WCP164

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset.

Jan^y. 13th. 1901

My dear Will¹

With three visitors in the house, letters to answer & daily constitutionals to take I have been pretty fully occupied so forgot to write to you. But I have really nothing to say, there having been no events of the least importance here, except that Dora Best² is painting a life sized head of me in oils & I think is doing it very well. If it turns out good enough we think of sending it to the [2] Royal Academy!

The weather has been so bad in every way that we have been out nowhere, & there is little further news about the Beaconsfield affair, except that several ^more, including Prof. Barrett³ & Dr. Abraham Wallace⁴ will probably join it.

Violet⁵ & May Swinton leave tomorrow, & then I shall have to set to work on the new Edition of my "Wonderful Century".⁶

Violet sent you a [3] copy of Mr. Casey’s last Enigma. We guessed it at breakfast time, and I sent him the enclosed Answer to it,— which, in case you have not yet guessed it, will enlighten you.

If it had not been headed "Jany." 8th. 1901" I do not think we should have guessed it. As a riddle however it is very good.

I⁷ am reading "Julie" with the greatest delight!

Let us know what you are working at, & if all goes on serene.

Your affectionate Pa | Alfred R. Wallace [signature]