WCP6553

[1]

Old Orchard,

Broadstone,

Dorset.

Nov 5^th 1913

Dear Mr Marchant,

I am sorry to have to tell you that my father is very ill indeed & the doctor holds out little or no hope of his recovery. He was taken ill 3 or 4 days ago & on Monday did not leave his bed — a thing which has not happened for years.

His vitality is tremendous or he would not be with us now [2] [p. 2] but I fear it is only a matter question of a few days & perhaps only of hours.

I should like to refer to a subject you broached when I last saw you — with regard to the Abbey. I have spoken to my sister & she agrees with me that neither my mother nor my father himself would desire it. We cannot discuss the question with our mother at present but she is now so helpless that it would be impossible for her to attend [3] [p. 3] and we all of us are averse from publicity and unnecessary ceremony.

This news must make a difference in the matter of the portrait — which you so kindly promoted. I still hope something may be done from the photo only.

I fear I must put off the work I was trying to do for you. I cannot settle down to anything at present & I shall have a great [4] [p. 4] deal on my hands I expect, which will make it impossible to tackle any work of that kind in a manner & in time to be of use.

I should be greatly obliged if you will not make this sad news public — we do not want too many enquiries & especially from the Press, at present.

With kind regards to Mrs Marchant & yourself

Yours sincerely | W.G.Wallace [signature]