Empire Nursing Home, Vincent Square, London, S.W.1. - Is getting on very well now [after his operation] with little discomfort. Bessie reads Trollope to him most afternoons, and he usually has visitors each day: T[homas] S[turge] Moore is coming to tea today. Hopes Bessie will go to Paris next week, then on to Holland: no reason for her not to now Bob is 'so well' and go to the C.A.s [Clifford Allens] for the first couple of weeks after he leaves the nursing home. He works through chess games in the papers, and has just been looking at the tournament between Cambridge and Oxford, in which the marks were equal; Bronowski, whom he supposes is Julian's friend [Jacob] 'lost his game rather disastrously'. Terence Gray wants to do Bob's [translation of Euripides'] "Medea"in May, which he has agreed to but now regrets; Gray is trying to get [Maria] Germanova for Medea, but 'wants her to do it for nothing'; Bob has telegraphed to her saying she should 'on no account... accept the engagement. It is too monstrous'; Gray probably wants him to step in and pay Germanova himself, which he will not, as he will not be able to get to rehearsals and go through the part with her; Gray is also intending to put Medea in a mask, which is 'the height of folly' regarding Germanova. Unlikely Germanova would have been able to take the part with her husband [Aleksandr Kalitinsky] so ill. Wonders if [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy has gone to India yet and whether he has finished his book. Hopes Julian is getting on well with his work; frescos must be 'fun to try', though expects Julian is 'likely to make rather a mess at first'. [Étienne Adolphe?] Piot was 'technically quite competent' but artistically bad. Asks to be remembered to [George] Reavey, and to [Jean] Marchand if Julian sees him. Hopes Bessie will come to Paris next week, and see the Luce family. He and Bessie had hoped to see the Sykes family this month, but had to put it off; supposes [Hugh]'s exams are coming up anyway.
28, Rue de la Tourelle, Boulogne sur Seine. - Looking forward to seeing Trevelyan next week; Madame G[ermanova] has a longstanding commitment to go with her son to see a friend; will try her best to come back. Is busy working as his book is due in October. Will be very glad to see Clifford Allen and his wife again. May not be in Paris in September, as he feels he must go to Spain to see the events he reads of himself.
28, Rue de la Tourelle, Boulogne-sur-Seine. - Thanks Trevelyan for offering to help: Madame Germanova will thank him in person. She will have little time in England; asks if she can come to lunch on Sunday 22. Trevelyan can talk this over when he goes to se her play on the 20, or write to her at the Globe. They have seen Kindall several times. Has got a car on 'the instalment system'; this is the latest craze. Asks if Trevelyan could come over soon for a few days, and to be remembered to the Allens and Mrs Trevelyan. Is sorry he cannot come to England soon.
The Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Station Street. - Is 'very flattered' by the offer to play Prometheus [in Trevelyan's translation of Aeschylus' play], and grateful to [Gordon] Bottomley for thinking of him. Mr [Terence] Gray had not told Toyne which part he wanted to play; he heard about it from Clifford Allen via his mother. Has asked his current employers about being released to act for Gray and Trevelyan; was told that the Birmingham Repertory Company 'never stood in the way of their members'. However, they have treated him well after he had been 'out of interesting work for some time', and he gathers that his release would 'greatly inconvenience them' at the moment; therefore felt 'morally obliged' to refuse Gray's offer, much to his own 'personal chagrin'. Encloses the program for the season [no longer present] for reference: is not playing an 'interesting ' part until the fifth part of "Bach to Methuselah" [by G. B. Shaw], starting on 20 October. Would be 'honoured' to play the part next term if it would really not 'inconvenience' Gray to postpone the production until then, and would be free any time after 14 December; could get released at any time if necessary to play the part, but as explained is reluctant to do so unless 'absolutely necessary'. Unless Trevelyan thinks it necessary to see Toyne acting, any day would suit him to meet; has indicated his parts in the enclosed program.
Madeira Cottage, Lyme Regis. - Intends to go to Paris on March 15th, then Vence, and on to Florence at the beginning of April. Is keen to see Trevelyan, Norton, Abercrombie and Clifford Allen. Asks if he might be accommodated comfortably, and if Allen will have all he needs for his health. Can come later to avoid overcrowding. Will see Trevelyan in Cambridge.
