2110-6-2-18

St. Stephen's House, London, S. W. 1.

20th October, 1932.

My own darling,

I am terribly shocked and saddened by Sonny's death. We have known him so long that he seemed part of Elsfield. I only wish I could be at the funeral tomorrow. I have written to Mrs. Charlett. I suppose we can carry on in the meantime with Hubert Webb, until we decide what to do.

There is an excellent review of your book in "The Literary Supplement" today.

I am glad the Lys dinner was amusing, and I do hope your cold will soon have gone.

Noel Skelton had an operation on his nose and was in bed for five weeks.

I will try and arrange a dinner party for Alice next week, but Donald Somerville has not yet come back to the House.

Yesterday I did a lot of odd jobs, and lunched with Crichton Miller. Arthur Wauchope, the Governor of Palestine, had tea with me at the House. He is very anxious we should visit him this winter. We had a long meeting on Scottish Home Rule, and then I dined with the Jewish Committee.

Today I am going to the baptism of Shakes Morris's baby, on my way to see Lionel Phillips. I am dining at the House with Jack Hills and Rosalind Maitland.

Tomorrow morning I start for Edinburgh. I hate a weekend

without Elsfield and you. I do hope you are not finding it too lonely. Much love

from John

P.S. Did you see Alastair Campbell's cantrip in "The Times"? He ran away to Portsmouth.

P.P.S. I enclose a letter from Bob [Lord Robert] Cecil. Will you reply to him direct. Unfortunately on that date I shall be away at Durham.