Meynell tells BR that "we" are not acting for Dora, but as friends of BR and Dora's to suggest the best arrangements possible for the children, starting on the assumption that BR's legal custody must ultimately be preserved, believing they can make Dora agree to this.

"We have access to Dora; we are denied access to you. You told Vera what you wanted; and she tells me that you yourself suggested seeing me. Well, then. I believe that we can prise Dora away from her litigious advisers; will you not at least hear what Lloyd and I have to say (saying is obviously infinitely more satisfactory than writing) despite Ll. Davies's attitude?"