Is going to Italy on 6 January; if Julian is in Paris that week he might stay there for a couple of nights before travelling on. Betty Muntz is arriving from [Le] Havre on the morning of the 6th; she will spend the day in Paris then travel on to Florence, Cortona and Assisi with Bob; she will have two or three weeks in Italy, he will stay on until the end of February. Bessie has just had two teeth out, but otherwise is well; she is reading [Robin] Fedden's book, which Bob has not done yet. The [Oliver] Lodges and their baby [Rosalie Belinda] are well, as is C.A. [Clifford Allen] who is starting a debate in the House of Lords today 'more or less attacking the Government about aeroplanes'. Bob thinks he rather agrees with Mussolini that the League of Nations should be detached from the Versailles Treaty. Hopes Julian will be able to sell his film; supposes his engravings will soon be at the Leicester G[alleries]. Hopes to see [Maria] Germanova in Paris; saw Nijinsky's daughter [Kyra?] at Lady Ottoline [Morrell]'s, who pronounced Germanova's name with an accent on the second syllable instead of the third. Must write to [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy. Asks if Julian would like him to bring any books, such as Virginia [Woolf]'s "Flush", which is 'quite good'.
Very glad Julian has been able to get the tax reduced [see 15/85-86]; thanks him for returning the cheque. If Julian ever finds himself in any difficulties, hopes he will always let him know; would much prefer to help him than for him to have 'money worries and debts', especially as he knows Julian is 'quite sensible and economical'. A pity he will have to give up his studio. but expects he can get something not too bad much cheaper. Part of Roger [Fry]'s inaugural lecture for the Slade Professorship appears in the "Times" today; will send it though it is 'too mutilated to be very interesting'. There are 'goodish reviews' of [George] Reavey's Russian translations "Soviet Literature: An Anthology" in the "Times [Literary] Supplement" and "Man[chester] Guardian"; has the book but has not yet read it; it seems well done. Will probably not go abroad until January, though his plans are not yet definite. The Geoffrey Youngs are coming for the weekend. Bessie is quite well, and so is C[lifford] A[llen] at present.
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Has just heard of the death of Clifford Allen and is very sorry: it must have been a comfort both for the Allens and for Trevelyan that they were near in his last weeks. Only met him once, but remembers him as 'very endearing'; it is sad that 'so much keenness to live has been taken from him' and that Trevelyan has lost a younger friend who could have been 'with him for ever'. Asks if a friend of his, and Nicky [Mariano]'s could come and stay with a family in England to learn English and teach Italian language and literature. B.B. [Berenson] and Nicky come tomorrow; Mary seems 'more rested than usual'; Karin 'is entertaining but a bit mad'.
Glad Julian is having such a good time in Spain. Betty Chetwynd wrote recently saying that she was going to Paris on 1 Oct, so recommends that Julian write to her about bringing the parcel of drawings and canvasses. Betty Muntz's sister Hope is also going to Paris soon, so Julian could write to her; recommends he meet her, as they should get on. [Lascelles] Abercrombie is still 'rather well', as is [his daughter] Elizabeth. Donald [Tovey] is finishing scoring his cello concerto, and will leave on Tuesday. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is very well but [his wife] less so. Had a 'pleasant' week at Wallington and Hallington. Bessie is well, but 'a bit over-driven with all our guests and invalids'.
If Julian is back in Paris, he should try to see [Bernard] Berenson at once, as he will be leaving soon. Also hopes he will soon see [Hasan] Suhrawardy, who has been back in Paris for a while. Wishes that Suhrawardy could come to England, as he is not sure when he himself will go abroad but it might not be until almost Christmas or later. Fears Suhrawardy might not have enough money to visit, and would be glad to send him some but does not like to ask, especially as he sent some for Andrusha [Kalitinsky]'s expenses at university in Zurich. Might be best to wait until he can see Suhrawardy in Paris, but would be glad to hear how he is. Would be delighted to put up Julian at any time. Donald [Tovey] has just come with [his wife] Clara and a nurse, and will stay for at least two weeks; he is much better, but not well enough to return to Edinburgh this winter. Bessie is well, and C.A. [Clifford Allen] has recovered. Is trying to write a 'prose story, having renounced the Muses for the time at least', but expects they will come back to 'torment' him again; writing prose is 'much more fun than writing verse'', but dialogue is 'the devil'.
