2110-3-2-8

76, PORTLAND PLACE, W.

Aug: 16: 17

My dearest wee Mother

This is a fine bright day. I had to dress in mufti yesterday, for I left my belt behind at dinner. I lunched with the new Italian Military attaché, Colonel Mola, a very nice man, & I had to go officially to the American dinner given in the evening at the House of

Commons by the whips. F.E. Smith made a very eloquent speech.

I was much impressed by the American troops yesterday. They looked such lean, strong fellows, with clean-shaven grave faces, & they marched very well. They made me think of the Civil War.

Isn't the Pope an old nuisance with his Peace Notes! I don't think

this last Boche enterprise will do much harm.

I heard from Susie this morning. An old General called Allen [Allan], over 80, had called on her. He is the son or nephew of the man who owned Glen before the Tennants. Mr John has taken a great fancy to Tennyson's "Come into the garden, Maud". His taste in poetry is

very erratic.

The stye in my eye is going away, but I have been a gruesome-looking creature for the last few days. I do hope you are keeping pretty well. Much love to all.

[illegible]

John