The first five months of 1916 were a time of relatively good health for Teixeira; and our correspondence contains little more than an invitation, which he acknowledged in departmental language.
I wrote:
Tuesday, Jan. 4th, 1916.
Though long I've wished to bid you come and dine, Your way of life stood ever in the way; For you, I gather, go to bed at nine And rise at five (or five-fifteen) next day.
Yet Tuesday brings my chance. At half-past eight I go to guard my king; but, ere I go, With meat and wine I purpose to inflate My sagging stomach for an hour or so.
Then will you join me? Seven o'clock, I think:
The Mausoleum Club is fairly near:
Whate'er your heart desire of food and drink,
And any kind of clothes you choose to wear.
S. McK.
