[1]

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINGTON. S.E.R.

Bassett Southampton

Aug 12 (82)

My dear George

I saw your letter in the Times & thought it was quite worth while to send it, as clearing his memory & it was very simply done —

I had a note from Lady Derby offering to come & see me. She says that

[2]

Miss Balfour is quite broken hearted —

The weather has been perfect ever since we came except one dull day — Frank has been with us since Monday & has got some good lawn tennis. He is gone today to Dr Moore's at Wimbledon — We go

[3]

home on Tuesday & I hope we shall have you soon after. Leo & B. come on the Wed — also the Horaces for only 2 days —

I have only sat about & loitered it is so hot —

The Litches have found the Thames quite perfect for lazy people & Wargrave is beyond the regular cockneys —

Are you surprised at Lord Salisbury taking such a step

[4]

without making sure he wd not be abandoned in this way — I suppose by his speech at Hatfield saying "It did not much signify" (viz. the whole question) he takes it very quietly—

Godfrey is going on very well & Hope says he is more comfortable now than he ever is when he is well — She finds Cecil a gt comfort & pleasure — but if G. gives up work for a year I wonder what he will do

yours my dear old man.

E. D ─