Monday, Jan. 6.

Dear Fido,

Thank you so much for coming in. I loved the little visit.

I will pop in chez Audley, one day soon. I expect, you will
be calling me up in a minute to say good-bye - I will trust
and pray yo get there a'll oke.

I think things will march very well, chez Sch. I look forward
to Wed., and will send you news, some days, prob. only a p.c.
I am dreading Cole this afternoon, but do believe it is all
providender to the unk.

The pages and papers are all in the top, you know where
to find them. The last Greek bits I did last summer,
on paper like this. I forget what I called them, they are
in separate sections. They are the most important for D.A. Hill,
but anything and everything will be welcome as I simply want
to stack the pages here. The later things are more
important than the earlier and any things, no matter how
rough, on the Greek scene NOT the early essays) are most
important to me. But there is no hurry as I want to get the
motivation clear with S. before finally plunging into the
D.A. Hill stuff.

I sat up late reading Feminine Attitudes, it is really
most helpful to the UNK, to get all those various
bustle vibrations in their historic order.

I also glanced at the Janet Fergus and over the Esquires;

they are a sort of Ladies Home Journal in reverse, most illuminating- what camp!

The wine has just come, thank you again. It is in a wooden box and I am waiting till the Champion leaves, before opening it, but I will write again.

The old dame seems all right, a bit of a horse-fly the first morning; how like Aunt Laura, who was just of that world.

I am doubled up over " Attitudes." Ke will be sure of a howling season in N Y. with that, this year.

Thank you again for everything and I think my mind will find its groove and after "Attitudes" I will get released and decide more on my own ... God bless you. I am leaving word in the hall about the coat as now must off to lunch, though it may yet arrive. How good of you.... and it will help me over the Cole problem.

Everything you give is treasured and I am going over the shelves now carefully. I took down the little Tree last night, it was an especially lovely one. I was so happy this year, with you all, especially the Dec. 31st party, and Xmas too, at South A. was good.

Love to the old Pup, I was glad to hear her voice. I do hope all will march well. I am happy now with old junk and will go on with pomes etc., and know now all is in a good rythm. Remember you must put pressure if you want a world war on your Herschel, as he turns the corner for good about

Jan. 7.

Dear Fido,

Thank you for wire, received at tea, while Cole was here.
Also, the box arrived, I will see to the pants, belts, note-
books, thank you. The coat I handed over, after tea, it got
me past the afternoon, but C. went into a trance, it was what
she wanted, there was "magical" in it, or something of that sort.
You will, no doubt, hear from here. She was much better, at least,
not destructive, but so wan and bleached and eye-dipped.
She simply said that worry over N. gave her something to think
about ... all very odd, but I did not bring him in and
kept her off one of those long monologues.

I hear from Ion Parsons who wants to lunch with me, says they
will like to see Ion, all very odd, there must be a turn for
the better (rap on wood) or it may be the L. and L.
makes them think I am important. Certainly, there is a
difference in general attitude, I wonder if R.A. has got
"out" with them - or what? Anyhow, I will profitez, can't
lunch, but will ask him here to tea. I always liked the young man,
Scots, and rather nice - at least, pied a terre and has
an important position there.
I think this is a
good New Year beginning, anyhow.

Fog and what mist-
Silvio to tea to-day,
ps-a with her.
S. comes back, glory be.
I will be glad to talk zodiac and
Let me have news, and best to Mouse and Vee.

Jan. 8.

Dear Fido,

Your mother had nurse call up, to say there was good news,
but that you had had an adventure .... O, when will you two
be your age ... much worry to the tail.

I am off to Sch.

I had box of miles of anemonies, thank you and thank Doris, I
will write her, they are lovely bunches, I will arrange them
all over, on my return.

I am posting ION to Parsons this morning, am much
flustered.

About the Greek States, please hold over for the moment, but
will you send small, Signs of the Zodiac vol. It is thin
and do not let the paper fall out of back, it is important
computations of Silvio. The vol. should be with the
bibles etc. in that shelf. It is very small and thin.
It helps with people like la Book.

Forgive stupid letter. Am much flustered by return to S.

Had long friendly letter from
Dorothy D. who wants to "visit" London. I told her you might
have to go to Vaud. Did not want to say out, you were there ,
lest she come there. So, I made a very long and fluid narrative
about your mother, a cruise, K. in N.Y. , and so on, said I was
"living with a friend" and the flat was not my own, and so on.

But use your discretion, if she writes you.

Jan. 9.

Dear Fido,

I will send cable, I have the notice from them, and
directions.

Thanks for ham, it is a small, very good one. I got it
in the bottom shelf of the frig., fortunately, so now it will
last, I hope, a long time. It is very succulent, delicious, and
a great treat. Apples, little apricots and oranges also,
and some lovely mimosa and narcissus, from Solomon's . The
flowers now are lovely, and I have four thick bunches of
anemonies from the Farm. I cut all the stems and re-arranged
them. I am writing Doris.

Sch. had had nothing but rain ... except for 3days, he
said. He also, got an abscess at Monte ... it all
sounded very depressing. I didn't go into any more details, s
it was my "hour." However... it all works out with your
ideas of the coasts malignity. I trust Sch. recouvers
finally, had a scar on his cheek where he himself, had lanced
the thing...

It is cold and very foggy. I go Matthews again, to-morrow
early, so will prob. send only a pa.c. to-morrow.

I work at "Helen" now with idea of future trans., it is
all very sustaining, I suppose Euripides is a good father
image ... anyhow, Parsons seems interested, though of course,
he may not be later. One can never judge ... D.V., it will be fine.

I am glad your "adventure" was not more serious, Nurse has such a gloom producing manner on the telephone, I think she was thoroughly intrigued ... she said however, that you and Pups had seemed to enjoy the excitement, but of course, you would...

I just sent off cable, night-letter.

Bryher of Kenwin (I said at but it took such a lot of argument) sends welcome

At some Schmedeberg (all spelled out)

had bad rain and abscess Monte but was

charming love.

That is the address was just the 25 words, they said.

