T. E. Lawrence to Mrs Thomas Hardy

Karachi

11.1.27

Dear Mrs. Hardy,

Forster gave me your message about T.H. and our parting at Max Gate. It was my doing. The afternoon was raw and miserable, like the day, and when T.H. turned back into the house to get a shawl (as I guessed) instantly I ran the bicycle out into the road and away, so that no possible reproach might lie against me for having helped him into the danger of a chill.

The knowing you and having the freedom of Max Gate has been a delightful privilege of mine for nearly four years. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you both: and how much I look forward to finding you there when I come back. Eighty-six is nothing of an age, so long as its bearer is not content with it; in fact it is still fourteen years short of a decent score in cricket. 

I hope poor Wessex has a peaceful parting. The killing of animals just because they are ill or old is not a medicine we apply to our own species.

Karachi feels inordinately far away from every interest I ever had. However it will pass.

Yours sincerely

T E Shaw