2110-2-16-18

GHQ.

Oct: 18: 16

My own little darling

I got a letter from you this morning, but I fear you are getting mine very irregularly. I can't think why. I write every day & post in good time. I am feeling so well ([?]) this morning that I could whistle. It is a tremendous relief, for I have been under a cloud these past 3 weeks. I am going to be very careful & make my health my first thought, for I am not looking for old cramp in the stomach again. Nan writes cheerfully. Alastair is probably going back to France very soon now. It is an awful bad day, which is a pity as we had an attack this morning. Now that I am well I really enjoy being here, and my one anxiety

is that my little girl should not be lonely. I know you will be brave, and I hope your health & that of the blessings has mended.

Vachell wants to dramatise Greenmantle & divide profits. I am quite willing. I have written a short preface for the new edition of a Lodge in the Wilderness.

I have so much office work to do that I shan't get down the line for a bit, which is just as well in this weather. But I shall take the first opportunity of hunting up Francis & Tommy Nelson.

How is Mr John's portrait getting on? I must say the people here are jolly fellows. They have all been extraordinarily kind to me when I was seedy.

Much love, my own little darling

Your ever devoted

John