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[begin page 2 of 3] 2. left of the mantel facing the window. I think originally this door was put there to balance the door into the hall, at the time the drawing room communicated with the dining room, and it seemed to me that with the change of plan it had become unnecessary. The mantel will certainly be much handsomer without it, and pictures hung between it and the mantel would have been rather over-shadowed. Naturally, I may not have realised the idea of Hastings, which would necessitate keeping it, but I believe Allom has written Hastings. The central hall is really very fine and I think will be a great success, - to my mind, a wonderful improvement over the other plan. I think the drawing room will be very charming, and the dining room looks immensely improved.

I shall have more time from now on to look over the plans from week to week, and naturally Allom is keeping Hastings posted about every detail. I think Allom is extremely interested and anxious to make it the finest thing he has ever done, and so long as he keeps that in mind I am sure it will be a success.

We have just moved out to Dunn's house, where, you remember, we lunched together. His family go to Wales for July and August and as the Pearsons had to stay in England he very kindly let me have his house. He, too, is remaining here for the present and I see him from time to time.

I had a letter from Harding and Charlie McDonald. They seem to have enjoyed their stay with you.

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