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Thomas Nelson and Sons PUBLISHERS

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July: 29: 10

My dearest old mother

This is another grey ill day. The Ladykin goes off to Bankton this afternoon & I am depressed. I miss her very much. She will not be able to come to Scotland quite as early as Susie thought, as Nurse says she must be in London for a few days after she comes back from Bankton. I should think the beginning of the week after next would be the best time. I do hope she won't be a trouble to you. She is a most voluminous talker now & invents words. When any one tries to kiss her she says very haughtily "No liky gobble-face." Ronald Macdonald & his wife are

coming to dinner to-night. We dined at the House of Commons last night with Harold Baker & Henry Guest. Harold has become painfully deaf, poor chap. I saw a lot of people, including the M. [ST: Master] of Elibank, Ure etc. I felt a strong smell of brimstone, & when I looked lo! it was Lloyd-George.

Tell Anna that Lord Lovat has just got engaged to Laura Lister, the younger Ribblesdale girl, who was painted by Sargent as a child. She is going to become a Roman Catholic. He is 39 & she is 18. It is an interesting engagement; I always knew he would never marry an American heiress.

I am hoping to get a word from you to hear [how] you and old Father are keeping. Much love, bonny mother

Your affectionate son

John