22 June 1922

Hotel d'Angleterre, Montana-sur-Sierre, Switzerland

Then, before my second course of treatment in Paris, I had the idea of coming over to England for a week or ten days to see you (Jack is going to spend this Autumn in England). But, of course, dearest, these plans are subject to yours. I could strike camp here at an earlier date and meet you wherever you proposed. I feel very strongly it would be a mistake for you and the girls to come here. Of course, you may have no thought of doing so, but I write this just "in case". Montana is depressing for those who are not ill. There are too many signs of illness; too many sanatoria. And there is no escaping them. It is different in the Winter. Then there is a "floating population", which arrives for the sports and the whole place changes its appearance. But Summer is the time for les malades to show themselves; one is rather conscious of them here.
   While I am on this doleful and none too cheery subject, darling, may I be allowed a personal detail. I am myself no longer actively consumptive, i.e. no longer infectious in any way. My present condition is merely the result of 4 1/2 years severe illness, but active disease there is absolutely none. The Paris doctors assure me that after the second course of treatment the healing process will be very advanced. Indeed, they go so far as to say I shall be as good a man as I ever was. But experience teaches me to put a large pinch of salt on the tail of these fly-away words. I wanted to tell you this to put your mind at rest, however, as I know what one feels about such matters. [To Harold Beauchamp, 21 June 1922.]