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Description of his time in mountains of Thibet, present of umbrella and food for Chief Mandarin's birthday, go to Badman's land, disguised as coolies at night to collect seed, hide in woods by day and creep back into China. ‘A grey day & a grey heart can only be lightened with the roseate vision of Celia.’
Expressing distress at not receiving any letters from Celia. In Thibet, bought some huge copper vats - heirlooms, 12 silk panels, jade for her. Spent winter in Lanchow: describes as charming Chinese capital surrounded by orchards, pagodas and immemorial tombs, so old & tranquil in dazzling blue golden air. ‘I live in fat peace ensconced in a big many-yarded palace while all Europe is a devil's cauldron of blood and fire.’
Has spent the summer in the mountains in Valley of Rocks & Wolves. Describes sward of dancing lavender-blue poppies by tarns higher up. Received letter from friends regarding the War, death of one. Feels calmer, states he's taken a house to write book, begs her to visit, Bhuddhas around. Restoration of Imperial residences, killed the Republic and Yuan - being enthroned in New Year ambiguously President and Emperor. Further pleading to Celia to come.
Not well, overdosed on arsenic taken himself, found funny, well again. Pleased off to the English & French front from Foreign Office for 5 weeks to write about it. Beautiful Young Man [Milner?] and Saxton's attitude to sham marriage.
Writes of the contrast of the splendours of Paris & the Western Front, feels there is a rising wave of human sacrifice & aspiration. Personal intrigues - difficult to make sense of. Pleads Celia to visit him in Paris.