nded, trustworthy ... you won't like
it if I say "boys" ... young men.

I am going away for a considerable time, I cannot say how
long--probably abroad. But Miss Fraser thinks I can still
help in the work of her firm, so I remain a partner. A
cousin of mine, Mr. D.V. Williams, may come in occasionally
to help Miss Fraser. I shall ask him to keep an eye on you.
Miss Rose Mullet and Miss Steynes are likewise leaving the
service of the firm. I dare say you know Miss Mullet is
getting married and how Miss Steynes is going to live at
Aylesbury. Two other ladies are coming in their place, and
much of my own work will be undertaken by a Mrs. Claridge,
whom you will shortly see.

It is rather sad this change in what has been such a happy
association of busy people, nobody treading on any one
else's toes; but there it is! "The old order changeth,
giving place to the new ... lest one good custom should
corrupt the world"--you will read in the Tennyson I gave you
last Christmas. Let's hope it won't be when I return:
"Change and Decay in all around I see" ... as the rather
dismal hymn has it.

Sometimes change is a good thing. You serve a noble mistress
in Miss Fraser and I am sure you realize the importance of
her work. It may mean so much for women's careers in the
next generation. I shan't quite lose touch with you. I dare
say Miss Fraser, even if I am far away, will write to me
from time to time and give me news of the office and tell me
how you get on. Don't be ashamed of being ambitious: keep up
your studies. Why don't you--but perhaps you do?--join
evening classes at the Polytechnic?--or at this new London
School of Economics which is close at hand? Make up your
mind to be Lord Chancellor some day ... even if it only
carries you as far as the silk gown of a Q.C. I suppose I
ought now to write "K.C." A few years ago we all thought the
State would go to pieces when Victoria died. Yet you see we
are jogging along pretty well under King Edward. In the same
way, you will soon get so used to the new Head Clerk, Mrs.
Claridge, that you will wonder what on earth you saw to
admire in

VIVIEN WARREN.

This letter came like a cricket ball between the eyes to Bertie
Adams. His adored Miss Warren going away