Sends the address of the hotel where B.B. [Bernard Berenson] and Nicky [Mariano] are staying in Paris, though Julian may not return soon enough to see them. [Hasan] Suhrawardy is in Paris so Julian will see him; gives his new telephone number. Originally enclosing a cutting from the "Man[chester] Guardian", though Julian has probably heard more about it. Expects he will go abroad early in December. [Donald] Tovey is better; may come to the Shiffolds for a while with his nurse next month. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is 'also fairly well', though he has 'become very critical of the P.M. [Ramsay MacDonald] and will soon probably criticise him openly'; all this though is too complicated for a letter. Hopes Julian's film is going well and that the weather will allow him to finish it this year. He and Bessie are both 'quite well'. Has not been able to get an answer from [Hugh] Sykes Davies, so will have to go to Cambridge soon to see him.
Thanks Julian for his letter; asks him to let them know next time whether [Maria] Germanova, [Aleksandr] K[alitinski] and Rex [their dog] are living in [Hasan] Suhrawardy's rooms or elsewhere, whether they are very uncomfortable, and whether they have heard when Suhrawardy is returning, as he was 'very vague' in his last letter, though he seemed to like Bob's "Epistle" to him. Terence [Gray] and [Frank] Birch seem to want to produce his translation of Euripides' "Medea" at the end of May; thinks this means Birch rather than Terence, and perhaps he will like his production more than he usually does Terence's. Does not know whom they have chosen to play Medea, and fears it will be 'no one adequate'; Germanova is 'out of the question... after the fiasco of Terence trying to get her for nothing last year'; in addition she would need weeks of study and coaching to do it in English, even if she could leave Kalitinski, which she clearly cannot; asks Julian to say how Kalitinski is now. Bessie is distributing the notices for [George] Reavey's book ["Faust’s Metamorphoses: Poems"]; Bob thinks it would be better if they had a sample of the poetry as well as the drawings. Sends his love to [Jean] Marchand, if Julian sees him again. Will not go to Paris at Easter, nor to Wallington for Kitty's wedding, but stay at the Shiffolds. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is 'fairly well', but has 'ups and downs'; Bob is going with the Allens to see René Clair's ["À nous la] Liberté" on Thursday, but otherwise he 'plug[s] away at [his translation of] Lucretius"; will soon have to get in touch with [Hugh] Sykes Davies again. Julian's Mount Athos picture 'looks very well on the floor still'; must put it up over the fireplace. Quotes a poem by Po Chu-I [Bai Juyi] about his study. Things are going more smoothly at Edinburgh now; thinks [his and Tovey's opera "The Bride of Dionysus"] will be better sung and produced than last time.
Originally enclosing a 'rag of a News-sheet, which has been practically edited by C.A. [Clifford Allen] for the P.M. [Ramsay MacDonald] under very difficult circumstances'; for example, he 'could not get the P.M. to improve his obscure and somewhat crude article'. It may be a 'beginning of something valuable'; it is mainly 'addressed to Labour people'. Bessie is writing to [Maria] Germanova and hopes she can come over with Andreyusha [Kalitinski, Germanova's son]; unfortunately he will have to be in Edinburgh from about 18 March until the end of the month; everything is going well there at present [re the production of his and Donald Tovey's opera the "Bride of Dionysus"] as far as he knows. Francis Birrell has asked for Julian's address, as a young cousin of his is studying at the Sorbonne and thinks it would be good if they could meet. Julian's picture is now hung up in the library, and looks good there. Asks if Julian has borrowed a 'small "Tristan Shandy" and "[The Brothers] Karamazov". Will send his own new book ["Rimeless Numbers"] soon.
