
For a fortnight now we have had no word from anyone as to your condition, & it pains
me very much to think that it may be that there has been no improvement in it. We are wearying
to hear about you; but I cherish the hope that the preparations for your birthday, the additional
correspondence it would entail, & the sending away of copies
of your 2nd Annex are a sufficient explanation of the silence. My loving
good wishes to you anyhow.
After a week of dull skies, low temperature & frequent rain, Saturday & Sunday (May 30 & 31) were gloriously fine, warm & sunny.—
R.K. Greenhalgh came here to spend the week end with me,
& on Sunday afternoon Johnston & Dixon
came out.—Greenhalgh & I spent most of the time out doors, rambling about
the beautiful country at Rivington. (L. of G. with us, from which I frequently read aloud.)
On Sunday afternoon Johnston, Greenhalgh & I went to a shaded bank, where we sat amongst
the trees, overlooking the lake & the sunlit country & hills & moors beyond.
I there talked informally for an hour or so about you & more especially about your religious
teaching—reading extracts from L. of G.—Our seclusion, the marvellous beauty of the day
& of the widespread peaceful landscape, (entirely rural) the rustling of leaves in the breeze
& the songs of birds—all contributed to our study & talk, & gave effect to your words.—

Johnston had to leave soon after tea—after which Dixon G. & I went to a small wood near here, where we sat, looking towards the sunset—the air balmy & sweet, the birds singing their evening concert & a cuckoo calling near. I again led the talk—this time, as befitted the hour & scene, about your present condition, & all that it implies—reading some of your later poems. We thought of you with swelling hearts of tenderness, & love, & it was agreed to send you some expression of our heartfelt love & prayerful "God speed."

It was a memorable day for us all—not to be forgotten. The full glory of the day, the mellow tenderness & beauty of the evening, the sweet influences of the early summer, and—running through it all—our thoughts of you, our speculations as to how you were & what you would be doing, of your friends who are also our friends—all combined to make it sacred & blessed.
Our unending love to you, honour & blessing—dearest of friends, greatest & most loved of benefactors.
Wallace