Wednesday 5th
… We first had a talk on the CEWC, ISC etc. by assorted people, which was good, and after it I conferred with [3 others] on the necessity for agitation at school. Then Bill Beveridge himself, in a long and very good speech, followed by good questions. I bear him a grudge, however, for Elizabeth went and spent the lunch 1½ hours having lunch with him; I spent it walking to Westminster bridge—looking up the Thames there was big Ben and hazy buildings … and lovely orange sun on the water. zic zfr zlu zds
Then I went back and prepared a short talk on comprehensive National medical service. The chairman got people to prepare short pro and con talks, and the discussion was energetic, to the point, very enjoyable, and very successful. We unanimously (almost) decided on [a] state national service. zic zlu zhp
… the Social was too much dancing and very hot, I quite enjoyed it and wish I could dance. At 6.30 I left and went to Leicester Sq. [with Elizabeth] and there parted, Elizabeth going on the Northern and I on the Piccadilly Bakerloo via Charing Cross Piccadilly Circus, I forget which and it does not matter. I think if I were to be perfectly frank with myself (as I should be but find difficult in carrying out) I would confess that I was just a little in love—there I’ve done it! Back by tube to St. Johns Wood, pensive. zic zcl zfr zem zsy zse
Thursday 6th
This is being written at some unearthly hour in the morning, it having happened thuswise: about two hours ago I woke up, and commenced thinking about emotional experiences of the last few days; that is to say about Elizabeth. I began also thinking that today is to be the last day I shall see her … and having heard that there are no possible-for-me (or probably her) conferences next Easter … thought whimsically how nice if she could stay at Glatting … but I couldn’t very well ask her all alone, it would be too embarrassing—then there dawned the IDEA, which is this: why ask her alone? Why not have a party of 8 or 10 nice conference people down to Glatting, then Glatting would be filled as Glatting should. … The idea was so persistent I have had to write this down to calm myself. … zfr zem zse zhy