If you send your own, I shall be gladder
to communicate, as one really simply wanted to send YOUR
greetings. However ... it serves ... to the UNK.

The key did come, and all the
trifles, and I wrote you Cole went into trance over
coat.

More later and thanks for yours,
glad to hear of your time in Paris. Love to old Puss. I am
sure the Vee was hysterical with joy.

Ever, ye olde

Jan. II. Sat.

Dear Fido,

Thank you for letter, what a delicious walk with the pond and
the Pan, very Regnier. I must take it, it makes me quite
home-sick for the smell of pine and fir, damp or dry.

I enclose from Dr. Tuttle, ~~I will you please NOT return.~~ They all seem to have had odd and frightful holidays, what with this and what with, as they say, that.

I have read Within the Walls, tale of Troy, much the sedative that I like, thank you so much. I will lend it round, to S. and others.

Sch. is excellent and very kind and cat-ful?/ ... I feel a little sniffy and dim and dull with yesterday's prick. Matthews was oke, place full of daffodils. I wonder how your Keverne crop is doing. The œnemonies are as fresh as when they came, fresher, in fact. It is better to cut all stems, I find. They are lovely, bowls of them.

Weather better, yesterday was windy but quite March-like. Gale on sea blew away a lot of thick fog.

I, too, spend much time, running the radio, tell Puss. What does eh get on hers ? How is the recording ? It varies so, I know, there, with the weather.

Don't bother with MSS, except for
the D.A.Hill for L. and L., I don't care .... as Sch.
and I are in a dope-pocket of Greek and early trans., and he
is knitting in some ravelled threads, all very helpful to the
UNK.

I wonder how Rover is rove-ing.

Silvio this afternoon, Cole on Mon. - she gets more
and more, a problem. However, S. has shaped faily well,
indeed, very well ... and is help-ful, discussing Sch.

Well, forgive this rather
blurred and dumb letter, with all love to you and Pups.
( I posted you two mags., with Berg-ner - I expfet you have
them ? Prob. everyone else in Manchester had the same
idea .... )

Greet ye olde Brethern from ye olde

Jan. 14. Tues.

Dear Fido,

Cole was quite different and very excited about things, in general. She spoke of Pups in quite a different way, and said, intuitively, she thought SINGING was absolutely indicated, that Pups looked and acted the part and that she was surprised that she and G. had not thought of it before.

I don't together, myself, feel the U.S.A. scheme the best. I know that type of rich culture-snob, there were a lot of them in Philadelphia, any number. I think good, hard tapping and sing-ging would be the best, myself. I am quite willing to keep an eye on Pups, if she comes back and you go, States. Cole, too, now, I believe has prob. "turned a corner." She seemed very dynamic and explained that she was slimming because N. had spoken of the model of his last picture as having such lovely slim hips. It is a sort of active defiance on her part, and, so, good. I did not get that before. She also talks, now of "secessions" and of wanting to explain some dreams to Sch. I think her UNK wants to go back, but it is best to leave it, let it simmer. She had seen Bud for lunch and liked him so much, thought him so clever about ps-a, and he had last a father, she a mother etc. She is quite different about SCH. and I think will prob re-join the fold later. Anyhow, I was happier about her- she gave me

Jan. 17. Sat.

Dear Fido,

Enclosed, from Rover. I will write him over week-end. He
sounds most forlorn, but I imagine a night in N.Y. set him
up. I hope you plan soon to rescue him....

I am off to Sch., and take in
Matthews in my stride, rather a full morning ... but this
is last, I hope, prick, for some time. By the way, thank
you so much for suggesting the gold-bath. I had pine
first, then last night, though I might as well be killed for
a sheep and had a bailing hot thyme. I must say it did me
more good in the UNK than anything that has happened for a long
time ; maybe, because you recommended it. I felt like a fly
in amber or a mouse that had fallen into a tear pot of
cammomile. The scend got into my nose and helped my
cold, and I felt quite a re-born cat. Maybe it is cat-mint, it
smelt very minty. Very odd... I must tender the Dragon a vote
of thanks. Quite a discovery, but I would not have done it,
if you had not written ... I though the concoction odious.
It seems to help one slough off the old... I feel quite
a kittenish old cat now. And will have another to night,
as you say, you want to lie there a long time, to get the real
prickles. I am glad the small dog also wallows in the
cat-nip.

Cole loves the book, more than
anything she has read for years, it is
her ideal, she says, of how she would like
to write ...

Mon. Jan. 20.

Dear Fido,

Returned Rvr., thank you. I seem to see light on the
horizon, as regards my own sub-c-feelings, re States. After all
I did cross in a small Borodino boat, in " nearly a
gale", which, I bet anyhow, was a whole one, even if "only"
a summer equinoxial. You remember I always said I
"would never go back" to States. It must have been partly the
effect, I think of the first trip... now you and Rvr. also,
know... a sort of initiation ... poor Rvr.

I will cable later and let you know the message. I will start
with your words... it is easier when you do, as now,
actually start me off.

The vold. have just come, six Hymens and two Sea-Gardens.
Thank you, so much. If there are others of these, I
can do with them. I simply have an awful
inhibition about papers, but there is a series on Greek
scenes, one was printed, Mouse Island. You may spot them, and
send if convenient. Please do not "judge" me by anything
you read, as all that is for the melting pot of a later
resolved ps-a novel in two dimensions. Just now I am
simply doing the more conventional Greek plays and so on,
and sort of brousing in the snow-storm of the UNK
and the UHLAN. ( There's a good title for a vol. )

Silvia is quite improved and helpful about

Zodiacs ... I spend the afternoon and evening
with the radio... and we were interrupted about every
half hour with news of King or announcement that here
would be news at a certain time. It gave quite an
odd intensity to the afternoon. All most peculiar ... what
will happen ? It seems to me, they have to leave Mary
on ye throne ... the world could not really exist, nor the
New Yorker, with her. What do you think ? That is, if you
can tell me, sane lese majeste, or whatever ... anyhow,
it is most odd. Weather IS frightful too, here. To-day
a wan glimmer of sun ... but we have had snow and such gales
reported between the reports of the king... all
dramatic and very zodiac, and I am glad I am here in such
a snug cat-basket. Silvia said Lowndes was an
"institution" and that cheered me so much- for it is, and I
am in zodiac ( and you, too) allied with "institutions."
I think Kenwin, Lowndes both are ... also Keverne, a sort
of company, and certainly Ps-a is an "institution. " So, I seem
to begin to fit my shell better....

