Showing 45 results

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Wonders if she might be 'going to London in a car on Thursday' or returning in one on Friday; expects not, but thought he would '"just mention it"'. Is hoping to see her on Tuesday.

On headed notepaper for Kings College Cambridge, with note 'Coventry actually, where I am spending Christmas and New Year with the Buckinghams. - Thanks Bessie for her card and letter; is glad she is 'as comfortable as these uncomfortable times allow. The Suez imbecility has robbed us of both comfort and honour, and I do resent being deprived of both'.

Is well in himself, and still has 'enough money to stem the rising tide of prices', but is unsure how long that will continue; the 'transport problem is an immediate vexation'. Is very glad to have 'got to Greece in the spring', and Leiden for a week more recently.

Unfortunately Florence [Barger] 'lacks her old strength, and has to live more quietly'; Harriet 'looks after her splendidly', and Evert has 'a good and totally new job in London' so will settle there. Has 'satisfactory news of G. M. T. from [George Trevelyan's son] Humphry.

Had a 'charming and unexpected invitation' to eat Christmas dinner with George Moore and his wife; could not accept as he was going to Coventry. 'Various other professorial or semi-professorial lame or semi-lame dogs' would also have been there, 'an unusual and probably most agreeable occasion'. Kings 'seems to have started off well under its new Provost, Noel Annan. Provost [J. T.] Sheppard is in Texas!'

Encloses a Hungarian Relief card, which he 'only got by writing direct to the Lord Mayor [of London, Sir Cullum Welch, who launched the fund]. The Trash [perhaps the Times?] has boycotted it - really disgusting'.

Sends much love, and hopes to see her 'when things get easier - and may they!'.

Kings College Cambridge [headed notepaper). - Asks if she would be free on Thursday 9th; if so, would 'very much like' to visit for lunch, to see her and 'talk about our talks on the 20th [at the ceremony to mark the opening of Robert Trevelyan's memorial library at Birkbeck'. Fears he would have to return in the afternoon. If that is not convenient, perhaps it would suit her to meet another day in London.

Is doing a broadcast on Bayreuth, and 'must tidy up my script! Florence [Barger] has gone off to America!"

'Near Bayreuth'; postmarked Kulmbach. - Bessie's 'kind letter' reached him and Florence [Barger] here in Germany, where they have been seeing the Ring and Parsifal 'under Evert [Barger]'s good auspices and management'. Gets back at the end of the month, and would 'much like' to see her in London or the Shiffolds before 20th Sept; was 'so pleased to be asked to speak [at the ceremony then to mark the opening of Robert Trevelyan's memorial library at Birkbeck College]. I shan't talk long!'. Very glad that Bessie will also be speaking.

Florence sends love, she is 'off to America! when she returns'

Kings College Cambridge [headed notepaper). - Very nice to hear from her; will answer 'at once like a good boy - which I am not always!'. Agrees that Florence [Barger] is 'wonderful'; he 'found her looking out of the way well'. Has also had a 'good year'; his 'great achievement was getting to Italy for six weeks, to stay with American friends'.

Bessie asks about the London LIbrary; is not on the committee and thinks she should write directly to the Secretary and ask whether Bob's life membership entitles her to become an 'ordinary annual member without paying an entrance fee'; thinks the annual subscription is five or six pounds now but is unsure as he has a life membership himself. Would be more difficult for her to join on a reduced subscription; the Carlyle Fund provides for this, but 'the applicant has to prove special need'. It is 'very nice, and very right' that Birkbeck College allows her to borrow from Bob's library [which she has given to them as a memorial].

His book is about Dewas, the Indian state he was in years ago. Malcolm Darling, 'whom Bob liked and stayed with', has much information about it which Forster has worked in with his own letters from there to his mother. Hopes the book will be published next year; it will be called The Hill of Devi, which is the 'little acropolis that stands about Dewas and gives it its name'.

Would like to come and see her in the warmer weather; may be able to find a 'young friend to bring me in a car - they will sometimes'. Earlier this year he got to the Hammer with John Meade, son of a former rector at Abinger, now at the Staff College at Camberley, who is married to 'a grand-daughter of Major Lugard'.

As from 129 Wendell Road, Shepherd's Bush, W.12. - Thanks her for her letter and news; does 'sympathise' with her over 'this miserable upheaval [the possibility of moving from the Shiffolds]. Sorrow in itself is wretched enough' and from it comes 'the necessity for choices and decisions - at a time when one longs to rest and drift'. She also does 'not have the haven Cambridge so miraculously opened for' him. Julian seems the 'obvious person' for advice, but Forster supposes he 'is not what is called "good" at it, and no amount of trying can produce that sort of "goodness".

Is writing partly as he is 'broadcasting on the Third Programme on the subject of the Third Programme on Saturday and Monday. Great solemnity - recording van sent specially to the Buckinghams in case my ankle [which he had recently broken] feels tired'. He 'got out of plaster earlier this month', and spent a 'pleasant week' in Aldeburgh. His ankle has been 'rather troublesome' since then, but he understands this is 'not unusual'. Has a 'most comfortable and genteel shoe', and is seeing the surgeon again next week. Is just about to leave for London now by car, partly so that he can pick up Agnes [Dowland] at Barnet.

Thinks 'the opera [Billy Budd, for which Forster had written the libretto] will be fine'; has now heard it all, and has been 'strumming at' a proof copy of the piano score this morning. They have still not found a singer to play Billy: he 'must look fine, so central European stomachs are unfortunately excluded'. The final possibility is 'a young man who cannot sing all the notes', as the part is a high baritone. Forster is 'all for having him. What do a few notes matter?'.

