BR TO OTTOLINE MORRELL, [4 NOV. 1911]
BRACERS 17330. Morrell papers #243, Texas
Proofread by K. Blackwell et al.

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Sat. evg.1^, 2

My Darling Love

How very dear of you to send me such lovely flowers — they are a joy, both in themselves and because of you — lovely lilies of the valley, and wonderful carnations that make one hold one’s breath with delight. Thank you thank you my Darling. It is very unexpected, which makes it all the better. I remember the flowers you sent me on my birthday. All your ways of love are so beautiful.

Lucy Silcox’s visit was very pleasant. I went a short walk with her, then gave her tea and saw her off at 4.12. I heard all the news of her school and the business of it and so on — she manages all that sort of thing without getting into a contentious spirit, which is difficult.

I have finished the proofs of the S.S. so far as I have had them yet. It seems to me to read well. Now I have begun on the proofs of the big book which I haven’t had time to do sooner. These proofs have a sort of ghostly feeling. I wrote the stuff such ages ago and have quite forgotten it. I dare say it is the most important work I shall ever have done, but it is hard to judge.

It is very unlikely that I shall ever do any more mathematical work. I feel it would only be more of the same kind, which could just as well be done by some one else. I am surprised to find how much of my philosophy comes into the S.S. — of course in technical writing all sorts of points would have to be more gone into, and there would have to be controversy; but the essentials are all there. It is odd, I have no doubt philosophy is worth teaching, but I have grave doubt as to how far it is worth giving one’s life to original work in it. The amount that can be learnt in youth is certainly useful, but I don’t know if more is.

I have got over my indigestion and am perky again. You must be now just about passing Goring. I wonder how Mrs M. will treat you. I do hope you are not dreadfully tired. Tuesday unless you write to the contrary I shall expect you about 3, and I am planning to stay the night. But if not please let me know when you can, at least if I am to come earlier Tuesday, otherwise it doesn’t matter.

This must go to post. Goodbye my Darling Love. All my heart goes out to you and blesses you.

Your
B

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  [document] Document 000243. Proofread against a colour scan of the original.

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  [envelope] A circled “243”. The Lady Ottoline Morrell | Black Hall | Oxford. Pmk: CAMBRIDGE | 6.PM | NO 4 | 11 | 4