National Liberal Club, Whitehall Place, S.W.1. - Glad to hear Julian is coming to London soon; [Maria] Germanova will be here on 24 February to act [Hjalmar Bergman's] "Joe et Cie". He and Elizabeth have written to her suggesting she should come a few days earlier and visit the Shiffolds; Shahid [Suhrawardy] could meet her in London; if this is impossible, they hope she will visit on Sunday morning between performances, since she must return straight after the Sunday evening one. Has got Julian a ticket for the play on Friday; also one for the Busch Quartet which they hope he will come to. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is ill again, after a 'very good winter'; but he seems a little better now.
c/o Conte Umberto Morra di Lavriano, Villa Metelliano, Cortona, prov. di Arezzo, Italy. - He and [Umberto] Morra send best wishes for the New Year. Has been here a week after a fortnight at I Tatt; Mary [Berenson] was 'very ill', but seems to be recovering; it will however be a 'long illness'. Only saw her twice, for a couple of minutes; she was 'very charming' and asked after Julian. B.B. [Bernard Berenson] was 'subdued, but very sympathetic'. There were no dinner guests, so most nights Nicky [Mariano] read aloud "Anna Karenina", which he found very fine and much 'more subtle' than he, or B.B., remembered. Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] were 'a bit tired out by their two pupils'; they and [their daughter] Kinta all asked after Julian and seemed to have enjoyed his visit. Hears from Bessie that Julian's show opens on 15 January; if he stays in England until the end of the month Bob will be sure to be back at home. If C.A. [Clifford Allen] goes to Paris, will try to meet him there. Expects he will stop for two or three days at I Tatti when B.B. returns around the 20th, then come back home. Though it is very cold, has been out in the hills every afternoon trying to start a long poem. The "Nation" have at last published his 'blasphemous poem'. He and Morra read Shakespeare, Ariosto and Tasso in the evening; Makalé [the dog] barks on these moonlit nights, which makes him 'open the window and shout at him in English and Italian'. Sends love to [Maria] Germanova, [Alexandr] Kalitinski and Andr[usha Kalitinski] if Julian sees them. Is going to Florence to celebrate the new year with Alda [Anrep], Nicky etc. Glad Julian is seeing Millet; John Walker will probably be in Paris for a few days so Bob has given him Julian's address, but explained he is likely to be very busy; got to like Walker, who will probably stay at the [Hotel] Londres, 'very much this time'.
Julian's letter from Rome arrived this morning; hopes this will catch him at Poggio and that he found [Umberto] Morra at Cortona. Sends love to all at Poggio [the Waterfields], also to the B.B.s [Berensons] and Nicky [Mariano]. Going to Edinburgh from 9-13 November as he has a lot to do there with Donad [Tovey, re the new production of their opera "The Bride of Dionysus"]. He and Elizabeth are going to a concert at Haslemere involving Jelly [d'Aranyi] and Adila [Fachiri], and are bringing back Jelly for the night; if Julian wants to come to that concert, he should let Elizabeth know, but expects he will not want to return to England so soon. The 'elections are very queer. Labour has made a fool of itself'; hopes it will 'learn its lesson'. Everything depends on MacD[onald], whom C.A. [Clifford Allen] has been 'actively supporting throughout', Bob thinks rightly, though it is difficult. Charles has lost his seat, 'of course'. Will be very interesting to hear Julian's 'adventures'. Has to go to London to have a tooth out now.
Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov. di Firenze). - Elizabeth sent Julian's letter giving Belgrade p[oste] r[estante] as an address, so hopes this will be forwarded. Glad Julian has had so good a time; expects he will be in Greece by now. Is at B.B. [Bernard Berenson]'s; [Raffaello] Piccoli is here at the moment talking to Berenson about Sir Thomas Browne, whom he has been translating. He is evidently still 'far from well', but seems better today; if Julian is passing through Naples on his rerun from Greece Piccoli hopes he will visit him there. The Waterfields [Aubrey, Lina and their children] are also hoping Julian will come to Poggio [Gherardo] on his way back; he himself spent 'a very pleasant week in camp with them', doing some work on [his translation of] Lucretius and his own writing; they were all very nice, though Aubrey 'as usual was often very cross, chiefly with Lina, who always takes it very nicely'. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed Julian's visit, and he 'had become more or less legendary': Bob was for instance taken to see the rock which Julian 'had split by painting it', and Aubrey had done a sketch of the incident. Cecil [Anrep], who is 'very nice, and knows English much better' is here for a few days. Bob is travelling to Paris on Tuesday, will spend two nights with [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova, then go to London on Friday and the Shiffolds on Saturday. [Aleksandr] Kalitinski and Germanova, and he supposes Rex [the dog], will probably go to Prague for the winter; S[uhrawardy] is going to India after spending a few days in England. Kalitinski seemed much better when Bob was in Paris a month ago; while there Bob went to the Colonial Exhibition and saw the Bali Ballet. B.B. and Nicky [Mariano] would be glad to se Julian if he comes to Poggio. Roger [Fry] seems to have been at Florence and to have 'got on quite well with B.B.'.
