Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - She and Sir George are disappointed that Elizabeth is not coming, but she is right to go to her sister; hopes it will cheer Mien [after the death of her daughter Amanda], and sends her sympathy. Must arrange to meet on Elizabeth's return; she and Sir George go to London on 11 April, and go abroad in five weeks. Is planning an afternoon party for young people, both married and unmarried, and asks if Elizabeth could help with some music. Has had a letter from Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht], who does not think La Croix suited Elizabeth as well as Ravello; hopes she is well. Wonders where Robert and his friends [on G. E. Moore's reading party?] have gone; G[eorge] and J[anet] are walking in Cornwall until Tuesday; they then come to London and go at once abroad. Aunt Margaret has had influenza; Caroline and Sir George are pretty well.
Robert addresses Aunt Maria as 'Mijn beste tanteke' then continues the letter in English'; wishes her happy birthday and hopes she feels well despite the cold, which must be much greater there than he and Bessie have; it has been 'much warmer' [in Ravello] for the last couple of days, though not enough yet for the butterflies, lizards and crocuses to come out as they usually do all winter here. They are alone at the hotel except for a 'funny old gentleman' who is 'rather dull, though quite nice' and wears formal dress clothes for dinner even when alone. They have visited Mrs Reid and her friend Miss Allen, whom they like very much, and in whose garden they spend much of their time. Describes drinking half a bottle of Episcopio Spumante with Bessie yesterday evening (the hotel is the 'original bishop's palace... so the wine made at the hotel is called Episcopio') which led them into a conversation with the 'tedious old gentleman'; when they 'retired in some confusion' to their room he jokingly says they left the old man with the sense he had been with 'two persons of great mental powers'. They 'composed' themselves 'by reading some very serious moral poetry' and remembered that they had sent some of the same wine to Alphonse Grandmont last year which 'made a somewhat similar impression on his sober household'. Bessie says that she will take her thimble to measure out the wine this evening. Hopes that Uncle Paul and Tuttie [Hubrecht] are well; asks her to send them his love.
Bessie then writes two pages to her aunt, in Dutch; gives an account of their days, including her studies of Macaulay's "History of England", their walks; the other guest Mr Kershaw always sitting in the dining room. Asks her aunt to thank her uncle for [?]. Was very happy to hear that Julius [Röntgen] had had success in the Ceciliaconcert; [her sister] Mien must be happy.
3, Hare Court, Inner Temple. - Writes to say how much he enjoyed his visit to Ede; thinks that either the Dutch must be 'a very hospitable race' or their family must be 'exceptional', as he is sure 'foreigners do not so easily fall into... English ways' as he did into theirs. Hopes to see them before long in their new home. Had a good time at Amsterdam and a 'delightful expedition to North Holland with Paul [Hubrecht], though his crossing back to England was 'horrible'. Had a 'drive in the Jews town at Amsterdam with the Röntgens' which he will 'never forget'; it 'did one's soul good to see so many charming people enjoying existence together' with what seemed like no other 'help to pleasure' than sitting in the open air with each other. Is going to Dorking tomorrow to see if they are paining his house 'the right colour'. Asks to be remembered to her husband and to Mrs Grandmont.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - The music [see 8/85] was played at short notice on Friday 'as Strecker père went off to Germany yesterday' and was lovely; is increasingly convinced that Donald [Tovey]'s best chance of becoming well-known is through the Streckers; is always 'joyfully surprised' by 'their real "Bildung [culture]"' and 'weighty commonsense and understanding of Donald' both as genius and man. The Rummels [Walter Morse Rummel and Thérèse Chaigneau] here in the morning, very nice and both 'very excellent musicians'. Since this is Ascot week, they are 'imprisoned here' with nothing going on but work. Donald went to the New Forest on Saturday and will return on Wednesday; he is also soon going to the Speyers twice. Encourages Bessie to come over any day next week; asks when the Röntgens are coming and would like to see them.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Is very sorry and so will D. [Donald Tovey] be; he plays Chopin beautifully. Suggests Bessie comes when she is inviting [Louis] Fleury and a string quartet to play Donald's quartet in D and flute variations, probably on the 18th; hopes she will be able to stay the night, and bring Julian and his nurse. Donald did also 'mutter something vague about the Röntgens'; hopes they will see them. Donald is away; she is starting to think of summer plans. Will have to spend at least a short spell at Nauheim, then see what she can do for her brother [Henry] his wife and Archie. Donald will be in Scotland most of August; she wonders whether Bessie could host him for about a fortnight at the end of August as she is still anxious about him and happiest when he is with friends she can trust to look after him, but does not know his plans. The playing of the string quartets and flue variations is to let the 'Streckers - Père et Fils [Ludwig and Willy?] hear them'; thinks they cannot fail to be impressed, which is very important. Will write to Mrs Röntgen.