Showing 18 results

Harnham, Monument Green, Weybridge. - Has heard from Miss V. W. [Vaughan Williams] about Trevelyan's accident at the Pageant: hopes he has recovered. Asks where Paul's 'playground' was purchased, as he would like to buy one for [Hugh Owen] Meredith's children. Returns two books, and his 'silly Dante paper'. 'Miss Bartlett' ["A Room with a View" has been rejected by the USA. Visits Meredith next week, then Mrs Hope Wedgwood; goes to Abinger next and on the 5th September may join [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson in Italy. Wishes that Trevelyan could come too. Is reading Marco Polo, inspired by Masefield's introduction.

Leith Hill Place, Nr Dorking. - Found Bob's 'delightful present', the "New Parsifal", when they got home yesterday; thanks him and will 'value it very much as yet another proof' of Bob's friendship, which he knows is 'very precious' to her. Has as yet only looked at the 'very nice outside', but hopes to begin reading it today. Is 'very proud' to have it as a gift from Bob. Hopes he has had better news of his father; he must have had some 'very anxious days'. Also hopes Bessie and Julian are well again. Her mother is quite well now; they are 'rejoicing in the freshness and clearness of home - and birds singing'. Tells Bob he can come and stay any time he likes while Bessie is away; they can give him a 'quiet room to work in'. Asks if he has seen that the "Times Literary Supplement" is now to be sold separately: Evelyn Richmond says this is 'very important for her brother Bruce', since Lord Northcliffe apparently 'wants to get rid of the Supplement', returning book-reviewing to the main body of the paper, and 'does not believe there is a demand for it'. Would therefore be a good thing if many people who do not take the "Times" write in and subscribe for the "Supplement".

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear Julian is crawling now; will send a parcel for his birthday soon. Unlucky that Miss [Margaret?] V[aughan] Williams has caught measles; it can be bad in adults. Miss Martin came to Welcombe yesterday; they expect the Runcimans, Janet, and George on Saturday; think Charlie is also coming since he stayed at home with a cold last week. Thinks Elizabeth will like Mrs Walter Rea; glad she has 'such nice neighbours'. She and Sir George move to London on 22 Feb; she will go to the concert on the way from the station, and asks whether Elizabeth will be there. Asks how she liked 'the Spaniard' [Benvingut Socias i Mercadé, see 46/174]. Nice that Julian listens to music.

Glad to receive Robert's book ["The Bride of Dionysus"]: has been a 'little ill' in bed and so had chance to read it all and get an 'oversight'; thinks it might be nice for Robert to be able to do so and 'forget the labour'. The poems make a 'grand effect'. Has seen several of the songs, as [Julius] Röntgen has been busy composing them and setting them to music; when he read them aloud in a 'compassionate tone' they made a 'great impression' on her. Röntgen has 'very musically translated' one of Robert's "Dirges"; thinks his 'own heart sang [emphasised] it with you, in remembrance of his own escaped bird' [perhaps his first wife and daughter]. She tried yesterday to read the poems while 'mending the stockings of the whole household', but found these tasks 'rather hard to unite'. Has been thinking a great deal about Robert, Bessy, the child [Julian] and the Shiffolds; keeps composing letters in her head but not writing them, and she never seems to finish the 'little presents for Bessie' . They are 'without patients' in the house for the first time, but she has much to 'learn... and do'; was reading a book by Novalis yesterday in which he compared Goethe to [Josiah] Wedgwood, which made her think of Robert's 'friends and neighbours in your solitude' [perhaps the Vaughan Williamses, relations of the Wedgwoods?]. Asks to him to greet them from her and 'Doorty, "Little Dorrit"', who wants to greet them though she 'doesn't even know whom I mean'. Hopes Bessie will translate this letter; does not think it is 'pure English'. Will have to visit the Trevelyans again. Is making a collar for Julian, which perhaps she will send for Bessie's birthday. Their 'house & hands are still full' of the Trevelyans' presents, which serve as constant reminders. It will be beautiful at the Shiffolds and in the woods now, as the spring is 'more beautiful than ever before'. There is no trace of the 'difficulties of the becoming' of Robert's book in it now; switches into Dutch. Discusses the type, says goodbye to her 'beste broeder & sister; mentions the Enticknaps

