Item 36 - Letter to Beaton

Manuscript letter, in which Schlumberger writes that it was very sweet of Beaton to send a letter to him with all his news and he has often wanted to tell him so, but has not had sufficient opportunity to reply before now. He bears no jealousy towards those who seem to be living a better life, only it feels very remote from the life he is living [Schlumberger served in the French Army during the Second World War]. When he is granted leave, he will throw himself into his old life as completely as possible, maybe more than he has ever done, seeing that it may be the last performance of a life which has made him happy. They are at the front, in the very middle of war, and there is a beauty in the unsafe mysteries of the night and in the long silent marches. The physical conditions are harsh, but one gets used to it and his spirits are high. Sends best wishes for the New Year and hopes to see Beaton again soon.