To Mrs. R.H. Jelf.
Dearest Marny,
The Queers' letters are very nice. Thank them with my love.
Forgive pencil, dear—I'm in bed. Got rid of my throat—and now all my "body and bones" seem to have given way, I thought it was lumbago or sciatica—but Rex said—"Simply nerve exhaustion from over-writing"—so I took to bed (for I couldn't walk!), high living and quinine! I hope I'll soon be round again. The vile body is a nuisance. I've got a story in my head—and that seems to take the vital force out of my legs!!!
Apropos to Richard's Churchwarden's conscience, does he remember the (possibly churchwarden!) "soul long hovering in fear and doubt"—in À Kempis, who prostrated himself in prayer and groaned—"Oh if I only knew that I should persevere!" To whom came the answer of God—"If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do then? Continue to do that and thou shalt be safe."
His letter and yours were very comforting. I was just feeling very low about my writing. I always do when I have to re-read for new editions! It does seem such twaddle—and so unlike what I want to say!
Thank you greatly for believing in me!