2110-2-6-16

Thomas Nelson and Sons PUBLISHERS

35 & 36 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON, E.C.

Dec: 11: 11

My dearest wee mother

Yesterday was an awesome day of rain & wind. It never stopped from morning to night. I hope the weather is not very savage with you. I thought I had better nurse my cold, so I stayed indoors all day. I read the whole of Nehemiah in the morning - a sound work which repays attention. Gerard Sellar came to tea in the afternoon & played with Alice, which was very funny. Susie was up for the first time, & felt pretty strong.

Alice made a delightful fairy on Saturday. She got her photograph taken & one shall be sent you. At the party, however, she did not behave. One of the rooms was decorated as fairyland, & there the children were put alone,

and this was more than Alice's nerves could stand. Father Xmas appeared without the doll's perambulator she had been promised, & she made the welkin ring.

Mungo [ST: our dog] has been ill for two days - probably distemper. He goes to the Vet to-day.

I am wondering very much how you all are, & how you are keeping, my wee body. Willie's letter arrived late on Saturday night. It is very dowie. The poor fellow got Walter's cable just as he was booking a provisional passage home in May.

Much love, mother mine

Your affectionate son

John