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Glad to hear Julian has gained so much weight, and that Elizabeth has recovered her strength so quickly. Interesting that Elizabeth's sister and [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen are coming. She and Sir George are leaving this morning 'in truly patriarchal fashion' since the 'Chelsea nursery' [George and Janet's children: Mary, Theodore and Humphry] join them at the station. Is thinking of Paul today: believes they will 'see him in Julian', who will therefore be 'doubly precious'.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Bessie for all her kindness: she is a 'true friend'. Donald [Tovey] has gone to Wales; they few days he spent with her were 'very quiet' with 'no sort of discussion'. Has not yet got the new programmes for the [Chelsea] Concerts. Donald kept saying 'how valueless [Pablo] Casals had always been to him'; this was very hurtful, as it reminds her of his parents, but she said nothing. Donald 'seemed a little better'; hopes he will not talk in Wales and that the subject will 'recede in his mind'. Sends love and best wishes for Christmas to Bessie, Julian and Bob, whom she wishes 'safe back home soon again [from the East]'. Encloses some 'Dutch pence' for the mending of her chain; Julian should 'play with the little silver box' until she finds him a toy she likes. Sends love to the 'kind Röntgens'. In a postscript, urges Bessie to bring Julian 'for a little Christmas tree on the 30th'; Donald could take her back next morning, and perhaps go straight from hers to Aachen on the 2nd. Work is 'the only cure' for Donald; wishes he had practised his concerto.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Asks Bessie to help her 'by preventing even a single word more about the Casals business' [the quarrel between Donald Tovey and Pablo Casals about Guilhermina Suggia]. Insists that Donald is ill; wishes she had known some things sooner; telegraphed for permission to read 'a huge fat letter' from Amsterdam before sending it to him at Hewell but was 'rather snubbingly refused', but if she had known even a little of the 'Münchhausiaden [tall tales]' in it she would have put it on the fire. Feels all their friends, with only two exceptions, have done 'the most injudicious things' and thought they could judge the matter better than she could with the result that she knows almost nothing of what has been happening. Donald has 'poured the whole story out everywhere', even to her old friend Eugenie Schumann at Interlaken and her two sisters [Marie, and Elise?], 'whom he has never much liked', and she has received a long letter from Eugenie today 'greatly excited by Donald's "wrongs" and very disapproving' of her. Everything makes it very difficult to welcome him back and give him 'the love and care he needs if he is to be safe'. Was so anxious about him going to Vendrell, even though she knew nothing of what had happened in Vienna, that she wrote to Lady [Evelyn] de Vesci for details about a hotel in the Pyrenees where she might stay; felt ashamed of her 'anxiety and distrust' and returned to Germany but wishes now she had gone to Spain. Asks Bessie to write to the Röntgens asking them never to mention the quarrel with Casals to Donald again. Must now try and patch up the concerts, though she hates the thought of them.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Very sorry to hear that Professor [Ambrosius] Hubrecht is so unwell; it sounds like a 'real breakdown' and must be very distressing for his wife, though she is 'calm & capable'; fears the 'excitement' in the Netherlands cannot be good for him. Very good of Elizabeth to take in 'these poor girls'; hopes the other [servants?] will be 'pleasant and helpful'. George and Janet are going to London for the winter soon; George is busy writing 'articles for America'. Glad that Charlie and his friends are thinking 'of what is to be done in the future & not harping on the past'; he is at home for a while but seems over-tired; they have a 'houseful of friends' and Mary 'is on the sofa in her room again'. Very glad that the Röntgens have got home again; wishes 'Miss Weisse had been kept!'; supposes Mr [Donald] Tovey will be going to Edinburgh soon. Asks if Mr Hubrecht thought the accounts of the destruction of Liège had been exaggerated. Asks if Elizabeth will want to go often to London in the winter. They will try to let Gros[venor] Cr[escemt] next season, and will definitely stay at Wallington until Christmas. Mary does not know what to do with the children, due to differing advice from the doctors; asks whether Littlehampton is a good resort, and what Elizabeth is thinking of doing with Julian in November. Would gladly pay the expense of bringing him to Wallington if he does not go to the sea: 'We must all think of expense now'. Does not think people here are feeling the effects of the war much; no one has enlisted, as 'all the young men have emigrated recently'. The farmers are doing well and the pits busy, while Elswick and other firms on the Tyne are 'working double tides'. The pinch will come though.
