2110-2-9-1

Newton Castle

October 3rd 1913

My dear John, I think I must call you that if you don't mind, & if you will call me Isla. Thankyou so very much for sending me your new book, it looks so interesting & I shall love to read it. Nan sent me a copy of the verses some time ago and I do like them so much.

Sheila and I never, I think, played Montrose. Sheila was always Robert the Bruce - & me she allotted the parts of "small band of trusty followers" - or The Good Lord James of Douglas. I was extremely biddable, but even I wd never be the English, so the foxgloves (my mother's great pride) that grew round the tennis court were pressed into service & suffered many things. The dandy wallahs built us a bamboo hut that became Scone palace, or a cave on the hill- side, & we rode into battle on the most

beautiful hobby-horses with wooden spotty heads, and escaped to Ireland in the swing!

I hope you are all well and that Mrs Buchan is better again.

I am yrs very sincerely -

Isla Macpherson.