I am sampling some soaps and powders, the
Culpepper at Knightsbridge on way to bus, is an annex of Tea-
Kettle. Most odd.... out of a joke play or something, quite
unbelievable, but cozy. If it comes to a sample of
soap.

Much, much love and God bless you

and old Pups.

From ye

Mon. evening.

Dear Fido,

I have just sent this off to Rvr. ;

Sorry voyage so terrible snowing Kenwin
Bryher now London speaking everlasting
gratitude radio love from Uhlan Silvio
Kat.

I did not notice till I wrote it that Now London might
link on to Bryher, but I think he will get it OKE.
It is just the no. of words plus the address which is
7 words, in case you want, at any time, to see a full
message.

I have just had an awful time- and feel I must write you.
The messages have been going on about the King all the
time and Cole came in on top of one. When she sat down,
she said, " the king is different from any man, I feel
he is another sort of being. " I said, " I think he is
a very kind and good man but he is an ordinary man. I don't
feel that. " She said there was a sort of divinity, when I said
quite quietly that I didn't feel that but understood people
who did and some more quite sane things ( I thought), she
burst into tears. She went on and on. O, it was terrible. O,
Fido, I had an awful two hours .... and guess all is over for the
time, anyhow, as we went on about things, all from the
beginning. She has really said some such odd and terrible
things, I felt about you not being in Audley and suddenly, I said

that I like Lady A. but had to stand FOR you and it made
things difficult. She then howled that you had saved her
life, YOU had done everything, YOU had given her life. I
pointed out that none of them would have been helped by Fido,
if I had not got her away from Audley. O, Fido, I am so
sorry. I was very firm, but felt terrible. Cole said,
"I wonder how it feels to be so cruel. Have you, planned this?"
I told her I hadn't. There is nothing to do. I told her
she could have me now instead of Lady F., for a " bad mother. " She
said, " you must be very happy to allow all that terrible
cruelty to get out. I am helping you, to be so terrible. "
I felt the fat was on the fire, so I went on with it. I
suppose it is all the king, for already they are planning when and
where to toll the bells. Sch. and I have been very happy,
and I have been talking about the tomb and King T., and that
is a pretty grand and ancient "father symbol," and O Fido,
please write and tell me, I didn't do anything wrong. I
was so terribly battered, but had to stick up for ps-a, and
Sch., and after all, - O after all... I suppose Cole,
like Lotte, represents the mother (" bad" partly)
in Unk., but all the same it is rather terrible when a dame cries,
on you for two hours. I won't see her now, I expect for a time...
as it is too much for me. It has been, really for a long
time, but I kept on, as you and Sch. thought there was
" material. "

I felt pretty dreadful, and am taking herb-bath
and prob. some additional and trying to sleep it off.

I will add a line in the morning, but I felt I must
" communicate " with some sane being ...

Tues. Jan. 21.

Had most frightful night in spite of alonal, but
- imagine I will drop to a paradisial slunk-sleep after lunch and
after " hour. "

It is cold and everyone is waiting for " news",
a very odd atmosphere, but I am glad I am here .... as I
say, it links up with Tut's Tomb and all that, and
evidently it meant a great deal to my UNK that you took Bvr.
there, that year.

By the way, will you send me one or more Palimps
as I am working on that scene now with Sch., and find I have no
Palimp. .

I am really at great peace, at least, its awful,
but it just evolved to another Chaddie - bad mother
and resolves out the good mother, Bvr. there in Egypt was so
nice and you were so wonderful to us both. I think
and know, one cannot serve God and M., and after all,
Cole has retrogressed steadily, and prob., this may send her
sobbing back to the Uhlan, in any case, it had to be.

More anon.

Letter just come, so many,
many thanks. I will certainly get Silvia have the subscription.

She thinks so much of all gestures from you, and I will
explore soap, but will not, as you say, send any more, unless
Bud comes.

Much, much love. I can never
thank you for everything. By the way, a tiny note-book you

Wed. evening.

Darling Fido,

Thank you so much for calling me up. I was listening in to
the announcement of the " kings " who have sent in
formal notification of their attendance on Tuesday. Now the
" air " is giving us a most, most refaained harp-quartet/
they have dug up from somewhere with discreet old English
songs and settings, too René Claire for words.

I felt I had to send you a
line to thank you and to tell you about things. I walked
into the office, all subdued and very correct in black
gloves and a violet hanky ( all of which I had)
and met Bud, very gallant and casual. He was finishing
a note, so I left him to it. We went to that funny place.
I did not say anything for a bit but the moment I did, he
all-but sobbed and said, " Ah, you feel it, you do feel it. "
He wore his usual clothes but with very obviously black
shoes and black tie of course. He told me the
M. G. had been in mourning Monday afternoon. There was a
report that the king had died and the M.G. had two
editions ready. Bud was sent to a film premiere where
Marina was supposed to be. He did not know whether he must report
it with or without Marina, and the M.G. more or less told him
to do both. This almost drove him mad, as he had Lotte
along. He said, " then they played God save the King and
it was the last time for that king. " He was all wan with

black tie.

Theo. has not turned up for two days, much to Bud's
disgust, so I can not report on her. I suppose she had
simply broken down completely.

Hart and Brook are sançe and restful, am seeing the latter,
and Silvia to-morrow. Poor Silvia always gets the horros of it
in the schools.

Many theatres have notices, " opened again
on Wed. " but others are going. I thought I might as well
be killed for a sheep , so went in, after leaving Bud at office,
to Leicester Sq., where there was a documentaire of king.
I got last part of prince or new king, flying over and
pictures at the last of Edward VIII. Then saw a
Rene Claire, with Korda scenes, Scotland, The Ghost
Comes Home . Theatre very empty, all there, looked rather
apologetic and like myself, pretended they had come for the
documentaire.

