1 Dec.8' I should be in bed but it is my night on duty & Russell engrossed
in the National review is "sitting on" my bed. Hence a rather sleepy
scrawl. Unless I hear tomorrow I shan't know where to send this to
but hope you are now "safely" in London somewhere as we are having
gales which will probably delay the mails. The new 108 Brigadier is from the 1stBedfords & says
he "knows" Leader. We look forward to hearing what he knows. I
have offered to bet Singleton that given 10 mins favourable oppor-
tunity I will be able to remind Leader of "his tea with the Mikado",
but Singleton won't accept. General said something to me about our not having much
to do in G. I rounded on him squarely, & have made even
the peaceful Russell really roused when I told him that the
General thought he read novels in the office, because once
he had mentioned he would fetch one from there. I never thanked you for your novels the 4.7ds I
have read 2 including Baring Gould's exceedingly gloom Essex
picture. Very many thanks but dont' send me tragedies in
future please however engrossing ! However I am spoilt for
the writing I like best is the p r's footprints & no day is
complete without them. Richardson has caught the hump which I had so badly 3 2 days ago; there is still a
slight swelling left, which will grow bigger if R is not in bed
soon. The papers make ill reading, the victory & capture of Baghdad
was a poor lie. The Greeks I absolutely mistrust. Our home Govern-
ment ought to be paid by results when I fancy some of their wives
would be begging in the streets. The Times Tuesday has an account of the Irish Volunteer & treason
in Ireland. I need no other justification for my part. Had a morning out with Russell & the bombers quite interesting. Am probably taking some of the Corps round tomorrow. Richardson a little restive with R for not taking a stronger line
with the General & the A branch. I rather concur ! 3 letters from the p r ! ! I am so grateful to hear of your safe
& happy return & the success of your mission. I do hope your London
Committee will be pleased. They ought to be. I suppose you did not put forward
any of my other suggestions for the agency etc ? A letter from Ed rather upsets me. He has found a lost letter I sent
6 weeks ago & proposes to publish it now. It is not all correct now & I fear
I shall be too late. I wish to stop it but could have made it so much
stronger now. IF I got home about Febywhat should we do
Stop in town or go to country of what ? ? There's something to
keep a p r pretty busy thinking. Rather a brave little p r tho' how
she avoided the tempests I don't know. Mater does seem sorry to lose
you & you could make any terms for your return there I feel sure. Your letters always make me want more. Your extra 1/2 stamp
got your Sunday letter here on Wednesday ! ! Your b w /WBSpender