10 Prinsegracht, The Hague:- It seems that there has been a 'misunderstanding' about the amount of Miss van der Hoeven's contribution to her and Robert's future household; hopes that Mr Hubrecht's letter [46/77] will put this right. Explains how it happened (a mistake over English idiom); 'only natural' that his father made a mistake, especially since Mr Hubrecht's hand writing is 'none of the clearest, and as foreign writing is often difficult for us to read'. Hubrecht was 'much distressed about it'; though it is a 'most unfortunate misunderstanding', perhaps he 'magnified its importance', as he is 'very scrupulous and honourable in such matters'. He himself would have been surprised if Miss van der Hoeven had been able to contribute three hundred pounds per year, as he had never thought she had so much a year in income, and knew that by 'her parents' desire' only a part was to be contributed to her household on marriage. The same proportion, as Mr Hubrecht said, was agreed as annual contribution when Elizabeth's sister married Mr Röntgen. Thinks nine hundred pounds a year will be enough for their household: he is 'not extravagant, and she is still less so; not to mention her own separate money'. Hopes Mr Hubrecht's letter will satisfy his father.
Asks him to thank his mother for her letter, which reached him this morning; will write to her again before he sets off for Italy. Has had a 'very happy week' since his return from Brussels, though 'a busy one'; has been 'very favourably impressed by her relations and friends, who called in great numbers last Saturday'. 'One family friend, Mr Pearson... [sic: Nicolaas Pierson]' was the Minister of Finance, and 'very interesting', who had known Bagehot and was an 'admirer of his writing' as well as of Sir George's life of Macaulay; Pierson said he 'always read a speech of Macaulay's before making an important speech himself'.
Bessie has 'shown great good sense and character in everything' through this fortnight which has been 'so eventful for her'; thinks she will 'easily adapt herself' to Robert's family and their friends. She is the 'sort of person whom people almost always like at once, but whom it sometimes takes a little time to know completely', though he does not want to suggest she is 'reserved'. Thanks his father again for the 'sympathy and kindness' which his parents have shown him.
Prinsegracht 10, 's Gravenhage:- Acknowledges the receipt of Sir George's letter of the day before yesterday [13/40]; is happy to say that on their side they 'consider the matter [of Robert and Elizabeth's engagement] sufficiently fixed to make it known on both sides of the family'; the 'young people' are very happy at Robert's parents' 'goodness'.
Outlines Elizabeth's personal circumstances: her property may be estimated at a 'hundred thousand dutch florins'. a third invested in 'landed property' a third 'in mortgage' and a third in 'shares and public funds'. She intends once married to 'manage her financial business herself', as she has done since she came of age, giving then [?] a 'hundred pounds a year to her husband for sustaining the household'; in this she is following the precedent set by her sister on her marriage three years ago.
As the "exceptional institution.... the Equitable Mutual" [with whom the insurance on Elizabeth and any children will be settled] is unknown to him, will be happy to have, at Sir George's 'convenience, some printed report of it'
He and his wife are glad that they 'are not completely strangers for one another', as proved by Sir George having come to Holland before, and his 'profound knowledge of Dutch history'. Apologises for 'writing bad English', as he is not at all used to corresponding in it, and is 'very grateful for [Sir George's] present and future indulgence'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad Elizabeth had such a nice visit from her sister. Has not been 'bright', and has not been downstairs for a few days. Annie [Philips] is coming on the 12th; hopes she will stay over Christmas. Glad to hear good news of Julian, and hopes he enjoys his holidays when they come; would like to see him. Sends love to Bob. Curious that there has been 'such high wind at Petersfield'; there is little here. Sir George is well, but it is dull for him with her upstairs.
10 Prinsegracht, The Hague, Holland [third sheet of letter headed notepaper for 'Nieuwe of Littéraire Sociëteit, 's-Gravenhage']:- Is afraid his last letter [46/72] was 'written in such a hurry for the post' that he did not have enough time to put the correct stamp on, let alone to say all he wanted 'or in the way it ought to have been said, seeing its importance'. Expects it has reached her now, 'after the payment of a few pence' and that she knows some of the 'main facts'. Is most anxious that his parents not 'misunderstand' his silence until now: wanted to tell them everything, but did not think he ought to while he was still unsure what Elizabeth thought. Could only 'guess and hope' that she would consent to marry him, and 'if it had turned out otherwise' it seems that it would have been 'a great pity' for his parents to have known. Elizabeth was 'very anxious' that neither of them should talk of it until she had decided, and had asked Robert to 'tell no one'. The present situation regarding the engagement is that they both are 'quite decided that it is right', her family also think it would be a 'good thing', so he must now 'convince' his parents, as is 'most necessary'.
