Yesterday was her birthday, & I will get her some small present in Edinburgh to-day. I saw the Scott-Plummers at Galashiels station, Muriel looks very pretty, & Charlie with that high bloom which hunting men get in the winter season. Crustall arrived at Fairnilee with neuritis in his arm & a bad cold, but

as undefeated as ever. We left at 5.45 & picked up Clink in Selkirk. He says Peebles is "fair ringing" with my speech. The hall at Ettrick was packed to suffocation - about 180 people. The artistes were a cheerful push of comedians from Hawick, but they arrived late, & I had to begin the meeting with a speech. It was a difficult job, for there was a very drunk Radical called Ashcroft who interrupted every minute, & I could not help laughing. We could not have got him out for the people were packed too tight. It was not very easy to be impressive in these cicumstances. The drunkard afterwards wept on my neck, & sobbed that he believed he was at heart as gude a Tory as me. Crustall spoke excellently, & the meeting was a huge success, but we did not get home till midnight.

I have just been talking to Rosalind [Maitland] on the telephone. I am lunching with May Brown to day.

I am always thinking about you, my own little Moufflé. Two days are passed now Bless you & the children, my darling, & love to Gran

Your ever devoted

Mr Fozz.