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - The photographs [of Julian] are 'delightful'. They have been very anxious about Mary [who has suffered a miscarriage]; Dr Williams stayed two nights 'as there was danger of Haemerrage [sic] and then things would not come away entirely', but she is recovering now; it is very unfortunate and she hopes Mary 'will be more careful another time'. Is sure Elizabeth is 'not running the risks she has done'; hopes she is well and can confirm her news [that she is pregnant]. Hugo Bell has been visiting, and has seen [Donald] Tovey recently, who was 'very full of the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"]; glad Tovey is working hard on it. George plans to visit soon 'by way of a walk'. '[G]reatly excited about politics'; wishes the '[constitutional] crisis were over'. Asks if Margaret V[aughan] Williams would like to visit towards the end of Elizabeth's stay at Wallington.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Bessie came downstairs for the first time [since the birth of their baby] yesterday. She and Paul are both well: she washed him yesterday, and is to have lessons in this. Thanks his mother for the 'three pheasants', which arrived yesterday; they have 'just had one for lunch.

Hopes George, Charles, J[anet], M[olly] and the children are 'all enjoying themselves'. Does not think he should leave Bessie at the moment, as he will be 'going abroad so soon, some time in February' and probably to La Croix. Margaret Vaughan Williams has come to visit Bessie this afternoon; the 'fear of influenza infection is considered over by now'.

Yesterday was beautifully warm, but today it is 'dull and cold'; he thinks though that he must 'go out into the Leith Hill Wood', smoke his pipe, and do some work. Hopes when he comes back from 'abroad' he will have finished his play [Sisyphus], and will not mind her seeing it then, as 'a proper ending will make it twice as interesting'.

Sends love to his father and everyone else; asks her to tell Charles he meant to write to him but then Bessie wrote to Molly; will do so soon unless they see each other in London.

Abinger Hall, Dorking. - Mrs Trevelyan's letter of resignation from LHMC [Leith Hill Music Competitions] Committee was read out at the Committee meeting on Friday and 'received with very [emphasised] great regret' and the feeling that her 'old association with the Festival... from its very earliest days' as well as her 'great musical knowledge & judgement' would be a 'real loss'. Evangeline herself will feel it 'personally', as Mrs Trevelyan is 'bound up with all the old happy days of pioneering with Margaret [Vaughan Williams]'; whose 'whole soul was bound up in it' and who always comes to mind first when thinking of that time. Knows that Mrs Trevelyan feels, as she does, that it was an 'inspiration'; she must 'never feel anything but a part of it' even if she is not sitting on the Committee. Will be a pleasure to keep her informed on what is going on; hopes they will 'never grow too big' and believes the 'area limit' has been their 'great safeguard'. Mr Keep [?] expressed what the whole Committee felt; that they would all miss Mrs Trevelyan greatly, but were glad she could enjoy the Festivals 'especially the last one which came so soon after [her] recovery'; she must have had a 'very trying time'. Hopes Mrs Trevelyan will be able to come to tea next week; asks her to let her know when she might be free.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Has found the photograph of Julian which she likes, and put it into a frame so she does not lose it again. Asks if Elizabeth knows Lady Bell's reading book ["Pauline's First Reading Book"?]; will send it if not. Asks if she likes teaching; she herself liked reading to the children, but 'never managed to teach them anything'. They hope to get through [to Welcombe] on Wednesday. Hopes Mrs A[bercrombie] is better, and that Elizabeth's nannie returns in better health. Janet and the children are coming on the 9th; there is news of G[eorge], and a 'very interesting letter from Rome'. Annie [Philips] is expecting Robin [Price] for a short stay at Pen Moel; supposes he will go abroad soon. Sends best wishes to Mrs V[aughan] Williams and Margaret, and love to Robert; his 'little "pome" looks nice in print'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Annie [Philips] left yesterday after an enjoyable visit; she was very well. Mary is 'quite laid up'; thinks she will get through if she keeps very quiet; Dr Williams is away but her locum has visited and seemed efficient; Mary needs to take these precautions after [her miscarriage] last year. Asks if Mary wrote to Elizabeth inviting her and to stay in October when Sir George and Caroline are away, when C[harles] would also be away. M[argaret?] Vaughan Williams would like to come when Elizabeth was at Wallington; they would also like to see her. Hopes Robert is getting on with his arrangements and innoculations [for his trip to the East]. Pauline sprained her ankle and 'hopped about' for a while but is now better, as is Kitty. Is glad that Molly's cousin is coming on Wednesday; has been playing piquet with her. Julian is 'a duck' and will become most amusing now; glad the nannie will have a good holiday, and hopes Nurse Shepherd will 'satisfy' Julian. The rain is 'beyond words' and is now affecting all the potatoes. Sir George is much better and very interested in Elizabeth's question.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Has been ill in bed since Monday, though she is recovering. Does not really want guests, apart from Elizabeth, after 3 October, as Sir George is likely to be 'very fidgetty' about a speech he has to make at Stratford. Elizabeth can have M.V.W. [Margaret Vaughan Williams] to stay on 15 Oct if she likes, and get her friends to put off for a few days. Mrs Runciman is 'laid up' at Wallington; they were able to get Mary's nurse, and she will be well enough to travel tomorrow. Glad that Robert's inoculation went well; distressed to think of him going so far [on his trip to the East].

