WCP282

[1]

Parkstone, Dorset

Jan[uary]. 24^th. 1897

My dear Violet¹

When this reaches you I suppose you will have "taken the cake" (or cakes) as the learned say, so it only remains for me to wish you many happy returns of the day, & that you may take many other cakes equally deserving to be eaten. I tried to get you a trifle yesterday for a remembrance, but failed, so must try & send it tomorrow. We have had snow & frost all the week & desperately [2] cold, so have hardly been out of the house. On Saturday my letter — considerably mangled and abbreviated by the Editor — was in the Chronicle,² — better late than never. Tomorrow week Will³ is going back to Newcastle & the following week coming to London by ship with Mac. & after a few days or a week there they will come here for a week or ten days & then to Liverpool to sail March 3rd. I believe me³.

Wishing you happiness & good digestion of the cake.

I remain | your affectionate Pa | Alfred R Wallace [signature]