Everyone hopes Julian will be 'very careful about the dogs' if he goes walking in Greece; he [and his friend Ralph Parker] 'should both have big sticks, as long as possible'; B.B. is sure that 'the young man who was lost on Parnassus' was killed by dogs, though Bob thinks it more likely he fell down a precipice. B.B. thinks Mistra [Mystras] is 'much more interesting' as regards art than Athos, though he has not been to the latter; he is 'very much irritated against Biron [Robert Byron]', who is now writing for the "Statesman", and says he 'talks great nonsense about art'; still, 'one might get a good deal from his book ["The Station, Athos"]'.
Wonders whether Julian will come to England before settling at Paris again; he should find the Shiffolds 'more or less in order'. Does not understand the 'political upset in England', and is reserving judgment until he can see C[lifford] A[llen] and others; T.M. [? ie Thomas Sturge Moore?] writes that Allen is also reserving judgement until the facts, which are 'very complicated', are clearer; Bob however thinks it a 'bad business', and that the Labour movement is 'smashed up for some time'; this is not a 'National Government', but a 'Tory-Liberal Coalition, which may, or may not, have been necessary to save the pound from collapsing'. Hopes Allen will not 'take it too tragically'. Encloses a 'poem in Po Chu I's manner', "Comano" which refers to a wonderful view he, Aubrey and Lina discovered one day; dated Aug 1931.
Furzen Wood. - Originally enclosing 'a review that may interest' which he thinks, on stylistic grounds, is written by Roger [Fry]. Hopes Julian is enjoying the South of France. Bessie seems quite well, and to be enjoying herself in Holland; he himself is not totally well yet, which he has made an excuse for not going to see [Terence Gray's production of his translation of] "Antigone" at Cambridge, though he goes to London to see Donald [Tovey]'s concerts and some of the Russian operas, and is probably doing too much. Negotiations for performance of Tovey's opera ["The Bride of Dionysus", for which Bob wrote the libretto] again next February or March. Doubts if he will go abroad in July, but will probably go to the Lakes with the C.A.s [Clifford Allens] for a while, and must go to see Tovey at Hedenham to get him to 'correct his programme proofs at last'; Bessie could come later if Julian is coming over just then.
Furzen Wood, Abinger Common, near Dorking. - Has been sent some money for Julian's furniture, which he has paid into the account at Drummond's. Elizabeth has had to put off her visit to the Netherlands because of her 'nose-bleeding', which is 'not serious but a nuisance'; expects she will be able to go in a week or two. Is 'fairly right again' now himself, though gets tired if he does too much. They went to London on Wednesday for Donald [Tovey]'s first concert with Adila [Fachiri], who played a Bach sonata with Donald's new Dolmetsch harpsichord - though this could not be heard at all, 'as Adila would not play softly, though she said she did', and the Wigmore Hall 'swallowed up the poor harpsichord's jangling in its unacoustic maw'. The rest of the concert went well. Sorry to hear that Shahid [Suhrawardy] is ill and hopes it is not serious; supposes this may prevent him going to India. Hopes [Aleksandr] Kalitinski is better. Is going to see his [translation of Sophocles'] "Antigone" 'performed, or misperformed, by Terence [Gray]' at Cambridge; has kept away from rehearsals so is 'not responsible'. Has begun work again on an epistle to [Arthur] Waley and 'plugging away at [translating] Lucretius'. Must write to [Hugh?] Sykes soon to see when he can come to talk about it. He and Bessie are 'both quite cheerful, in spite of noses and operations'; the Allens [Clifford and Joan] also seem all right, though they have to take [their daughter] Polly up to London every other day for eye exercises. Hopes Julian's 'frescoe [sic] project will flourish'; warns him not to fall off the scaffold 'like Barna [da Siena] at San Geminiano [San Gimignano]'. Asks to be remembered to [George] Reavey, and hopes he has recovered.