I stopped to see the new procuration, all just pasted
up, along with crows of people.

Well, Fido, bless you and the old B. Lion
for all the things you and it-he have given me. I feel very
grateful and that it is the end of the war-memories, as
such, and that the new "king" is young, your age, and has had
a romantic and somewhat chequered career. I think of him
with you and your vibration and I feel loyal and
protective and really grateful, and not like I did at Jubilee, that
was linked up with seeing them all in a window on the day war was
declared. God bless you, darling Fido and the Lion-Pup to
whom you have been so wonderful.

Thurs.

Jan. 23.

Just a line, as I did not post last night, realizing air would
be just as quick this morning. I am writing your
mother a "personal" letter of condolence. I feel very odd, as
if your vibration had come in, as it has, and I feel just
the contrary to your mother. For her, it is the OLD gone,
and the thing I feared at Jubilee is now gone from me, for it
is the young I was working for, you and E. VIII are in
zodiac vibration. I think that is what poor, old Bud felt.
This king and old E. VII were cosmopolitan and much
travelled, - I felt in the beginning in London, that
people liked me because I WAS different, - then about
1918, all that changed, and I put it down to the Puritan
coming in with G. and M., and that was the thing I had got
away from in States. It is all most interesting. I feel
there is something NEW, your funny Gemini vibration, as E. VIII
is also much Mercury- you can see that, his travel and various
activities and diplomatic relations - it is all most odd.
Sch. feels as I do, has a great letch on E. VIII', as he saw
much of him in Turkish baths. Well- most odd- I am not afraid
of people or England, I am on the right side, Mercury,
travel, new ideas, all that .... poor Bud. Do write him
and take care of him when he turns up.

I have folders ready and will send you from time to time,
anything special in newspapers, etc.

Shall prob. go to another movie after lunch, it is odd, I can't
just stay in. The air is very charged with strange emotions.

Kind thoughts to Purvis and my "lion" friends at Genf.
Sorry about Boris, but it certainly was better.... all rather
upsetting.

Jan. 24. Fri.

Darling Fido,

I have your two letters and general manifesto, which
I will broadcast when convenient. Thank you so much.
Litvinoff and one of the former leaders of the Red Army are to
march on Tues. Stimmung is terrific, there has never
been anything like it in the history of the world. Some papers
feature " Our Comrade King. " I tell you, Fido, never was
such genius for holding the mob as Albions. Silvio
and I are at one, we both feel the old regime is over
and this is different, astrologically and in many ways.

S. for the first time in her life, is taking a sneaking
interest and also talks of going to the funeral and of viewing
H.M. at Westminster Hall. I told her I had thought of
going and she asked to go with me, but I said that would be too
much, as I would go on the spur of the moment, over week-end and
if crowd too great, would not wait. I stood to see the
return of H.M. yesterday but crowds so thick, I couldn't see
the tops of the mounted police and as the great feature was the
sons on foot, I did not wait, but went as a gesture toward
you and the past, " out of respect. " I came home to salutes
from the head-porter, who evidently knew where I had been, and
listened to part of the service being held in W.Hall, at
arrival of the same. I am surprised at myself.... but all
is oke. You manifesto is marvelous and I agree
with it all, but Aquarius seems to be taking this part

SILVIA very pleased with Film sugs. and is arranging it herself.

of the world this way, the other would NOT work here, 2.
not yet anyhow.
S. was upset by
black brassières and coreste, B.B.C. announced that all
were to mourn as they saw fit and as suitable to their"position
in life, " and there was to be no law or rule. the same
with funeral. It is all very " democratic" yet held together
by such a sentiment that even you would be astonished at. It
is better for my UNK to feel as I do. Evidently YOU are the
E. VIII ... and now, as I said, your zodiac has come in,
come true, and as I helped your zodiac and the vibration
of E. VIII, incidentally, I am "in" with the top. All
very clear, though it may sound far-fetched.
S. seems

to feel the same and Bud, a sheer wallow : certainly
E. VIII is their or your king.
I trust you do
not think I am unfaithful to your manifesto and all that, but
I am thinking of theirs in Aquarius, and "friendship" or
"comradship" could not, here, at the moment, take the
other form. All you write is of immense interest.

I asked for the Ill, and Sp.
and they tell me they are late, as they are special issues, with
pictures, so I left order, they should be sent to-night. I
sent somebody old papers, as Smiths at K-bridge, the man to
who I go for your papers, said they were in great demand and
were of course, valuable as history. So forgive me if I sent
some old ones, I though Fawkis or Jules could have them. All
details of course, are history. I went again to Film yesterday,
the one we missed "Mutiny," very good, and new newsreel
of the Heralds and the guns in the Park here. What is the
Spynx Regiment ?????. It was the one that fired the salute and I

I was trying to tell Mr. Sch. about it, and didn't she know any details, nor did Silvia, thought they were visitors from Ald. or somewhere. Veryenty, anyhow. By the way, Kipling also was "laid to rest" next Dickens, with Barrie absent with a cold and Prof. Mackail taking his place, also Dame Clara B., gone, all of the old regime, Sl. seems to think the eclipse of moon did it, or partly .... all very odd, anyway.

The king's white pony is much featured ....

E. says Mary is to keep the Palace for six months anyhow, but Silvia and I were quite upset that her throne had already been shovesout of the House of Lords ....

All this is very funny, but also "symbolic" and where Jubilee left S. and me both colt, we both lep in on this ... quite astrologically.... also, so VERY good to have Sch., but who/like a visiting prince of the old regime, but humorous, too, and links up a these things so neatly. Told S. that she prob. had a phantasy that she would marry E., but S. screams with it, with mirth and I, too.... unlike poor really tragically-muddled Cole.

Well, my hearts love and loyalty to my "Comrade Fido," and to old Lionpups, to mouse, a suitable message and any papers that seem suitable.

