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The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - She will already have had an account of Dr Hutchison's visit, which was 'in the main reassuring', from Molly. He and Bessie are 'naturally still anxious' [about their baby], and there is 'of course a very real risk of its being malignant jaundice'; however, it seems more likely to be ordinary jaundice, which 'is not as a rule dangerous'. Bessie is 'more cheerful' since Dr Hutchison came, and 'fairly comfortable'; the baby 'so far seems no worse', and every day passing will make it 'less likely to be the bad kind of jaundice'. The ordinary variety 'may last some weeks', so they must be prepared. Molly is leaving on Friday but returns early on Saturday; she is 'the best person to be here under the circumstances'. His mother at least must not come yet, as there is 'every reason to hope' she will be able to see the baby soon in good health: he 'otherwise seems strong and healthy enough'. She 'must not worry' about Bessie, as he thinks that 'even if the worst happened' he thinks she would 'now be prepared to bear it' - he hopes, however, that this is not likely. Asks her to thank his father for his 'very kind letter'. One of them will write 'in each post'.

Adds a postscript on 'Thursday morning' [24 Feb] saying that 'the child has had a fair night, and seems better'; this is good news but they 'cannot be sure for several days yet' that it is 'ordinary jaundice'. Bessie also had a 'fair night, and is going on all right'.

The Shiffolds. - Things are 'going a good deal better now', and he does not think there is 'much need to be anxious': the baby had a 'good night', and seems to be doing well this morning; expects he will be 'jaundiced for some time, perhaps for weeks'. A shame Bessie cannot feed him herself, but it 'seems very unlikely she will be able to'; however, she is 'fairly comfortable, and the child takes his milk and water very well'. Molly is going to London this morning and will post this letter; she returns tomorrow and will stay till Monday, or later if necessary. Robert is afraid he and Bessie have given his parents 'rather an anxious time: but the doctor was bound to be anxious under the circumstances'. They are 'very glad Dr Hutchison came'. Will write by this afternoon's post.

Adds a postscript saying he and Bessie wish to give the baby 'Otto' as a second name, if his parents would like it. They have not decided about the first, but 'rather incline to Julian', which they are both keen on: it is 'like the Julius of [Bessie's] brother-in-law Röntgen, though that perhaps is hardly a reason'. As his parents know, they thought of John, but they are not sure they 'like it altogether, nor William', but have not decided finally.

The Shiffolds. - Since writing this morning, the child has been 'going on quite well': the doctor seemed satisfied with him and Bessie when he called. Bessie is not able to feed him yet, and may never be able to; he hopes she will, but it is not too important. Bessie is doing well, 'though rather tired in the head'; is sure that will improve since there is 'practically no anxiety now'.

Wonders what his mother will think of their idea of naming the baby Julian Otto; this is not decided, and they would like her opinion. Robert suggested William, a family name; Molly likes Antony. Robert 'would not object' to John [also a family name], but prefers William and Julian; besides, he does not like either Jack or Johnny. Julian 'would suggest Julius Röntgen' [Bessie's brother-in-law]; the only other Julian he knows is Roger Fry's son who is much older 'so there would be no confusion'. Bessie would prefer it to the other suggestions, though does not object to any of them.

Is unsure now about sending a notice of the birth to the newspapers; it is not that he is really anxious any more, but everyone who should know will do so by now, and it would 'only mean more answering of letters', which he will have had enough of. Supposes they could send a notice later. Molly went this morning, but will return for lunch, probably with Charles. She could stay on after Monday, but this will probably not be necessary: they can 'always have Mrs Grandmont [Bessie's cousin] now'. His mother must do just what suits her about coming to see them: she knows they will 'always be glad to see [her]', but he is now sure that the 'child will... wait till it suits you to come'.

Hopes their 'first bad news' did not upset his parents too much: Dr Hutchison's opinion justified their anxiety, while allowing them to feel less anxious later; thinks the child's illness is now clearly 'ordinary jaundice'. Nurse Godwin has had more sleep and is now more cheerful; she 'became rather too nervous at one time, though she has done splendidly all through'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad Julian has a companion; supposes he is Dr Hutchison's son. Sends a letter from the Junior Bursar which may amuse Robert; likes getting these "War documents from Trinity [College, Cambridge]", which he supposes he gets as the Senior Fellow of the college. Cannot remember if he sent the letter which Sir Joseph Thomson [new Master of Trinity] wrote him, showing what a 'frank kindly man' Thomson is, and how much of a scholar; it was an 'excellent appointment'.