2110-2-7-10

Central Station Hotel, Glasgow.

Nov: 7: 12

My dearest little one

I arrived here on a grey damp morning & got to the Home a little after 9, where I found Nan & Walter who had arrived the night before. Willie's heart got very bad yesterday evening, & the doctor feared it might go, so they collected us.

The dear fellow had no notion how ill he was, & we had to invent all kinds of lies to explain my presence & Nan's. Walter wasn't allowed to see him at all. This morning he was rather easier, & his pulse a little better. The glands have become very bad & he has a tube in them. Napier is quite convinced now that the infection is pneumococcus. I really don't know what to say about him.

He is in a terribly critical state, & if the poison has not reached its height he cannot last much longer. On the other hand if it has reached its maximum there is a chance. His cheeriness & gentleness are enough to make one howl. Sandy Gillon turned up yesterday, but wasn't allowed to see him. Marnie wrote him a very

kind long letter, chiefly about Elizabeth Asquith.

I am staying here tonight & shall go to Peebles to-morrow by the 2.5 train. If he is no worse I think I must make an effort to get back tomorrow night from Galashiels. I really must take myself in hand, for I am beastly uncomfortable.

Love to Wozer & Hun & my own little Moufflée

Your ever [affectionate?]

John