Emily Hale to T. S. Eliot
Andover, Mass.
I was glad to have your letter after your return from the continent, and I trust by now that for Valerie and for you housekeeping – home-making problems really – have been satisfactorily solved.
IPerkins, Edith (EH's aunt)suffers stroke;p3 have sad news to write you about your ‘Aunt Edith’. After a fairly bright normal day the preceding day, last Tuesday morning March 5, she suffered a very severe stroke, out of which she came to a degree, physically, but not mentally, asPerkins, Dr John Carroll (EH's uncle);j7 she is like my Uncle John after his similar illness, talking much of the time either irrationally, or in the past. It is very sad, and complications since Tuesday have developed so one can only pray she will be spared – but even that desire for her must be left to a mystery of life or death I know not which – that we can not tamper with.
The Van de Klish Home has proved a godsend in its care and overall attitude towards all that has happened – that is the one necessity and comfort – beyond the loving understanding helpful assistance of my cousin Miss Cummings. I do not mean there are not others who think of me and my aunt and offer kindly suggestions or messages (Mrs [?Lyman] is of course at the home every day, and managing many affairs –) but Gwen and I are closest relations and help each other. I do not go out every day – it simply cannot be done) – myHale, Emilyas director ('producer');v9The Tempest;d3 workShakespeare, WilliamThe Tempest;c9 is very heavy with ‘The Tempest’ my last obligation before vacation begins March 18th. Where I go I have no idea. If there is release for E.B.P. I will cable you, and as she left directions to that effect herself.
Also, awaiting your arrival in the U.S.A. I have two specially marked souvenirs for you from E.B.P. Very touching, all this.
ShouldConfidential Clerk, TheEH requests signed copy of;c1 you feel inclined when you can think of it, AbbotAbbot Academy, Andover, Massachusetts;b9 library does not own ‘The Confidential Clerk’ should you care to inscribe it for the school, as once you said you would.
I keep well on the whole – tho’ of course very weary mentally and emotionally.
3.DrPerkins, Dr John Carroll (EH's uncle) John Carroll Perkins (1862–1950), Minister of King’s Chapel, Boston: see Biographical Register.