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Hopes that the preparations are going well, and that Elizabeth's poor friend [Gordon Bottomley?] copes with the journey. This morning there is a thick mist, and Julian will not go out until it clears so she is writing in the Hall while he plays with his toys. His cousins came to tea yesterday; Booa [Mary Prestwich] 'gave them a performance with the dancing kittens and the black man', and it was bed time when they left. Nurse is sending a parcel of washing. Grace cannot find the Kodac [sic: Kodak camera?]; does not remember Elizabeth having it when she came from the Park [Annie Philip's house]. Had a nice letter from Margaret [Vaughan Williams]; very glad she enjoyed her visit. Miss [Lily] Noble is coming today, and the Dick Holts next Sunday. Julian is 'making "his kisses"' for Elizabeth on a piece of paper [enclosed] which 'he thinks a great joke'; hopes Elizabeth does not miss him too much. Sends the "Times Literary [Supplement]" which is amusing this week.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon - Very sorry for Elizabeth's 'fresh trouble'; it is a 'slight complaint', so even if Julian does catch it he will soon recover, but it is still a nuisance. Mrs V[aughan] W[illiams] is a 'real "friend in need"'. Hopes it will not spread among Elizabeth's children; Elizabeth is right to get Miss Evans away. She herself has been ill since Saturday, with a bad attack of shingles, which is very painful. Hopes Elizabeth's trouble soon resolves itself; thinks '"other people's children" [in this case the Abercrombies] are always a bother'. Asks to be remembered to Mrs Vaughan Williams and Margaret; was hearing news of 'Mr Ralph V.W. in Khakhi'.

Trevelyan has filled in the sections printed on the front: 'Written by' with 'R.C.T'; 'Commenced' with 27 August 1923 [looks like 8]; 'School' with 'Ἡ ΓΗ' ['The Earth' in Ancient Greek]. Notes in his first entry that he has been reading Ponsonby's book ["English Diaries" by Arthur Ponsonby] which has inspired him to start this diary.

Mentions of Mabel [Godwin?], Marian [?], Alice, Bert and Bobbie Elms; Bessie and Julian; his parents; Miles Malleson and his wife [Joan] and uncle [Philip Malleson]; O[liver] Simon at the "Fleuron" (who asks him to translate the "Acts of the Apostles", to be illustrated by Paul Nash); Miss Ewing [later wife of Walter Rea], Nicky Mariano; Bernard and Mary Berenson; Frances and Arthur Dakyns (visiting the Ponsonbys at Fernhurst); his brother George (who has written to the "Times" saying the matter between Greece and Italy should be referred to the Powers not the League of Nations); Margaret and Ralph Vaughan Williams and their mother; Mrs [Jane] Russell Rea; Irene [Cooper Willis or Noel-Baker]; 'Miss [blank left], with whom Rennier had an affair. She is now private secretary to [Henry?] Hamilton Fyfe'; Francis Birrell; Clifford and Joan Allen; 'an Italian-French lady' whom Trevelyan had met at I Tatti; Barbara Strachey; [Simon] Bussy [paintings by]; John Rodker 'and his child [Joan] by Sonia [Cohen]'; a 'nice rather muddle-headed young man.. Labour candidate for Petersfield' [Dudley Aman]; Bertrand Russell.