Also, little old Vee, do give her a proper message. I am glad I sent her the puzzle of r family.

Sat. Jan. 25.

Dear Fido,

Enclosed from Bud, do not return. It is very funny. I must
have been very near Theo. Did you know the cross fell
from the crown in Kingsway? It was re-fitted before they
entered W. Hall. It takes three hours to view the
catafalque, I learn on radio. en bow and women countsey. Hart
had been taken by a side door by Scarborough, friend of E.VIII,
who is head of her committee, - she said he had more or
less insisted, and she had to go, and she hinted she would
try to get me in that way- or intimated she might- but I
said no. I though for Lady E., I would do the wait, but
three hours or more, as the family pops in from time to time,
and the procession waits) is almost too much.
Two minutes silence on Tues., all clocks are already
being reproved and we will get time from the radio,
from Greenwich.

Hart saw a sweet shop with black chocholate boxes with
draps. I saw window of the flying's gun-dogs photos., all
in suitable drapes. The T. kettle wears black bows on their green
 aprons, and the lady behind the desk, bowed her head in
deep recognition of a common sorrow as I passed( fortunately
in black gloves) but did not speak. We only whisper in the Kettle.
Almost everyone there, is in full complete court-mourning, but
the girls. They are very whispery and sympathetic... all
like eating in church.

3.

The king, in his last thoughts, desired that shutters should NOT be slamed down ( last nights b.b.c. ) so we do not draw the curtains....

My darling and much-beloved old Pups,
Thank you for the paw-mark, it is most sustaining. I would give a great deal for a talk with you. You have no idea what we are living through, but you can imagine. H.Nichols have a plaster Greek column and a portrait of the king on his horse-like an altar-and-suitable and most elegant purple drapes with masses of white lilac. Every window has some such orgy-and the hats get smarter and blackest, a bunch of violets under the brim or a white gardenia on the peak, even white waxy lilac. O, my dear... they must have been preparing for months. Its something you can not really imagine... the kettle wears dog-bows on their aprons, and we whisper.

Please take good care of Fido, I feel He is very like E. VIII, who Bud calls a joke-jockey king, but we are all very glad he is making such a good come-back. Love, my darling from ye olde

Thank you for one pound. I haven't
nearly used up the other.

Sunday, Jan. 26.

Dear Fido,

I wrote Mrs. R., saying that I was waiting to read the vol.,
but now that" history is in the making ", it is difficult to
turn back to that past, and so on. I think it is all right. Thank
you for both letters, I have destroyed them.

I have writen out the addresses and will leave them and
yours at my pet-stall in the Kn.-bridge underground, the first
thing to-morrow morning.
Let me know of anything

I can do. I am giving myself up to things, and it is a relief to
have an actual DEED of one sort or another to do. I seem
to be getting on famously with the young Edwardians and make my
peace with the REAL odI ones. I found the mystery of the
Kettle, they had been that morning to make their court courtsey
to the king at W. Hall. They were less black yesterday
and all over me.

Darling Pups and Fido,

I go up at seven this morning, swallowed a quick coffee, and
was off. There were no busses, At Hyde Park Corner, a belated
taxi hove in sight, an old lady and I ran for it, I got there
fast, she said it was hers, we then amicably wept on each
others necks to find we were both making for Westminster Hall.
She had her maid along. I said ALL the right things and
she said ALL the right things, we hayved the fare. Already,
there was a line, reaching from W. almost to the first
bridge. I paid the fare, the crowded into line.

2.

Thousand (literally) of people were rushing into line; almost before I got my place, the crowd was lining up the bridge and they came on in thousands. If I had been a half hour later, I would have been at least two hours longer in line. As it was, the line began moving soon after I joined up, and it wasn't much more than a half hour, before we were in a cordon of police, under Richard Cœur-de Lion (date II98- II99) and being told to march in six, then soon we were rounding a corner, being told to make careful lines of four. All this was most solemn. There was a sort of char woman with a pup by me but she moved out when we got to the fours, back of me some sort of bookies. Here and there, was someone distantly furred and peraled, and the mob kept on, thousand and thousand, they had to walk at least a mile by then, to get to the end of the cue. Was I not thankful that I had got up at seven? On we went, the police got more official, and finally they said, "move faster." We all but ran up the steps of the hall, inside, broke lines and went two by two past the bier. It is a lovely house, and I paid tribute to Oliver C. (dates invisible) as I entered.

There was a cordon of nurses on one side and some royal visitors, Danish maybe, watching the march-past.

The police officer said, "move quickly, quickly," we almost had to run. I think they were trying to avoid scenes and also the crowd must have been miles by that time, over the river and it was only half past eight, or about quarter to nine. At this point, fortunately they changed guard, at the line was broken and I had a good look at a yoem, exactly like a wax-work, with a funny little grin on his rather red face. The guard walked out a little door, very like

joke soldiers and the hall was so high and lovely, I was so glad just to see it. I was quite close to the catafalque and the crown with all its diamonds perched there, was most impressive and I was so thankful that I had got there and relived also, then I got out. I walked about a little, but the mass of people was terrific, running in one solid mass down the pavement to walk its almost two miles, by now, to the end of the line. Was I not a good and mighty cat and a clever one to get there ? Now I feel I have done my duty. I will not go to the funeral, except to listen in to the two minutes at 1.30, I think - anyhow, I will hear salutes and maybe go to a memorial service, or listen in quietly here at home.

Well,

I did this as I thought it was (as it is) history, and I thought of you and Fido, and was glad I did it. I can never describe to you, how surprised I was to find myself, literally at dawn, with a red sun coming up over the river, there on the pavement. What strange things we do.

Well, I got back and had another breakfast, have just finished it. I admire your lion-public more than I can say, and I think prob. the b-lion has solved its problems with its republican spirit with a king and diamonds at the top. As the sovient says, " MY communal farm, " or " MY tractor" , so here they say, each and all, " MY king, my yoeman of the guards, my diamonds. " I know it is the two ends of the pole, but it would be a sad thing here, if all that mob DID break loose. However, I leave the abstract contemplation of all this to your younger Edwardians.

