1609: TO V. SACKVILLE-WEST
52 Tavistock Square, W.C.1
Saturday [9 January 1926]
Isn't it damned? Here I am in bed with the flu, caught the moment I'd written to you about the delights of fever.
Hot and sticky describes it. But what I'm writing about is Tuesday. I hope to be perfectly well, but infection?
Shan't I give it you again? I think you'd better ring up on Tuesday morning. You see, if you came, I should let
you in without fail, whatever the risk for you—I do want so much to see you. And it'll be 5 days by then and so I
dont think there can be any risks: its only conscience.
No: I'm not susceptible to the mind: only the body (I think) and Tommie [Stephen Tomlin], tho'
sprightly as an elf, is misshapen as a woodpecker—Whereas Vita—beech trees, waterfalls and cascades of blue
black paper—all so cool and fruitful and delicious, especially when one's got a little temperature. I'm so furious:
I was to begin that wretched novel [To the Lighthouse] today, and now bed and tea and toast and the usual
insipidity. Oh damn the body.
But it is a great comfort to think of you when I'm not well—I wonder why. Still nicer—better to see you.
So I hope for Tuesday.
(I'm not at all bad)
No news of Clive
Yr V.W.
A very nice dumb letter from you this morning. Tell me about the Boy Scouts?