Has 'more than once' heard from them that they thought 'there would be no objection' to his marriage, and indeed that it 'would be a good thing, provided of course' he chose wisely; he has chosen, but 'the circumstances make it very difficult to prove' that his choice is a wise one, since they can 'scarcely come to Holland to judge, or she to Wallington to be judged'. Much therefore must depend on their 'faith' in Robert's own judgement. They might talk to George, especially since he has met her cousins the Grandmonts, through whom Robert got to know her at Taormina. As Robert has said, her uncle and aunt the Hubrechts are 'very nice people, not rich, but of some standing in Holland' as M. Hubrecht is a member of the Privy Council; 'Lord Reay (?), who knows him quite well could tell you more about him'. Elizabeth's father died when she was young, and her mother, Hubrecht's sister, when she was seven; Hubrecht then took Elizabeth and her elder sister (now Mrs Röntgen) into his house and has 'brought them up very well, taking a lot of trouble about their education'. The Frys stayed with the Hubrechts a month ago and 'took to them both very much'. Robert's family need not 'be afraid of unpleasant relations', as in his experience they are 'all quite nice people': Professor Hubrecht, 'old H's son [is] a remarkable man of science, and now... quite celebrated', Robert believes; the Röntgens are also 'delightful', and the Grandmonts have been 'great friends... for four or five years'.
Acknowledges that 'the essential matter is Miss v. d. Hoeven herself', and does not think he has made a mistake; his judgement has not been led astray 'for she is not beautiful or fascinating in any obvious way'; doubts her excellent violin playing has influenced him, though he is glad of it. They 'belong to different countries', but Robert does not consider this a 'fatal objection', since it is not the case that she has 'never lived in England, or spoke English badly, or had no English friends already. Far more serious' he thinks, is his 'being still dependent, and not having made any money'. Considers that his marriage would be a 'great help' in his work, and would like his parents to look at it that way.
There is no need for them to give a 'definite answer' immediately, since he is going to Italy to work this winter, but he would much like to know as soon as possible if they have 'any grave objections', for Elizabeth's sake and that of her relatives, who having decided that the marriage is a good thing, would 'naturally' like it to be settled as soon as possible. Even if his parents were pleased and had no objections, the marriage itself would not be before next summer, mainly since it is 'so serious an event' for Elizabeth to 'leave her country altogether, and her old uncle and aunt who are very fond of her'. Knows he has said little about her, but it it is 'almost impossible to give a true impression of anyone by letter'; is sure his parents would like her very much if they got to know her. Feels he is 'sending these letters into the dark', meaning he has little idea of what effect they will have on his parents' minds. Sees nothing wrong in them writing to her uncle if they want to know more than he has told them. Will stay on in the Hague at the Hôtel d'Angleterre till he hears from them and then go on to Italy.
Is 'quite serious', and not allowing his judgement to be 'carried away' by his feelings, and neither is Elizabeth. 'Still, we do feel, and deeply, only we have thought too'. Neither of them are 'expensive' and Elizabeth has 'a little money of her own', enough to live on for herself it that was what she wanted; Robert has 'succeeded in living within [his] £400' so 'whatever increased allowance were necessary would not amount very much'.
Elizabeth says she used to know well 'the old people at St Andrews who are such friends' of his parents and whom they wanted him to visit when he was there; can't remember their names, perhaps Nicholson [see 13/56, in fact the Donaldsons, perhaps the family of James Donaldson]. Elizabeth also knows 'the Croppers of El[l]ergreen' and has stayed with them once, though 'she is not at all like any of the Croppers, in fact she is very different'. Sends love to every one, and hopes 'this will turn out well for us all'.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Bessie for her kind note; wishes she could 'just ship Donald [Tovey] off to Amsterdam', but he is going to play in Leeds then representing Oxford at the centenary of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna. He is much better again, though things are 'still very difficult' for her. The gossips in London say Hugh Godley declares 'he will not rest till he has detached Donald' from her; 'whatever is really best for Donald' will be best for her and she is not afraid as long as he 'remains his own good self'. Wishes he could go and stay with the Röntgens and Bessie; he is with Neville Lytton at the moment. The Klinglers [Klingler Quartet] are coming to Northlands when they will have more of his music, and [Adolf] Busch is going to put on his music in Vienna, so she hopes 'proper appreciation is in sight at least'. Wishes Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"] were finished. Donald has shown her a letter from Guilhermina Casals [Suggia] written in Munich, which he says 'was exactly like the one to Madame Röntgen'. Is convinced the letters were not written by Guilhermina but by Pablo [Casals]: they are not at all in her style. It is 'the most frightful tragedy': she believes Guilhermina still values Donald 'rightly', but love Casals and had to write the letters or 'be thrown out into the street again' so she has betrayed Donald. Asks if she can have Guilhermina's letters to her back; Donald took them but said she ought to have them. Has also received a letter from 'old Madame Casals', asking her to write her a 'bonne lettre'. Thanks Bessie for seeing to her 'poor little chain'. Has sent Donald Bessie's letter at the Lyttons.
