2110-2-6-19

Thomas Nelson and Sons PUBLISHERS

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

Dec: 14: 11

My dearest wee mother

This is a lovely bright day. I hope you are having less stormy weather in Scotland. I am just writing to old William. Susie is well & so is Prester John [ST adds " "]. We clipped a lock of his hair yesterday. Alice Ashby St Ledgers came to tea yesterday & was delighted at him. She is going out to India in January on a short trip. I have not seen our Alice for two days. She announced to Mrs Grosvenor yesterday that Minkie [ST: " "] had had a baby! She's a queer child. Christmas

presents are beginning to weigh on me. I have to get all Susie's, as she can't go out. London is very full just now & the streets are so crowded that moving about is very slow. Tommy Nelson was up all day yesterday. He says that George's little boy is getting rapidly worse. They are going to take him to a high place in Switzerland as a last chance. It is a sad business for George & Mary, as they are entirely built up in the family.

I am wondering how you are keeping, my wee body. I do hope the discomfort is less & that you are eating & sleeping.

Much love to all

Your affectionate son

John