Written from Holloway Prison. Written in pencil on one side of paper, folded, with the single word 'Mother' on the outside. Transcript:
Dearest,
At last I had one of yr letters. The Governor offered to open the others for me and to let me look at them if I gave them back to him but I refused this. Last night however the Matron brought me one unopened. I am afraid you are feeling sad and tired. It goes to my heart that this shd be so. I am thinking of little else. We must wait for another fortnight and then I will come straight to you perhaps by the 10 oc train on Tuesday morning. It is possible to do anything like this and bear the sacrifice and suffering oneself: other people suffer far more.
There are compensations to us. There is some interest in being here. It is a big experience. I can bear it for myself very well, almost contentedly, but I cannot bear yr being unhappy. I have leave to write to you today so that I will not send more now. Remember that one's not supposed to write at all and that it will not do to speak of my letters.
Ever so much love dearest. I am thinking of you all the time.
Scan of front side
Interested in Natural history?
Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.