Prinsegracht 10, 's Gravenhage:- Thanks Sir George for his recent 'kind lines'. If Elizabeth's marriage [to Robert] takes place here, and so is 'regulated by Dutch law', her children will be 'inevitably the proprietors of half of her capital if she leaves one [child]', two thirds if two, and three quarters if three or more. Dutch civil law' 'forbids disposing of her capital during her life or by will in any other way'; a surviving husband is generally 'appointed by will to be usager for his lifetime' of the remainder of the capital, which remains the property of the children. When Elizabeth's sister married she 'also settled the matter in this way', so it may be supposed Elizabeth will do the same.
Is now studying what needs to be done to make a 'marriage in Holland perfectly legal in England too'; finds the Married Woman's Property's Act of 1884 does 'not in the least object to the settlements' upon which he and Sir George agree; it 'might be judged necessary to repeat the Dutch wedding at the British legation here', but is not sure on this point. They have enough time to get information on this, so does not 'fear any difficulty in clearing it completely' with Sir George's 'own kindest support'. Would be very good to meet, but acknowledges the possibility is 'so far off for the present!'. Asks for his wife, Elizabeth and himself to be remembered 'with kindest regards to Lady Trevelyan'.
c/o Madame Grandmont, Villa Ma Retraite, Ede, by Arnheim, Holland:- Has been here 'several days', having 'a very pleasant time'; the weather has been 'dreadfully hot' but after several thunderstorms is now better. Will stay for a few more days, then go to Amsterdam and the Hague with Madame Grandmont before returning to England around the 14th.
The household here 'consists of M. Hubrecht and his wife', the parents of Madame Grandmont; the Grandmonts, 'a sister of Madame G [Maria Hubrecht], and a cousin of theirs who has always lived with them, the one who plays the violin [Elizabeth des Amorie van der Hoeven]'. 'Old Hubrecht' is on the Queen's Privy Council, and 'rather a swell. He is very nice and sensible, but rather tiresome sometimes... rather funny about small matters. But he is a very typical Dutch character'. He is 'a friend of Lord Reay' and in some ways reminds Robert of 'Grandpapa Philips, though he is not so forcible'. His wife is 'a charming person, and at 76 still insists on managing her housekeeping all by herself'. Has already told his mother about the Grandmonts and their cousin.
More cousins, the Röntgens, who are musicians, are coming soon, but Robert has not yet heard much music. His hosts are 'very moderate about the Transvaal, and though they disapprove strongly of Chamberlain [Joseph Chamberlain, British minister for the Colonies] and think a war would be wrong, they are not at all pleased with the Boers'. Went to Utrecht yesterday, where he lunched with Mrs Grandmont's brother Professor Hubrecht, 'a celebrated Zoologist, who has discovered the missing link in a Javan or Sumatran monkey'. Utrecht is a 'nice old town, but there are no works of art there except the Cathedral tower'.
Hopes everyone is well, and that his father is 'getting on well with his work [on the next volume of The American Revolution]. The roads here 'are paved with brick, which makes an excellent pavement, besides being beautiful'.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Originally enclosing some brown thread giving 'the length for the chain'; they could perhaps also supply a few opals if there are some missing. Is very tired after 'these anxieties and agitations' and very worried about Donald: he is showing the strain by behaving towards her as he did four years ago which makes it 'difficult to take care of him', and she has 'no dear Bob and Bessie to trust him to'. The 'affair itself threatens to end in bathos': she has had a 'rapturous' letter from 'the wife' [Guilhermina Suggia] saying how glad she is to be with her Pablo [Casals] again. Wishes Professor Röntgen could force Pablo 'to unsay all the wicked nonsense he wept out to all and sundry here'. Sends her love to all six Röntgens; they will be very grateful if Bessie's brother in law [Julius Engelbert Röntgen] can tell them what should be done. Regrets the loss of twenty-six pounds on Thursday's concert.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Will be delightful to have Bessie to stay tomorrow; tells her to come as early as she can, as [Adolf] Busch is here, and the Arányis and Percy Such are coming early tomorrow afternoon. Donald [Tovey] will give her news of Holland;he fled there on Saturday to tell 'his strange tale of the Casals to the dear and kind Röntgens' and came back yesterday 'much comforted'.
