22 Oct 1921

22 October 1921

Chalet des Sapins, Montana-sur-Sierre, Switzerland

Oh, Elizabeth, how I longed for you this morning on my balcony! The sun came through, a silver star. In the folds of the mountains little clouds glittered like Dorothy Wordsworth's sheep. And all that paysage across the valley was a new land. The colour is changed since you were here. The green is gold - a very deep gold like amber. On the higher peaks snow was falling and the wind walking among the trees had a new voice. It was like land seen from a ship. It was like arriving in the harbour, and wondering, half frightened and yet longing, whether one would go ashore. But no - I can't describe it. Soon after all was grey and down came the white bees. The feeling in the house changed immediately. Ernestine became mysterious and blithe. The Faithful One ran up and down as though with cans of hot water . . . One felt the whisper had gone round that the pains had begun and the doctor had been sent for.
   Those geraniums I mention so lightly are yours. I am taking care of them. They are full of buds. I dream of returning you seven potsful from my bud in Janvier (Janvier is - "The month when Elizabeth returns.")
   [To Elizabeth,Countess Russell, 23 October 1921.]