2110-8-9-14

19th October 1937

69, Eaton Square, S.W.

My dear John, This brings you my love and grateful thanks for your letter of May 28th.

I went down flatter than any pancake a few weeks after I resigned and had to have three months complete rest and my correspondence - or most of it - went to the devil. But I am a lot better though I must go easy for a few months yet. Seventy isn't sixty and even I have found that out.

But about yourself? I have rejoiced at the good things I have heard about you - I knew you'd do the job as well as it could be done - but aren't you doing too much? You've got to last

for all our sakes and don't work yourself out in middle life. Your Augustus arrived the other day and lies by my bedside when I have a lovely time reading him for half-an-hour or so each night. It is almost the first real book I have tackled for a long time and I am enjoying it keenly. How your manage to write these books on the top of all you do is a miracle! But then I was never one of the world's workers, so I can't write as we are urged to do.

I lunched with Neville yesterday whom I hadn't seen since the day he took over from me and was glad to notice how fit and keen he looked. His health has become of the first importance. I have just written a short introduction to Barrie's "Greenwood Hat" which is to be published very soon. I am told he wanted it published before his death. This is only a scribble of affection: I'll be able to write a decent letter before long.

Ever yours S. B.