4.

I may state here, in extenuation of all this, that I did a very U.S. R or a very U.S. A. thing. Cornelia Brookfield had got me a special introduction to one of the men on duty, before Parlament, and said I was to go to him and be let in by the royal side-door. I did not want to use this, but maybe, having it in my purse, gave me confidence and the courage to go at all. But I did not use it, and was really so immensely interested in watching the mob rush past, that I could have stood another hour. Old ladies were being wheeled in bath chairs, I simply have never seen, and never will again. I imagine anything like it. It is of course, a sort of true democracy ... but as I say, I leave the " absolutes" of all this to your younger and better (politically) educated people.

Blessings and give love to VEE and make
" a story" of it, as I feel quite a person.

Your ever loyal and devoted, old

Mon. Jan. 27.

Dearest Fido,

I enclose from G., from Bud. I will be seeing them both Wed.; Aiken called up last night, he wanted to come in, but I put him off till tea to-day. He is reporting and wanted all details of my visit to W-Hall, he had not got in. I enclose, also, Rover, another rythm, I am so glad he is there. I do wish I could see you. It is very exciting, but I am sort of keeping open house, here, for waifs and strays. C. Brook. was very nice yesterday and I feel, really wants to " do the right thing. " A heap of poems from Una C., begging to be patted, pop little thing, they are not so bad, but as she is a professional violinist, I can't really feel sorry for her.... what I would have done to have the change to play in any kind of orchestra or B.B.C. programme. However, maybe, with tack, we will straighten her out ....

I rescue Silvia to-morrow after ceremony. I will have b.b.c. here going. I think I won't actually stand more than a minute, then go to Sch.; after all, I went to the first " coffin" as Bud called it, and to W-Hall, which no one else so far has achieved, except Hart, and she went in side door, and that didn't count so much. I will have a grand time at Kettle today. I am right in with her all.

as she had no other from your mother, which I am
as she sends her a message,
sending Cole, it is just the usual thing, as you say, one feels
she is rather tired and bored with it all. No wonder!

I go direct to Smiths, where I have grand relationship about
my " poor cousin, it is so sad for her , she has to be near
Geneva, she feels the separation now from her dear ones. "
What a picture he must have of you!

Thanks for two notes and new envelope, quite a
shock,' I will tell Sch. about your offer of a steed, and
Kex also sends him love. He is in fine Uhlan form,
explaining everything in terms, of course, of the Unk and the
lost parent. But very kind and really good-
has featured quite a lot, they represent nice school and
nice mistresses and nice aunts, Agnes rather than Laura.

The Cuppeppers

had lavender boxes only in window, I got one box, Bud will
bring and just three cakes of soap, I don't like to ask Bud to
take more.... it is just the thought.... I am so glad he is
coming, and I do wish you were not so cut off.

OFFICIALLY , of course, for Mouse, Vee. etc.,
I shall attend the whole funeral- I shall in fact be here,
for beginning and end, and may even have to stay her all day.

I am so glad about the opera, and more than
I repeat,
glad that you will have Bud to talk to.

I will shoot this into box, hoping for
the best, and will go on writing, just as usual, you can pick
up the " continuity" if a lot of letters come in a bath.

My hearts love and devotion to you all, ever
ye old,

Mon. Jan. 27.

After tea.

Fido dear,

I will post this now, instead of writing to-morrow, in
hope it may catch some post, and keep the continuity.
Connie A. was here for two hours, drink tea and refused
cognaic, as he said he had a heavy evening of drinking
before him. He was very solide and seemed immersed
in work, perhaps a little dull, but we had a good
talk. Toward the end, he asked of Vienna, I talked a lot,
and vaguely suggested Sch., as a far better solution,
as papa was so far away. He said of course, he himself would
not go, but he might want later to send a friend- the usual
thing. I don't know if it is indicated that you write him too,
saying Sch. is there, or whether to leave it. He said he had
been very disturbed when I last met him, but had done some ps-a
on himself- of course, we know how far that gets. I told
him the usual glamour story of Sch. and the Russian front, was
of course silent as to the real back-ground, said simply he had
been saved after nerve war-shock. I think Connie nibbled,
but coyly of course. Anyhow- he was interesting just now, had
been early to W- Hall on my recommendation, and also seemed
impressed. He is bored however, with the whole and said this
was the end, and so on. But I don't know- its all ps-a and how
you see things. Anyhow, he is good to know and very
sympathetic, though, as I repeat, on the dull side. He writes
for New Yorker as Simeon Jenk or Jank, I suppose you know the

stiff.

On top of all that, comes this card- will you deal with it ?
I will write her, I had no books here, and had witten you, as
my extra vols . were in Vaud, whic is true, anyhow. But I
don't know what you would like her to have. The card
reads as if she thought somehow Blakeston was a nom-de-plume
of Bryjer- or is that only my own muddled mind. I also hear
from Lucie Freud, they are all getting so friendly.

I am going Sch. if I can, as
usual. I felt I had done my duty by the W- Hall episode.

He told me to come afternoon, but I would rather go as usual,
anyhow, Silvia was due in here for tea. Wed. I see both Bud
and Georgie. All marches like mad ... Mrs. Ask had also
been to the Lying In, and thought the flowers was so lovely.

I forgot to note- but apparently a fresh lot came daily
from the Queen and the thing was to discuss the various
effects of white carnations, calla lilies or whatever. Anyhow,
it is sheer cult cut of Luxur and if you do it right, all is
fine. Connie took it too seriously and not seriously enough....
all the same, said the march past of democracy was "poetry" as
never could be possible in U.S.A. or by implication, in any
" democratic" country ....

Blessings. Officially I shall say I got as near Hyde Park
as I could, and heard some of the music, which will happen on
the way to the Underground, anyway.

Ever so much love. I ordered
papers for you to-morrow to come direct from the
stall. I gave in he names as indicated by you. Much
interest in my " cousin." Mrs. Ash remarked how dreadful
it must be for 'er, bein' haway.