Hôtel Bellevue, Bad Nauheim, Hessen. - Is sending a letter from Bobbie [Trevelyan] to Donald [Tovey] at Pablo Casals' in Vendrell; wishes she herself could have news of the Trevelyans. Regrets that she was too exhausted the day after Donald's party to see them again. Still feels tired and depressed. Regrets that Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus"] is 'so far our of Bobbie's hands' that it does not keep him and Donald together and that she seems to see Bessie less; invites her to visit soon when they all return, and hopes Bobbie will not yet have 'scrambled off to the Antipodes'; it would make her very happy to see Julian again. She frets about Donald getting 'sunstroke and cholera and yellow fever' but trusts the Csaals are looking after him. Asks how the 'dear Röntgens' are. Is just booking the winds to perform [Julius Rontgen's] serenade at the first Chelsea Concert. Postscript says she hopes they were pleased with the "Times" review [of "The Bride of Dionysus"; Donald was, and so was she 'on the whole'. Asks if Donald mentioned that she read "Ariadne" with her girls this term.
The Hague. - Does not think Bob ought to wait longer than Wednesday night to come, even if the papers are not yet ready; will meet him at the station on Thursday morning and they can have a quiet day to themselves, their 'private marriage day'. On Friday morning she will be busy with people who are moving her belongings; they will have to go to the Town House [Stadhuis] that day to declare their intention to marry so that the 'publication' [ondertrouw] can take place on the next two Sundays. Has her last lesson [with Eldering] at Amsterdam on Saturday, and wants to go to the Röntgens for the last time with Bob and stay the night, if he does not mind staying in a hotel; on Sunday they must take the 'alto violin' to Mrs Asser, who has moved from Leiden to Haarlem, and can show them her Japanese prints on silk. Has been tearing up her old school exercise books, but has kept some. This afternoon, is going to say goodbye at the Children's Hospital where she used to teach. The Salomonsons are staying at the Hotel Cecil; Jeanne would be 'immensely pleased' if Bob could call on them briefly. Asks Bob to give [Charles Percy] Sanger her 'warmest congratulations'; he is a very good friend to follow Bob's example so soon [in getting engaged to Dora Pease].
Originally enclosing a few more promotional notices [for the forthcoming production of his own "Meleager" and Sturge Moore's "Medea"], which Julian could send to [his Cambridge contemporaries?] [Douglas Elliott?] Braithwaite, Lintot, and [Evert?] Barger, though they may not go even if they are in London. Could not come to the "Bacchae", as he fell from a bus step, sprained his knee, and has been laid up for six days at the Abercrombies' house. Had a rehearsal today, then Bessie fetched him home in their 'new second-hand Vauxhall'. [Ronald?] Watkins said today that he found the "Bacchae" rather disappointing; however, asks Julian to let [J.T.] Sheppard know why he could not come, if he sees him. Originally enclosing a card for the Independent Gallery, where there are ' '6 lovely early Corots... a very fine Degas, a Courbet' and some other things. Will go to the [Jan?] Hubrechts' party on 18 March. Bessie and the Röntgens are going to Edinburgh on Tuesday; he will probably take the night train that day or go up the day after; if Julian also goes to the party he could travel up with him.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Good that the little boy [Charles and Mary Trevelyan's son] 'arrived so promptly'; both he and Mary sound to be doing well. He is to be called George Lowthian. They are now concentrating their interest on 'the next event' [the birth of Elizabeth and Robert's child]. Plans to be with them by the 27 or 18 November, but Elizabeth must say if she wants her to come sooner, telegraphing if necessary. Glad Elizabeth's sister [Mien Röntgen] and the nurse are coming. Mary seems to have 'got through wonderfully well'. Sir George is 'hard at work again' after his visit to the Park [Annie Philip's house] and the shooting party. They have been arranging some Wedgwood china, which Aunt Margaret left to him, in the passage; she left Caroline 'a charming thimble in a box' and both thimble and china have 'family histories attached'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Has returned from a busy time in London; glad to see Elizabeth and Robert's letters to her and Sir George. Saw George, Janet, and the babies, who are 'very sweet'; also Mary, who is 'wonderfully well' and may have her baby at any time; the nurse is in lodgings nearby. They have been trying to settle their winter plans; asks if the 27 or 28 [November] would be a good time to visit, after her Comm[itt]ee meeting on the 27th. Asks how long Elizabeth's sister will stay. Will then return to Wallington for a week; they think they will come south before Christmas. Hope it will be fine for Sir George's shoot tomorrow; several people cannot come because of Parliament, but he has Humphry Ward, John T[revelyan?], and T. Taylor; Dorothy [Ward?] and several neighbours are also coming.