c/o B[ernard] Berenson, Poggio allo Spino, Consuma (Prov di. Firenze). - Glad Julian is having such a good time; expects he will be at or near Aulla by now. Unsure whether he himself will be able to get to Aulla; expects he will stay here until the end of the month then go home; hopes Aubrey and Lina [Waterfield] will not be annoyed with him. Might be able to come for a few days early in September, but fears Julian would have left by then. B.B. [Berenson] likely to go to Paris then so Julian would probably miss him, or the house would be full since Mary is coming from England with some guests. Nicky [Mariano] and the Anreps [Alda and Egbert] are here at the moment, and [Alberto] Moravia is staying in the village nearby. Julian could maybe arrange to do this, but will probably want to go on to Ravenna.
Spent some time in Paris with the Allens [Clifford and Joan], and saw [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova; then went with the Allens to Bolzano for almost a week. Clifford Allen seems much better in health; they will return home soon via Heidelburg. Bessie writes that the 'last difficulties to the building contract have been removed'; she has probably signed it by now. Roland [Vaughan Williams] will not allow the house to be 'plastered smooth', so the 'old part shall remove rough-cast, and the new part be brick': he is sorry, but Julian may prefer it. Is reading a lot, but has done little work, except on translating the "Medea" for Germanova, who 'seems to want very much to do it in America next year'. Received Julian's letter at Bolzano about 'adventures in the Pyrennees [sic] and in wolf-caverns'; glad Julian is seeing [Frederick] Porter, will pay for any lessons when he returns so he should keep an account. Sends love to Lina and Aubrey; will write soon to let them know whether he can visit.
King's College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bob for his 'kind card', which gives 'the musical ox a first [?] hoof'. Asks Bob to tell Janet she must get two tickets at once, then says he will do it himself, as last year she and George 'arrived on the last night with tickets for another performance', which caused difficulties. Sends 'very warm regards' to Lord Allen: used to hear him speak at the Union many years ago, and is very sorry that he is so ill.
Metelliano. - Hopes Trevelyan has returned safely home 'without more internal troubles'; sends on a letter. Pancrazi is urging him to finish the article on [George] Moore and to talk about his novels, which he does not have at all; asks for help in getting hold of "Esther Waters", "A Modern Lover", and "Drama in Muslin", he will pay Trevelyan back through Nicky [Mariano] if it is a question of Birrell not wanting to send out unpaid-for books. Expects "The Lake" and "Aphrodite in Aulis" through Trevelyan's 'kindness', and has already read "Abelard", which he enjoyed very much, and "Memoirs of My Dead Life". Hopes Trevelyan can think out happily 'the meeting of St Francis with Flaminius' ghost'. Asks to be remembered to 'Lord Alan' [Clifford Allen]; the Allens should be persuaded to come to Italy.
Hotel de Londres, Paris. - Has been in Paris with the Allens for three days, and is going on with them to Bolzano; will be at the Berenson house around 15 July for about a fortnight; may then go to see [Umberto] Morra at Cortona, or to Aulla [to see the Waterfields]. Saw [Jean] Marchand yesterday, who was glad to have seen Julian, and that he is coming to Marchand's academy in the winter; liked some of Marchand's latest work. If Julian returns to Cambridge he could still spend some time with Marchand this winter; would of course be very pleased if he chose to return, but he must use his own judgement. Has seen a lot of [Hasan] Suhrawardy and [Maria] Germanova, who were sorry to have missed Julian; Suhrawardy may be away on Julian's return, but Germanova should be in Paris. Allen is 'fairly well, but easily tired'. Saw Terence Gray briefly in the street, who looked well, and was 'very friendly and cheerful, and almost without his stammer'. Suhrawardy sends love; the Allens are upstairs packing and resting.
