BEATON

(1896-1974, wife of Sir John Anderson, Viscount Waverley) saying that he was so sad when my mother telegraphed me your tragic news. I can imagine a little how lost & bereft you must feel, & how many lively associations & links with the past must have suddenly snapped. But I am sure I cannot even begin to know what a sorrow it must be for a mother to lose an only child. You had been so wonderful in your care and devotion & it seems terribly unfair that after so long you should have him taken away from you... We live the life of peasants - always out of doors - & there is not even a bottle of ink in the house. However, it has been a great rest - & I now feel very well after the ten days complete relaxation, I am beginning to feel a bit more strength in my body; Before I was completely worn out... It was a disappointment to me to discover I had not written a masterpiece of a play, but I now think I am very lucky to have the opportunity of doing a lot of rewriting on the play before it is shown again to the public. I am storing up energy to tackle the problem... I am back to work at a dress Rehearsal Sadler's Wells... I am very sad to hear about the death of Constant Lambert. He was a brilliant & remarkable person with more energy & talent than ten other men put together..., 3 sides 4to., with original autograph envelope, Taormina, 26th August