Does not think the women who have been imprisoned [for militant suffrage campaigning] are 'hysterical'; believes they arranged the '"demonstration"' and were sent to prison as they intended. Difficult to say what she thinks of such tactics: in many ways 'it does harm, decidedly; but in others it forwards the cause', keeping the subject alive as less dramatic campaigning cannot do, and arousing 'a great deal of sympathy among labour people'. Does not approve of their methods, but is reluctant to condemn them as she is 'not ready to suffer [herself] for the cause, in the way they are doing'. The [Women's Liberal] Federation are 'very much alive' and were busy from eleven till six on Tuesday; good to see so much energy. Is looking forward to seeing so much of Elizabeth and Robert. A postscript notes that she is 'ordering a piece of Toasting Cheese to be sent'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear that the cot is so pretty; longing to see Elizabeth's preparations but must wait a while. Goes tomorrow to the Park [to see her sister Annie]; Sir George will come the day after. Will be in London from Monday till Wednesday, and returns to Wallington before coming to Elizabeth. Mary and Janet are both now settled in London; Mary seems very well. Was busy last week with the Conference, which was very successful, with over 180 delegates; Mrs Swann and Mrs G. Smith both stayed at Wallington; sends a longer report which she asks Elizabeth to return. Hopes Elizabeth has better news of her sister. Booa [Mary Prestwich] and Grace have returned from ten days away, staying at the Park and with Booa's relations. Sir George is well, and only has one more chapter to write.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letter; neither of them are 'very openly emotional', so it means a great deal. Supposes they will get through somehow, but 'it is not very easy'. Julian has had 'all sorts of "larks"' since Elizabeth left, and only spent one evening at home; he spent a 'blissful' afternoon at the station and went yesterday to see the sheep market; he also played cricket one day and is said to have bowled out Kitty. Miss Evans does not think it hurts him to get excited, and he is sleeping well. Originally enclosing part of a letter from Annie [Philips] about Denmark. Asks if Elizabeth has heard again about her sister [Mien Röntgen]; Holland will be 'overwhelmed with refugees'. Sorry Julian has such a long journey on Tuesday.
Ma Retraite, Ede; envelope addressed to R. C. Trevelyan Esq-re, 3 Hare Court, Inner Temple, London EC - Is writing having got up very early to see the [Roger] Frys off. Curious to see which weaknesses of hers have inspired Bob to 'compile sharp satires'; does not think he has had the opportunity to get to know her faults, proved by him saying she seems to be wiser than he is and 'so sensible', though 'that is a common mistake' and her family tease her for looking like a 'wise professor'. She does not think she knows many of his weak spots, except for the very obvious ones, which are not heavy; has been very impressed by his 'excellencies & learnedness', and 'used to feel a great dunce' at Taormina though this has worn off a little. Describes the [Roger] Frys' visit: went to the Hague with Bramine to hear a concert of a cappella music conducted by [Johannes] Messchaert; returned next morning on the same train as the Frys and met at Ede station. Dreadful weather all through their visit, but they had some walks (on the second day only Mr Fry, her uncle [Paul François Hubrecht] and Elisabeth herself kept going); played them music on both nights (as Bob said, they 'liked the old music best on the whole), and yesterday morning Grandmont read them 'a great part of [Browning's] "Pippa Passes" in his translation', surprising that Mr Fry had never read it. All very sorry they had to leave so soon; the Frys promised to come again in the spring. Would very much like to get to know them better. Did not see much of what Bob says about Roger Fry's 'orthodoxy', except when he said that in music and painting, it was not possible to properly appreciate 'modern development of art' if you were not a real admirer of what has gone before; might be true of painting but she is sure it is not of music. He seemed generally to be 'a very charmingly sympathetic & very intelligent being', and she to be 'perhaps more original even, very clever certainly'; Elizabeth 'felt a dunce again'. Her uncle also liked them very much.
Last Sunday was very happy: her sister and her husband [the Röntgens] and the 'four Hubrechts from Utrecht' [Ambrosius Hubrecht and family] came for the day to say goodbye to 'Ma Retraite'; her cousin Professor Hubrecht is 'always full of fun' and it was very different from what one might imagine 'a Dutch stolid serious family party to be!' Finds it delightful to be part of such a family bond. Approves of Bob's 'plans about building public baths' but does not think the public would use them; certainly the Dutch do not wash 'their bodies as well & as often as their houses, streets, & furniture'. Tells Trevelyan how to write out a Dutch address, though there is no reason not to follow the common English custom of using English names and spelling for 'everything foreign'.