3. Connie's high-water mark was window-dressing of Selfridges' grocery department, purple prunes with might or alternating dark purple-prune stripes.

I will run this now to post and come back to some more of the ham, which is still excellent.

Connie thinks all these books, Cournos and so on, are sheer money-making sub-blackmail.... as they often send out cards, saying, you are mentioned on page 18 in 98 or whatever .... he was very scornful and also found the Lowell book beyond his depth ... I was ashamed that I had not read his " Coffin." But will try now.....

Ever and ever so much love, and greet the brethern, from ye olde

I will mention the 'orse to the Huhlan. What a kind thought ....

Jan. 28 - afternoon.

Darling Fido,

The radio is silent now till to-morrow and the ceremony
was over a half hour ago. I just want you to have a line,
as I see there is a post out to-night. I listened
in to Big Ben and some of the salutes and so on, then
went out, - of course, it was simply frightful,
wo\*se than the Jubilee, and with peddlers with programmes,
violet and black favours, and a line of bussed drawn
up in the Park, making such a curious effect, I suppose
they were for official "boxes" as it were, but it
completely changed the whole aspect of the Park. I jsut
wandered a few minutes, to say I had been there- then made for
the tube, where there was another stream, almsot as thick,
already making for Paddington. However, I did manage to get
on a train and chang\*d at P. Circus, and then got out
at Baker St. There it was quiet and a relief. I had a coffee,
and spent a\*half hour\*in Regent Park, watching people feed the
masses of swans and gulls. The gun was clearly heard there,
firing one a minute, or maybe t\*qice, anyhow ver\*y effective.
I had a very good hour,' Sch. thinks the visit to W. Hall
did a great deal- it had about the same effect on Connie A.,
rather like a sort of Lourdes, Sch. thinks, so natural and
curious- as I said to you, a sort of communism, plus
democracy, yet all the time the joke was that we were
viewing a king - anyhow, it had somehow, Sch. thinks
laid the war-ghost as G. V, after all, was to my UNK, the head

Just the second, 1000 anemonies have come, I will write
more of them, have cut a M their stems and will re-arrange
on return. George will be pleased with a spot of Cornwall.
Jan. 29. Wed. Lovely, lovely colour ...

Dear Fido,

Thank you for two letters, they came last night and sort
of put the clock right again. I will go Harrods this
afternoon or to-morrow, as it is too difficult to-day,
as I have Sch., Bud, then G.P. I think it
will reach Bud in time, if not, you must explain to Vee. I will
do my best.

I don't think them soap is anything out of the way, so I am
sending only a few cakes ; I wish I could send more things,
but do not like to over-burden Bud, and now there is wool as well.
However, please accept all sorts of love and special messages to
Pups, with whom you will, I know, share the tiny offering.

It is cold again and dark.

Yesterday had mercifully spurts of light sun showers, but,
was lovely and spring-like about noon, when I came out of
Sch., and Regents Park was very lovely with masses and masses
of birds.

We are all limp with
this charade- you heard how at mid-night the four sons did a
turn, appeared and changed guard at the bier, and no one in the
masses of " pilgrims" realized that it was E. VIII. It is
all a sort of mystery-charade, part play-acting and part
real ; as London is under Gemin and E. VIII also, perhaps at
last, clicks into my States Gemini consciousness. When it is
pure charade, it becomes, as Sch says, a sort of Lourdes with
a father instead of mother image. Both Connie and I have been so
completely swep' off out feet, and I think for the same UNK
reasons. We are play-acting but in earnest .... in a sort of

joke way, all sort of twin and contradictory. It has given
me at last the clue to the whole show .... but I had
to get it RIGHT, " to thine own self be true." And that
is such a step for the UNK, a sort of colloidal step, with
the joke-reality of Punch and Judy. or the Four sons out of
a fairy tale. The trouble with Cole was, she messed up the
vobrations and that is dangerous and horribly destructive. But
when Mrs. Ask says " of cours WE know all about the king, and the
Queen is such a nice woman, you see Alf has a cousin in the
stables at Sandringham, " one of ONE with Mrs. Ash and Alf,
gasses in the way, and it is joke-jockey, at the same time it
is REAL. One has got the clue, the touch-stone at last,
and the UNK is at peace therefore. Connie and I
had such a relationship as never, never was. Also, I think
the States UNK felt it was OKE as Cromwell
had figured largely in W- Hall history, also Coeur-de-Lion
was the King of my pre-States serf-ancestors. It is all
most odd. One can be now Communist, Royalist and
Republican in one, this is too strange--- all joke
Gemini and Mercury doing charades. It is your true world too,
and I am so sorry you are away. I think Mrs. A. thinks it is
not quite "loyal." We use the words "out of repose
for his Majesty" on all and every oscussion. E. VIII is merely
"the king." But His Majesty is a sort of Saint or something,
one also understands how Saints get made so.... great
understanding of the UNK and Sch. so funny too, and revealing.

This on the way out. I will be so happy to
see G. and will report.

Wed. evening. Jan. 29.

Darling Fido,

I went to Harrods after lunch and ordered a skeleton to go to Bud. He brings a box of your thyme-golds, and a box of pine-foam for Pups. I thought the Pups could imagine herself Venus rising from the waves, in it. It is supposed to be very foam-y but I have never tried it, another brand from the first pine. Two cakes of soap are just by way of good measure.

I will "air" this and hope it gets to you before Bud arrives, as I want you to be ready for him. He is in complete, full black, with little checked shirts in black and white. He spoke of being "alone" in his grief, as apparently his mother is sulking, too, - all the old ladies seem to take it as a personal insult that the "old" is gone- or rather, it is in the air. We all feel that the four brothers out of the fairy-book or+enty are another world-altogether- anyhow, you will be quick to get Bud's reactions, but please be very careful; I think he really is such good fun and so very kind and reliable and perceptive and evidently his mother has been going sulky and would not go anywhere with him- all most odd, and he went alone to the funeral, saw nothing but people falling out of trees and was almost squashed by a horse, and met Miss Stevens who said she was there for her "unit", which has upset us so much, so very Manchester. Bud will tell you all this.

