BR TO ALYS RUSSELL, 3 APR. 1908
BRACERS 21097. ALS. McMaster
Proofread by K. Blackwell

14, Barton Street,
Westminster.
April 3. 1908

Dearest Alys

I feel sure we haven’t got Acton on Prostitution unless it is hidden in some cupboard. Did thee notice that Miss Abadam’s letter is to me? I am assuming thee answered it as such, and am not writing to her. I can’t undertake to speak for her. I am glad thy meetings were successful, but I can imagine Mrs Eckhard being tiring.

Yesterday we had an interview with Mrs. Coit, whom I had never seen before; she showed not too much outward sign of trouble. Then we had a deputation from the W.F.L, Mrs Despard, Mrs Greig, Mrs How Martyn, and another whose name I didn’t know. They kept breaking into platform speeches, but they were very friendly. I had heard Mrs Greig was good-looking, but I didn’t think her so — her nose is large and flat and triangular. She was the only one who knew what the business was that they had come about, and even she had to refresh her memory by our agenda. Mrs Despard was impressive, but quite scatter-brained. — Later on (keep this private) we had a row because Mrs Reid had gone to Peckham as a Liberal, which some thought disloyal. I supported Mrs Reid hotly, and we both said we would resign if the other view were pressed. From what I hear now, moreover, I think we ought to have supported Gantrey. — I saw Isabel last night, which was pleasant. Tovey’s concert the night before was quite a family party; ever so many people I knew were there.

Thine aff
Bertie.

Miss Ashton gave me thy kind regards. She was very envious of my going to Italy, and became quite poetical over its beauties.