[1]

Saturday

DOWN,

BECKENHAM, KENT

RAILWAY STATION

ORPINGTON. S.E.R.

(? 81)

My dear George

We are expecting Fr & B. today at luncheon time & very jolly it will be to see his round face at his dinner again. I hope B. will behave prettily to little Joseph who is coming next Sat ─ as he has had good

[2]

practice with little Dotty Ruck ─ who kisses him continually & he mildly says "Oh I say Dotty, this is too much kissing."

Frank seems to have lain fallow in a most wholesome way, as he is reported never to have opened a book while away. I am afraid Bot. Phys will come very flat after Salmon fishing.

[3]

I have actually read Dr Balls lecture in Nature & understood it in a fashion ─ F. came in quite delighted w. his appreciation of you & Dr Ball he thinks is a great authority.

I am very glad the days are not getting any longer any faster ─ I find them just about long enough & F. finds them rather too long for his strength. I don't know whether you had thought

[4]

of coming on the Dec 3 but owing to mis-calculation we have not a scrap of a bed for you. Harry Allen Mr Graham & the Baron Leo's friend are coming besides the Hookers & child & nurse wh. fill every cranny ─ Oh & the Williams ─ It wd be nice if you cd come on the Thursday when Sara comes w Wm late on Friday.

yours dear G ─ E. D

I hope you were tol. well at Glasgow to enjoy Sir W & Lady Thomson.