10 Prinsegracht, The Hague. - Is writing to the relations and friends his mother mentions, and to some others; cannot therefore write for long to her, as he has to participate in some formal calls by Bessies's friends and relations this afternoon. Encloses the photograph of Bessie, which is not a good one but the best they have at the moment. All is well, which owes much to her and his father's 'extreme kindness'. Must leave for Milan next Thursday to catch the Frys [Roger and Helen] there. Kind suggestion that Bessie should visit England in the Spring; wonders if his parents will be in London or Welcombe around March, or she could come to Wallington; her uncle and aunt would certainly not object. His mother said he might find her advice 'a bore'; in fact he thought it 'very good', and will try to keep to it. Asks if she could send photographs of herself and his father to the Hubrechts; they will send theirs soon. Paid a visit to Amsterdam yesterday and saw Bessie's sister Mrs Röntgen, who is 'much pleased' with the engagement; they are very nice and he expects his mother will meet them at some point. Sends thanks to his father for his letter in a postscript; will reply soon; Bessie liked his mother's to her very much. Postscript in pencil adds that the photograph of Bessie is not good enough so they will not send it, she may perhaps get a new one done.
They [she and Julius] thank Robert for his 'most interesting book' [his translation of Aeschylus' "Oresteia"?]; they will take it to the country to enjoy it 'in quietude'; wishes him 'great success' with it. Must also be a 'deliverance' for Bessie to have finished her translation [of " Character and the unconscious : a critical exposition of the psychology of Freud and of Jung" by J.H. van der Hoop]. Has not yet met Dr van der Hoop. The Röntgens all hope that next year will bring all the Trevelyans to Holland again; 'such a long time' since they last met. Asks whether Robert agrees Julian has a 'great [underlined] talent for painting': 'Not onely [sic] the colours but the expression is so good also'. Expects the Trevelyans will have 'cosy days together'. All best wishes.
Brack's Doelen Hotel, Amsterdam. - The Trevelyans must come to Englefield Green when [Julius Engelbert and Abrahamina] Röntgen are in England; they arrive on 7 May, asks if Bessie could look in a Bradshaw [railway guide] to see how they could best travel from London. Hopes that they will all be able to entertain each other, as she will be 'absolutely distracted' by work and they have been incredibly kind and hospitable to her; hopes the Casals [Pablo and Guilhermina Suggia] will be staying too as he is playing on the 10th and 11th. Some of them can stay at the Wheatsheaf at Virginia Water, and they can use the concert room as a sitting room. Wishes the 'new Toveum' was built. Is sorry that she 'wailed' at Bessie about Ariadne ["The Bride of Dionysus", see 8/53] but it is 'almost tragically disquieting'; thinks the 'fearful pull in another direction' [Tovey's feelings for Mary Kelly?] which is 'helping to lame the poor fellow', though he has just written some beautiful songs. Will have no peace until the opera is totally finished, and at least Tovey's symphony written, but does not know when that will be, while Donald lets his career slip away. He should have gone on writing for the "Times" and done some teaching. Is however no longer anxious about his playing. The Arányis will probably also be at Northlands, so there will be a real 'Musikfest'. Regrets that she has not been to the Hague: as it is she has done more than suits her, but Bessie's kind Schwager [brother-in-law: Julius Röntgen] played her the Beethoven G major concerto with Donald 'as orchestra'. Donald is staying to hear Rontgen's new symphony and is staying with them; she is kindly asked to meals, and was taken yesterday to Volendam, which was not what she planned when she came out with her 'faithful "Annie"' [her maid]. Is finding Amsterdam very picturesque and interesting, though it seems 'surprisingly new'. Hopes her 'much admired Julian' is well.
A very pleasant surprise to get Robert's new book, which she at first thought was another hymn book containing [her husband's] "In Babilone"; she had not known Robert was publishing his "Collected Works". Was very 'proud' when she looked through and saw how much she had read, and is pleased that she can now get to know the poetry better as it is all together. Hopes to be able to thank Robert personally soon. Yesterday, had another 'glad surprise' in a visit from Betty Muntz, who was staying with friends at Utrecht. Mr Abas is looking forward very much to making Robert's acquaintance and playing him at chess, and is 'so grateful for [the Trevelyans'] kind invitation'