ors or publishers, reading Mss. and so
on. In all these calculations I have kept deliberately under the
figures, not over them: so that I don't think I have failed
altogether to bring my promise within reasonable distance of fact
already. Belloc suggested that I should write for the "Pilot" and as
he is on it, he will probably get me some work. Hammond has become
leader-writer on the "Echo" and will probably get me some reviewing
on that. And between ourselves, to turn with intense relief, from all
this egotism, Hammond and I have a little scheme on hand for getting
Oldershaw a kind of editorial place on the "Echo" where they want a
brisk but cultivated man of the world. I think we can bring it off:
it is a good place for an ambitious young man. It would give me more
happiness than I can say, while I am building my own house of peace,
to do something for the man who did so much in giving me my reason
for it.

For well Thou knowest, O God most wise
How good on earth was his gift to me
Shall this be a little thing in thine eyes
That is greater in mine than the whole great sea?

I am afraid . . . that this is a very dull letter. But you know
what I am. I can be practical, but only deliberately, by fixing my
mind on a thing. In this letter, I sum up my last month's thinking
about money resources. I haven't given a thought yet to the
application and distribution of them in rent, furniture, etc. When I
have done thinking about that you will get another dull letter. I can
keep ten poems and twenty theories in my head at once. But I can only
think of one practical thing at a time. The only conclusion of this
letter is that on any calculation whatever, we ought to have L300 a
year, and be on the road to four in a little while. With this before
you I daresay you (who are more practical than I) could speculate and
suggest a little as to the form of living and expenditure. . . .

Gilbert's mother perhaps needed more convincing. The letter to her
has no postmark but the L300 a year has grown to almost L500 and a
careful economy is promised.

Mrs. Barnes
The Orchards
Burley. Hants.

MY DEAREST MOTHER,

Thank you very much for your two letters. If you get back to
Kensington before me (I shall return on Thursday night: I find I work
here very well) would you mind sending on any letters. You might send
on the chequ