Russell writes of visiting Joseph Conrad on 22 July 1914. He had taken the manuscript of "The Perplexities of John Forstice" for Conrad to read and advise him. The last part of the poet's speech in the manuscript concerns his thoughts on poetry. He also writes on his religion and his article in the Hibbert Journal, "Mysticism and Logic"; his impression of Prime Minister Asquith "jolly, red-faced, quite untroubled", whom he has met twice at dinner since returning to England; and reformers, quoting a line from the poetry of William Blake. "When one can write, all other troubles become bearable." He asks for her poems.