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Dictated

7, Audley Square, W. 1.

scarcely talk to a boy. It is on the Provost latterly that extra-mural
duties have fallen. He has been becoming a pivot of Eton life.
Monty James was ill for a long time (though not so long as Hugh Cecil's
indisposition), but during the last few years his influence has been
growing by leaps & bounds. Being detached from the everyday life and
controversies of the School, a few words with the Provost went far -
were in fact impressive, and indeed crucial in some of these young
careers. And now Linkie is to succeed this wise and genial man. I
cannot picture Linkie presiding over a tea-table or dispensing Sunday
morning breakfast, with his elliptical criticism, which, however witty,
is not a little tinged with cynicism,- the natural outcome of 30 years
polemics in the House of Commons. The fact is, he wholly lacks the
mellowness, the sense of encouragement and understanding so prominent
in the patient old philosopher, M.R.J. Well, well, let us hope that my
fears may be unfounded, and that his sermons will compensate for any
shortcomings in the Provost's Lodge. It is possible that in these new
surroundings he may develop, and prove a great success. Eton needs all
the help possible. The machine becomes so enormous tht it grinds along
and whole sections of Eton life seem oblivious of next-door neighbours.

You used to be very much concerned in the History of Parliament.
Jim Salisbury insisted on my joining the Committee. He wanted
some new members, as the orginal group was gradually disappearing, or