The Old Post House, Worplesdon, Near Guildford, Surrey. - Hopes [Bob's military] Tribunal went well. His wife is now back again in the Acland Nursing Home. The 'strange outbreak on the top of Leith Hill' about three weeks ago was, as he thought, not quite normal, and there were 'very disquieting signs' when they went to Emsworth; however, there were explanations for everything and plenty of normal and interesting conversation with his sister-in-law [Constance] about the boys and the school to disguise her illness, and the doctor was not called until Saturday. The 'first-rate' local man is hopeful, and thinks that Grettie's own ideas about what is wrong with her are 'very sound and should be carried out'; her ideas about what is good for him are 'mere pathological symptoms' and her outlook will probably change when she recovers. Her condition over the last month, including the church-going, has been a 'mask' over 'a tangle of quite different troubles and doubts'. Does not know what the solution will be, and must be prepared for disappointment, but thinks their 'psychology was correct when [they] made Ariadne distinctly disapprove of Dionysus at first'. The plan is for Grettie to spend at least a fortnight in the Acland, putting things including teeth-trouble right, then to come to stay with Tovey's sister-in-law, whom she likes, living 'a garden life' and interesting herself in family doings, while Tovey keeps away till wanted.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - Always glad to hear from Bessie: her letters 'bring back many happy memories'. Apologises that the letter is not in her own hand: it is so difficult for her now that she hardly writes to anyone but John [Tovey]. He is on the India-Burma front, and finds the climate very trying but is otherwise fairly cheerful. The death of Donald [Charles Edward Tovey, her husband's nephew?] a 'great loss' to the family; Duncan [Tovey, another nephew?] is also unwell; Mollie [Tovey?] and family seem well, but she had hoped to see them here and a holiday and they were afraid to travel. Feels as if [Hubert] Foss has lost all interest in the biography [of Donald Tovey?] and will never finish it. Is glad Bessie has been able to have Julian and his family with her, and that the flying bombs have not been near. They have been fortunate [in Edinburgh] and quiet except for planes overhead. She goes out occasionally in fine weather, and has been on a few short drives.
Hedenham Lodge, Bungay, Suffolk. - The death of Donald [her husband's nephew] has been a great loss to all the family; cannot think what his wife and daughters will do without him. Sorry to hear that Bessie has been so unwell, hopes the change and rest will help. Would love to see the Trevelyans, but travelling 'seems quite impossible'. Is sitting in the garden, enjoying the warmer weather. Sends love to Julian and Philip Erasmus.
Handed in at Watton. - [Donald has had a] good night, and improvement continues.
Handed in at Woodton. - Donald very bad today, will write, thinks it better if the visit is put off.