Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/93
the Davenant society holds a festivity or "Drink" to celebrate
an anniversary. On Thursday week the college Smoking
concert is held. And so on, by mean degrees, to one great
height.
I had such a walk with Haynes on Sunday. We were out all
day - and the day was even lovelier than Friday, warm and
brilliant and spirited. We had lunch at the village of
Wheatley. I think we both took great pleasure in one

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7.iii.99.
My dearest friend,
I was delighted to have your letter on Monday. A scolding
letter was all I deserved and expected. And I should have
answered at once, but I was even busier than lazy people
generally are. I too have been so hopelessly voluptuous of
late that I [illegible] I ought not to have written. I have been
reading Gautiers "Mademoiselle
de Maupin", and Irene was right about the morals of the
book. It is fiendishly true and honest. It is true it describes the
loves of despicable people, but I could not help thinking of
you when he painted...I will not say more.

Poor little Helen, writhing alone in the troubles of sweet and
innocent desire, [illegible] even the unnatural satisfactions
which

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no one can possess. [illegible] I hunger to be with you and to
be at rest. I count the days, and mark out certain [illegible] of
flying time. -Tomorrow I breakfast with Morgan of Balliol; and
I am always glad of such invitations, because they establish
objects of expectation which carry me nearer and nearer to you.
On Thursday I go a walk with Haynes: on Sunday and then
perhaps on Monday
another's company; at least Haynes never enjoyed such a
walk before, and ones company does count for something.
He was intellectual, sentimental, jovial, by turns; and
always delightful. In the evening I saw him again at the Balliol
Concert and in his rooms.

I have been writing slowly, but with some pleasure. Nothing has
yet been invited by members of J.C.R.

I have just had a letter and a cake from Mother. She says you
mentioned my birthday "festivities", and I hope you didn't
say I got drunk on wine, which would annoy father
exceedingly.

Arthur hasn't written yet or sent the book I wanted. I fear he
is upset by Maud's

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plans.

I am interrupted in several ways and cannot possibly go on writing.
Goodbye then.
Edwy.