Apologies for opening a letter to Julian by mistake, originally enclosed. Will not be able to come to Cambridge as a scalded leg is keeping him in bed. C.A [Clifford Allen] is recovering, but very slowly. Bessie is still in the Netherlands; expects she will return next week. Wishes Julian good luck for his exams: tells him to remember [the names of the seven ancient branches of the Nile] which 'one can always get... into any exam, except sometimes comic sections',
Thanks Julian for his letter; fears he will not be able to come to Cambridge next week, as he has scalded his leg; may be able to visit after Julian's tripos [exams], but does not know has long his term lasts. Expects the Waterfields [Aubrey and Lina] would be at Aulla in September, but that is a long time away. He and Elizabeth seem a little nearer a settlement with Roland [Vaughan Williams] about the house: they are holding out for a thirty five year lease, at least one longer than the twenty one year lease he is offering. Hopes Tom [Sturge Moore?] will not be 'too cantankerous at the Heretics [Society]'. Bessie is still in the Netherlands, and seems to be enjoying herself; C.A. [Clifford Allen] is recovering, but 'very slowly'. Thinks Roger [Fry] is painting a portrait in Cambridge and Julian could see him; tells him to ask Goldie [Dickinson] or at King's.
May try to come to Cambridge before the end of the month. Bessie went abroad on Thursday. C.A. [Clifford Allen] is much better, it will be some time until he and Joan can travel abroad. Joan has chicken-pox and is in quarantine. Does not know about the Waterfields: they have had a lot of paying guests at Aulla, until one, 'a young man from Oxford, suddenly lost his memory and more or less went mad, and is being looked after at Poggio [Gherardo] with nurses'. Expects the Waterfields will go to Aulla soon if the young man can be sent home, but then [their children] Johnny and Kinta will probably come out to visit. Had thought of arranging for the Allens to stay when Clifford is strong enough, but it is unclear when that would be. The Waterfields want him to visit, but he cannot go abroad until the building plans for the Shiffolds are settled, probably by August; may then go to Aulla for a while and on to the Berensons at Vallombrosa. Thinks Julian should write to Lina and ask if he could stay as a paying guest, though he should remember there is not as much space at Aulla as at Poggio, and if the Allens could go they should have preference. Currently here alone, but will go to London on Monday for [Wagner's] "Rheingold with the "Walkyrie [sic]" on Thursday. Desmond [MacCarthy] printed his epistle to him in the May "Life & Letters", but forgot to use the corrected proof, so there are '5 monstrous misprints'. Hopes Julian is finding some time to do some reading. Unsure whether he will be able to come to Cambridge next week. Asks when Julian's exams are, and how he likes Granville Barker's "Shakespeare"
I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Is returning home after about ten days at I Tatti; will return to Florence at the beginning of March. Mary seems much better; her mood is very pleasing to them but not to the nuns, since having been 'a little over-sentimental' after her illness she has now recovered from that too. Hopes she will not remain an invalid. His article on Virginia [Woolf] will appear in the March number of "Pègaso"; Pancrazi thinks he has made the book appear 'very boring', which he did not intend; hopes Trevelyan does not mind the liberties he has taken in translating some of it. Now writing an article about Lytton Strachey and asks for information about his life, upbringing and so on. Is glad about the success of Julian's pictures and that Trevelyan is not worried about the Edinburgh performance [of Donald Tovey's opera "The Bride of Dionysus", with libretto by Trevelyan]. Read [Clifford] Allen's pamphlet ["Labour's Future at Stake"?] with great interest and hopes Allen is well enough to play the part in politics he wishes. Hopes that the French and German elections give better results than expected. Bernson is in a 'quiet but very nice mood, almost resigned'.
West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer. - Enjoyed the opera [Trevelyan and Tovey's "Bride of Dionysus"] very much, and is glad his praise pleased Trevelyan. Confesses that he would have liked to see the Minotaur. Ackerley is leaving the B.B.C. and may be available as a literary editor if Trevelyan wants him: perhaps he could talk it over with [Clifford] Allen. Is sure Sassoon would not do for this. Is 'fatalistic' rather than excited about politics; reserves his concern for interference with the rights of individuals, such as the Montalk case. Is going to Romania and would like to see Trevelyan beforehand.