2110-3-1-28

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.

July: 10: 17

My dearest wee Mother

I was very glad to get your long kind letter last night & also old Nan's. We are very sorry about old Peter [ST: their dog]. He has been such a landmark. I remember him a very small dog 11 years ago, playing with Alastair, who was a wee body, in the long heather. Poor old Uncle Tom. He has

played a good part. He will likely get a good pension in Australia. Susie & I are looking forward eagerly to the arrival of Nan's MS. I will look after the arrangements for its publication. I am sure it is first-class.

They are talking a lot of nonsense in the Press about reprisals. I thought Lloyd-George's speech last night very good & sensible,

The ordinary Londoner takes the whole thing very calmly & pluckily; it is only the rotten papers & M.P.s on the make that cry out.

I do hope the few days' change will do you some good. I got home late last night & I shall be later to-night, but my work at the moment is extraordinarily interesting, though full of

small perplexities. We are all very well. I can't think what can have been delaying my letters. They are always posted in good time.

Much love, my dear wee body

Your ever loving

John