Sch. was rather upset about Silvia going to the funeral, but I imagine it will work out oke in the

UNK.

By the way, this is important. I think Bud would like to stay on a day or so. He said he had hopped to, then you said you would put him on the train Sunday night - (or Monday ?) anyhow, he seemed to think, if it was oke with L. and L., that he would stay. I wish you would keep him, as I know he is really in need of a change, worked very hard at office, as Theo, simply did not come and Mrs. Moore spent all the time, saying it was snobbish to go to the ceremonies, yet staying away from work, all the same. He had the burden- and evidently felt very much, really. Do not, of course, mention my saying this to you about his wanting to stay on a day or so ... please.

George came in, another vibration, great load of lilies for me, and was interested to see the anemonies from Cornwall. He was very nice, staying quite a time, spoke much of you.

Kex letters are good, but for themoment, it is far away for me. I do, do hope, however, you will soon join him. I will guard the old Pups with such joy.

["Thursday, Jan. 30.", "3.", "Dear Fido,", "I re-read your letter and am appalled at the idea of all those\ndraped rabbits and biers and banners. I suppose ~~one~~ got\nthat scare from that sort : I mean, if one is high enough\nor low enough, all marches here in Albion. I suppose I felt\nlast Sunday that I , along with the \"rats\" as Bud calls them,\nwas officially presented to H.M. Then all\nthat terror of the\" crown\" goes and also terror of the mob, but\nwhat remains and maybe can not be eliminated, is terror of\nthe suburbs. However, as I am distinctly officially now above\nthem, being an official \"pilgrim\", I imagine even that will\nnow have vanished. I am grieved however, that you should\nhave paid \"your respects\" or paid rather \" your last respects \\"\n( I have learned the vocabulary) in that company.", "I am going now to the\nnews-stand and order some more Illu-s, as you suggest and\nwill try to get to John Pound for George. I have the\ncard, enclosed. George looked very correct in a black\nscarf with a touch of white .... but there is just\nthe diffidence, he just was not OF the actual vibration,\njust as Connie A. WAS of it..It seems to be some sort of\nodd, unpredictable thing : Bud had fights, as I\nwrote, with Theo. and Mrs Moore equally, neither of\nthose women were OF it, but Miss Stephens was, and so\none ticks off all ones friends and acquaintances. You and the\npup officially ARE of it, as I stoo ( in Stephens\nhistoric phrase ) for my unit. Anyhow, you are and always"]

4.
have been, in on this joke. Of course, it must be
experienced ... and know, as I say I am equal
to anything.

I am amused with Timmie, and feel he is IN on
it, somehow, how could he help with all that heraldic
fixation ? I hope you give him morsels of my
saga and give him good wishes and say I think
of you all, here. Even the news caption on the
"affiches" are poetic, one yesterday read " Captains and
Kings depart." By the day, I heard recess. read on
b.b.c., very badly, too. On the other hand, there was
some suprisingly good music, one evening to Burns set
to music, and old Skotch songs, done with a Skoth lecturer.
One early prayer-book just at the moment of the change
over.... most odd, then interpolated with the most
incredible and horrible church voices telling us about the
interior of the chapel and so on. One gets "church" as
such again, as a language apart ... no merging at all.
Bud tells me the Parrot did go to church, I missed that....
was terribly thrilled,... in a cage carried by a favorite
game-keeper or someone of that sort. Is that your story ?

Well, God bless you, dear Fido,

I suppose this is a feudal-communism... or what ? I am
beginning to sort out these psychic, emotional vibrations.
As I wrote papa, a cosmic, contradictory chord had been
struck and made miraculously happy. ( It will be translated
just like that. ) Democracy had become pure communism ...
etc., you know my new record.

Fri. Jan. 31.

Dear Fido,

I am sorry I was so dumb about the aable, I am writing Rvr., and
by now, hemust know, from your letters , where you are.

I have the vol. from George, it is very, very charming, and I
am writing him. I got one of those zip hand bags that
foldslike you got me in Vienna, the bag that I findmost

useful, of all mine.
It was more expensive, at Harrods,
than you said, but I was certain you would rather something
really good, it was £4.10. I will note this. The
money came this morning ... or last night... the news and
Illu.s came to over ten shillings this time, but I will
check all this up. I am taking Silvia to a film on Sat.
to begin, as you say, to come out of the gloom.

Brook
Hart comes in to-day, I will
give her messages, she says she has given notice
in her own office after 7 years there, and wants to go to Crete.
The Hart won't budge, as she feels she is needed, and in the
meantime, is getting more worn and frail. I am trying to
get her to go with Brook to Crete; she could really. The
man, her boy-friend, head at the office, has gone off to
Australia. And so on. Anyhow, I will have a good talk and
report.

I agree about Connie, it was just an idea, and only
a gesture. As you say, he had his change, like Cole. If they
can't respond, that is distinct, on them.

Please tell Pup to send me a paw,

I am horribly, horribly home-sick for her.

I will be so anxious to know how
you and Bud get on, please give him heaps of love, from me,
this end. Brook says Queen A. had a parrot, Charlotte; I wonder
if this is the same one, as they live 100 or 1000 years.

Ask Bud!

Sch. is terribly, his maid is now
in complete black, and he seems to be, but it is so dark
in the morning there, it may be just an effect of gloom.

No, I too, have a sneaking
fondness for O.B. Thank you for writing or sending vol. to Low.
I simply can't see anyone like that, now. She drags one back to
the sargossa-sea of D.H.L.

Terribly foggy and dark.

I am home-sick equally, for desert sand and white snow.

I am so glad I wrote "papa" two days ago. Let me have any
news. I asked Anna to get him some gardenias, did not know he
was ill.

The Kettles are already discussing
the coronation. They saw nothing at the funeral, and the
Chaddie one said, "I have made up my mind I WILL see the
coronation from a window, if it takes every penny I have
saved for ten years," or words to that effect.

Love and forgive rather
dill letter. I send letter explaining, to K., with this.

Love to Bud and old

Pups.