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West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Would like to find out something about S.G. McDonald, an Australian surgeon, regarding a possible operation [for prostate trouble]. Has heard pessimistic accounts of life expectancy after the operation. Enjoyed his visit, particularly seeing the Archibalds [George and Dorothy?] and their son Christopher. Bessie's niece's book has arrived: will mention it to [William] Plomer.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Wonders if Bob suffered from sick headaches when having prostate trouble: does not think Goldie [Dickinson] did. Is going to consult Terence Millin, a doctor who uses diothermic treatment, though will not arrange to be treated without an outside opinion - on Millin himself if possible. May go on to MacDonald, about whom Bessie informed him via Mr Hutchinson, though is not optimistic about orthodox surgery. His mother knows something about it, and seems to be a little worried but not too much. He worries about 'the bits of work' he hasn't finished off: he has been so happy in his friends, particularly recently, that he does not feel he has '"missed" private relationships'. Hasn't seen Julian's pictures yet, nor the Chinese ones [the 1935-1936 International Exhibition of Chinese Art at the Royal Academy], but he and Bob may do both on Thursday. Malcolm Darling is back. Is trying to think of a title for his collected essays [Abinger Harvest]: asks if Bessie or Bob have any suggestions.

19 Manchester Street, W. - Thanks the Trevelyans for their letters. Has disappointing news: his tests are bad and MacD. [Sydney Macdonald] does not want to operate for at least a month; he will therefore return to West Hackhurst soon, and will need some supervision from a local doctor. If just for this month, he thinks 'fat Davidson from Shere' will do, but would be glad to hear of anyone in Dorking who may be better: asks who attended Bob. McComas, whom his aunt Laura saw, charged a guinea a visit. His mother will probably visit, and Bob Buckingham drive him down. Is writing to most people in pencil to let them know how ill he is.

19 M[anchester] St, W.1. - Is 'sure to be here Wednesday'; asks if a visiting time of 4 pm would suit her. Thanks her for her letter; wants to re-read it, 'but it has fallen on to the floor!'. If 'G[eorge] M[acaulay] T[revelyan]'s morality has gone sour' his own 'sensitivity is certainly doing likewise; as the date of his 'release' from the clinic 'recedes and recedes', he is 'seeing all its faults'. His wound 'went wrong again this morning' and he is back in bed. If her car is free when he is ready to come out, he 'might be very glad of it'; he has offers of transport from both Hilton Young and Leonard Woolf, but seems likely to lose them through delays. indeed he has 'certainly lost Hilton's, as he goes away in it on Thursday'.

Had a good long letter from Bob at Grasse; he seems to be 'enjoying himself' and to be 'entertained by H. G. Wells'. He himself is reading Paradise Lost 'with pleasure': it suits his mood, which is 'gloomy yet unable to contemplate realities. God's frightful muddles: his inability to make either Hell or Eden work:... his readiness to throw Christ into the soup - what a puerile yet what a terrific universe!'. Is also reading [his own] Abinger Harvest, 'though not alas on Worthing Pie'; it is a 'real comfort' to him that it has come out just now, is liked by his friends, and by many of the critics.

May D. [?Dickinson] has been to tea, at a time when Morgan was sitting up. Robin Mayor is visiting again soon: 'what a warm hearted nice chap he is'. Has 'quite lost the feeling of dryness' Mayor used to give him. Is very lucky to have 'friends in various generations', a good fortune which Bessie also shares. Note up the side of the letter saying that her letter has been picked up from the floor; his reply 'is not nearly nice enough for it, but shall go' all the same.

Postscript dated 'Sunday evening' [29 Mar] saying that he has had 'good and surprising news': MacDonald says whatever the state of the wound, he will be able to travel on Thursday; Leonard Woolf could therefore take him in his car. Will see her on Wednesday.