UTTLEY

saying that when she was in bed the previous night a book slipped on my bedside table and down fell my small travelling writing case. I picked it up and put back the many papers which had fallen out. I came across various old documents, long forgotten and among them was a letter from you. I do not remember answering it... I found a note about a letter from your son, Phillip, long ago. I think perhaps you first met my work in Housewife, - you ask me about this -, for one or two stories were taken by Housewife... I may have been away from home, as it was in this special writing case. I hope you read 'The Swans Fly Over' which came out at Christmas. Another book of essays is written and will come out next autumn or a little later. I wonder if you have any little children now, perhaps they are all grown up. Everything changes so quickly I have to stick to the small changeless delights that I know so well. I have been gardening this afternoon, and that is a pleasure. 'Grey Rabbit finds a Shoe' comes out on the 28th, and I sent an advance copy to the Baby Prince, - which was acclaimed with pleasure by the Queen. It will have to wait until he is old enough to be read to of course. I am glad your children like Owls. I adore them... with the postscript that she may have written as Plough & Harrow rings a bell, but it may be the childhood association..., 2 sides oblong 8vo., Thackers, Beaconsfield, 21st March