[Dearest Dave]

Thanks so much for ‘Fantasia’ Two-Piano version, which awaited my return from Ireland. So glad to have it. Greatly looking forward to ‘In Terra Pax’ on 27 February. Love to all, from Howard.

[Dearest Dave]

I know you would want me to tell you that our dear Pu died peacefully this morning. In haste, Howard.

My dears,

Thank you both for your very sweet letter and for the kind and thoughtful enclosure for Betty. It was so good of you to write.

But how frightful about poor Dave's operation [said to be appendicitis, but really the removal of the pancreas]. I am so shocked to hear about it. Thank goodness that it is well over, and that he is getting home again this week. Let this note be a welcome-home as well as anything else, and an ever-so-gentle-and-discreet imploring to take things easily for a bit, Cello Concerto or no: at a pinch they can wait, but burst appendixes won't - if you know what I mean. Bless you both.

With much love from Howard.

Dearest Dave,

Many thanks for your card. I meant to write after the broadcast, but have been in bed with a tiresome flu-y cold. (Better now.) I thought ‘In Terra Pax’ went very well. Miss Verney [soprano] ought to be put away (painlessly); apart from her, there was nothing to complain of. I still found the Angel's music a little too full of human emotion: otherwise it's a lovely work and a brilliantly successful idea - the Bridges and Bible, I mean. Mudge struck me as being stronger and more individual than Stanley.1I liked it. Boyce and Naylor less exciting; or perhaps I was in a pre-flu-y unreceptive mood? Anyway, it all made a very enjoyable programme. Love to all, H.

Dearest Dave,

So glad to have a chance of reading through the three lectures complete [G.F.'s Crees Lectures]2 - particularly as I missed No.2.