Dearest Dave,

First, here is a small tin box containing the microfilm of the National Gallery ‘List of works performed'. Could you possibly take it with you to Ashmans- worth this weekend, and keep it out of harms way? Once the book has been printed [on the 5th anniversary of the N.G. Concerts] it won't be necessary to keep it any longer. I've tried to stick a label onto it, but the damned thing comes off in spite of every effort!

Second, will you turn this over in your mind, and - if it passes a preliminary scrutiny - talk it over with Joy? Nols [Arnold van Wyk] is going to try and get a four-weeks holiday if he can, as he needs to get away from that pestilential B.B.C. for a bit. He has no idea where to go, with an occasionally available piano, some walking and (if possible) a little mild work in a garden or somesuch. I thought I would write and ask whether there was the faintest likelihood of you and Joy being able to cope with him at Ashmansworth. While I have an idea he'd love this more than anything, I also know that such an extra person for that length of time might just be beyond the bounds of practical politics as far as your already knotty household arrangements are concerned - and besides, Joy just mightn't want him for a stay like that. But I thought I'd ask thus ‘on the side', a) so that you can think it over fully and talk it over with Joy; and b) so that you can say ‘NO’ without any embarrassment if it isn't possible. You must be quite honest, please, like a dear. With love to you both, Howard.

P.S. Or would a room be available anywhere in the village? The money-side would, I think, be quite O.K. H.

Dearest Joy,

That's marvellous, and most kind of you both. I'll tell Nols, and push him off to a doctor to get a suitable certificate; then he can make the necessary arrangements direct with you. There is, of course, no need for you to write to him.