There are no railways in this country, except one of eight miles to a tomb!  Hence we all have to flounder about on awful roads in motor-cars, which break down and have to be dug out, and always collapse at the wrong moment, so we have to stay out all night.

You thought Persia was in the tropics?  So did I!  I have been in deep snow all the time till I came here.

I think the campaign here is nearly over.  It might have been a lot bigger, for the Germans were bribing like mad, but you can’t make a Persian wake up.

Ever, dear Clemmie,
Your loving
S. MACNAUGHTAN.

So nice to know you think of me, as I know you do.

* * * * *

26 March.—­I am getting stronger, and the days are bright.  As a great treat I have been allowed to go to church this morning, the first I have been to since Petrograd.

* * * * *

To Miss Julia Keays-Young.

BRITISH LEGATION, TEHRAN.
1 April.

DARLING JENNY,

In case you want to make plans about leave, etc., will you come and stop with me when first I get home, say about the 5th or 6th May, I can’t say to a day?  It will be nice to see you all and have a holiday, and then I hope to come out to Russia again.  Did I tell you I have been ill, but am now being nursed by a delightful English doctor and his wife, and getting the most ideal attention, and medicines changed at every change in the health of the patient.

I’ve missed everything here.  I was to be presented to the Shah, etc., etc., and to have gone to the reception on his birthday.  All the time I’ve lain in bed or in the garden, but as I haven’t felt up to anything else I haven’t fashed, and the Shah must do wanting me for the present.

The flowers here are just like England, primroses and violets and Lent lilies, but I’m sure the trees are further out at home.

Your most loving
AUNT SALLY.

* * * * *

To Mrs. Keays-Young.

BRITISH LEGATION, TEHRAN,
8 April.

DEAREST BABY,

I don’t think I’ll get home till quite the end of April, as I am not supposed to be strong enough to travel yet.  My journey begins with a motor drive of 300 miles over fearful roads and a chain of mountains always under snow.  Then I have to cross the lumpy Caspian Sea, and I shall rest at Baku two nights before beginning the four days journey to Petrograd.  After that the fun really begins, as one always loses all one’s luggage in Finland, and one finishes up with the North Sea.  What do you think of that, my cat?

[Page Heading:  CONVALESCENCE]

Dr. Neligan is still looking after me quite splendidly, and I never drank so much medicine in my life.  No fees or money can repay the dear man.

Tehran is the most primitive place!  You can’t, for instance, get one scrap of flannel, and if a bit of bacon comes into the town there is a stampede for it.  People get their wine from England in two-bottle parcels.