Works on: translations of Theocritus; his 'Flood poem' ["The Deluge"]; possible continuation of "Pterodamozels"; review of books on metre by Lascelles Abercrombie and E[gerton Smith] (Smith is the first person he has 'attacked' in a review; wonders if Desmond MacCarthy will think his comments 'too strong); review of Sturge Morre's "Judas" for Leonard Woolf at the "Nation"; his 'Pandora play'.

Reads (as well as Ponsonby, and sometimes with Julian): the "Manchester Guardian", Spenser's "Mother Hubbard ['s Tale]", Epicharmus, "Henry IV pt 1", Phaedrus, Macaulay, Aristophanes, the 'Summer number' of Julian's "Hurtenham Magazine", Lucian, the "Mikado"; Ssuma Ch'ien [Sima Qian]; Hastings' "Dictionary of the Bible" [at the London Library]; a "Classical Review" with Duff and Bailey on Lucretius; Molly MacCarthy's autobiography ["A Nineteenth-Century Childhood", 'Very charming']

84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester. - Was delighted to get "The Bride of Dionysus" as a present from Miss Philips; began to read it last night and could not stop. Had heard a little about it from Lady Farrer, who knew it through 'her cousins, the Vaughan Williamses'. Admires the drama very much, and thinks it will 'make a most inspiring libretto for Mr [Donald] Tovey', who stayed with them [Meta and her sister Julia?] once and impressed them both with his 'real genius'; she believes if anyone can write 'adequate music' for the "Bride" it is he.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Thanks her for her letter; the 'sausages were very much appreciated, especially by Julian': thinks he had 'one for breakfast on three mornings'. Also thanks her for the Times [Literary] Supplement; will send it on to [Edward?] Keith. Is very sorry to hear how ill Booa [Mary Prestwich] is; has just written to her, and will try to get Julian to write as well. Bessie and Julian are well, and Bessie's cough now seems to have gone. The weather is still 'frosty', but generally less cold, with sunshine; however, they are 'very tired of the frost and snow'.

Is going to London tomorrow for a night, and will return on Tuesday afternoon with Mrs Gibson and the baby. Hopes to see Charles, as he has not done so for 'some weeks'. Bessie will write soon about Julian's birthday present. Hervey Vaughan Williams, the 'eldest son at Leith Hill Place' is engaged, and they are 'all very pleased'. Does not think his mother knows him: he is Margaret's brother, 'a very nice fellow, of huge size, and rather slow (not stupid) at talking and thinking, and slow at getting married too'.

86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Is certainly better, and his doctor still thinks that in time he will be as well as he was three months ago, but recovery is taking longer than he had hoped at first and so he has not been able to go to Leith Hill Place. Does not think he ever went inside when 'old Mrs Vaughan-Williams' was alive and perhaps never saw her, though he often saw Ralph's sister when she was visiting the Shiffolds. Agrees that the house is in perfect condition now. Thinks he would be interested to see his old letters to Bob, though he doubts he ever wrote anything important enough to make them worth keeping. Did get up the Easter parties every year, except once when Keynes did it, and supposes it was a bother, though less than he would find it now. Interested to hear that Ralph was reworking his "Pilgrim's Progress" after hearing it again.

Harnham, Monument Green, Weybridge; addressed to Trevelyan at Pensione Palumba, Ravello. - Has seen Miss Vaughan Williams, who has received a letter from Elizabeth Trevelyan. Writes to hear all the news from Italy. Is lecturing in Guildford next term, and possibly Cornwall. Has been to see Sanger, who was attacking the Pragmatists such as William James. Is working on a ghost story, "The Purple Envelope", which he intends for "Temple Bar". Has been to "The Confederacy" twice, and to "The Maid's Tragedy". If Trevelyan goes to Pesto [Paestum], asks to be remembered to the station master Amilcare Sabbattini. His 'largest' cousin has married 'a man with a crest', which he attaches.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Since Miss Barthorp wrote by the early post, Elizabeth will know they have all arrived safely. The inconvenience to Miss Barthorp and Julian was Caroline's fault, as she did not tell Hearn to order the fly for them; still, Julian had two motor car rides. A car from Birmingham brought Miss Barthorp, Julian, Booa, Caroline and Sir George; Hearn and the luggage did not arrive till ten at night. Annie [Philips] is coming on Wednesday for a week; she is paying visits in Somerset. Supposes Elizabeth is at Leith Hill Place, but sends this letter to the Shiffolds. Sends regards to Mrs V[aughan] Williams and Margaret; is glad she is with them.