BRACERS Record Detail for 17163
To access the original letter, email the Russell Archives.
"Even the Whiteheads are now quite easy in their minds."
Ottoline was troubled by Logan [Pearsall Smith's] coarseness.
BR TO OTTOLINE MORRELL, [29 MAY 1911]
BRACERS 17163. ALS. Morrell papers #89, Texas
Proofread by K. Blackwell et al.
Seventeen,
Carlyle Square,
Chelsea, S.W.1, 2
Monday evg.
My Dearest Dearest
I am very sorry indeed that Logan’s visit to Newington has been so harmful. I am sorry you should be troubled by his coarseness. No one told him of the sexual side — it is only the pruriency of his old-maidish mind. I can’t possibly reach Henley before 4.46. I will order a taxia at the place you told me of opposite the station, and come up as quick as I can, and go back to Henley to sleep unless there is any place nearer. It is very tiresome, but it will pass. We are safer now than ever before. Logan says he doesn’t wish to speak to P. again, so you will get P. quiet in time. A. absolutely undertakes to do nothing, and we are both to say that we are parting because of incompatibility. Nothing will be done to make my position at Trinity impossible. Having once condoned, they will hold their tongues for their own sakes. There is no fear of scandal except from Vanessa. Don’t be depressed Dearest. It will all be well now, after a little while. And anyhow we shall meet tomorrow, which is the great thing. —
I went to Hampstead to lunch — Margaret talked in favour of divorce the whole time, I was more doubtful tho’ also favourable. The view of London was marvellously beautiful. One sayb the whole, with trees and hills beyond — I have never seen it so before. — I will engage a room at a Hotel tomorrow on my way. — Even the Whiteheads are now quite easy in their minds. I don’t think there is any fear of scandal. Dearest, Dearest, don’t be depressed. The Smiths have shot their bolt, and it will soon again be easy for us to meet. I have lived through such misery these last few days that the present by comparison is very bright. Now I must stop. Goodbye till tomorrow my Dearest Life. I know what Logan’s coarseness must have been. I have endured it from Alys these 17 years, and now thank heaven I need never see her again. This alone is a greater gain to me than you can well imagine. Goodbye my heart — forget the horrid things and think only of our love, which they cannot sully.
Your utterly loving
B.
- 1
[document] Document 000089. Proofread against a colour scan of the original.
- 2
[envelope] A circled “89”.