Has not seen Florence [Barger] since her return, but has spoken to her on the phone, she 'seemed most happy and prosperous'. Is using another sheet of paper to 'urge you, whatever you decide [about her home and future] not to be too unselfish, but to procure whatever money can provide towards the comfort of your body and mind'.

Occurs to him that she might like to see the enclosed piece [no longer present], written for 'a "Reader's Club" magazine in the States which has been founded by Auden, Trilling and Barzun', whom he respects: they have chosen his new book [Two Cheers for Democracy] for this October, and requested 'something for the magazine'; asks if she can return it.

Postcript: 'Unfinished novel [what was later published in short story form as The Open Boat?] in an awful mess I fear'.

Is very glad that Trevelyan and Bessie rate the book ["Maurice"?] so highly. Wishes they could talk it over together, as he will not now see them for a long time. Asks him to return the manuscript to Florence Barger in Edinburgh. Presumes the Trevelyans have let their house; the Darlings have asked him to find them one.

129 Wendell Road, W.12. - Writes to 'Dear dear Bob' and 'Dear dear Bessie' since 'a little bird whose name... begins with a J [Julian Trevelyan' has told him about their [golden wedding] anniversary'; has 'praised the bird highly and thanked it for enabling me to participate'.

Supposes the 'chief feeling' which comes to him on such occasions is 'a selfish one: memory of all the kindness and helpfulness that you have both shown me through so many years'; this letter conveys 'much gratitude', and also 'many good wishes and very much love''. Hopes they will 'spend this day, and many others, happily'. They must realise 'how much you have done for others' happiness', among them his own.

Adds postscript: Florence [Barger] visited yesterday, and he was 'tempted to pass on the news', knowing she would have liked to write. Thought however that he should not be 'officious'; knows they do not want 'anything of a celebration, or even of a snowball'.

129 Wendell Road, London, W.12. - Since Mrs Barger has gone to Paris, and Morgan [Forster] was unsure whether she had written to Bessie, he has asked Buckingham to tell her he is 'over the first part of the operation & is feeling much better than he expected'; the 'major operation' will be in about ten days time, and Buckingham will let her know the result 'immediately'.

King's Coll. Cambridge [on headed notepaper]. - Bessie has written him 'Two very lovely letters', which he 'value[s] greatly'. Has 'enjoyed becoming seventy, thanks to good health, and everyone's kindness'. What Bessie says about his 'Fiction Fragment', and his 'broadcasting of it', also gives him 'much pleasure. How nice it is to be praised, and I cannot believe it does one much harm'. It would do so 'if it led one to think one was always a success; but with the world as it is, and so completely ignoring the good advice one gives it, one cannot be led into that error.

Glad to hear of Bessie's 'better domestic arrangements'; hope they continue. Owes Bob a letter: has not yet thanked him for his From the Shiffolds. Was 'so glad to read that poem about Goldie again - it never fails to move me'. Hopes to come and see them both again in the spring.

Asks if Bessie knows that Florence [Barger] is a grandmother: the baby [Jennifer] was born to Evert and his wife in New York, and 'cradled in the cradle that lately cradled the baby of Lionel Trilling, who wrote a book on me' and lent it to them; 'Rather charming. All seems well'.

Is 'distressed to learn of Julian's unhappiness', and hopes 'life will become easier for him'.

King's Coll. Cambridge [on headed notepaper, 'as from' added by hand]. - Had meant to answer her 'kind letter' before now, but his plans have been 'uncertain'; now he can suggest a time for him to visit it it is 'probably too near Christmas for your convenience'. Could come for a night on Friday 3rd [December]; if the Trevelyans are not free then perhaps Bessie could suggest another time around then.

Florence has 'shown her expected restraint and consideration for others [at the death of her sister Margaret]', and 'now seems fairly normal'. Believes 'his' Agnes [Dowland] is staying with her at the moment; asks if he told Bessie that [Florence's maid] Harriet 'alas! alas! has gone to take care of a father'.

King's Coll. Cambridge [headed notepaper]. - 'Delighted' that Friday 3rd December suits her for him to visit, 'What luck for me!'. Suggests coming on an early afternoon train from London; sees there is one which reaches Ockley at 2.13. Thought of suggesting himself for lunch at the Meades [Lionel Meade, rector of Abinger Hammer, and his wife?] on Saturday, then 'going on to the Hammer to see Bone and arrange about the felling of some trees in the wood' if he can. Will be at 9 Arlington Park Mansions from Wednesday to Friday; until Wednesday his 'Movements... err on the side of uncertainty (Other people's fault of course!)'.

Agnes was 'only paying a visit to Florence "as a lady"', and has now returned to her own flat; she seems to have enjoyed herself and 'laments' leaving '"just as she was finding out where all the things were kept"'. Currently, Florence is thinking of keeping on as she is until Harriet [her old maid] returns, as she may do one day. Thinks Florence would now be 'very pleased' to hear from Bessie about her news; she has 'taken up all her old employments [after the death of her sister]'.

Sends love to Bob and Bessie, is looking forward to next Friday.

King's Coll. Cambridge [headed card]. - Florence [Barger] has asked him to give Bessie and Bob 'the tragic news that Margaret [her sister] died yesterday morning'. Florence herself returned from America a few hours later. 'Everything has been seen to for her by that splendid friend of Harold's and herself William Baxter, and she is bearing the shock as well as can be expected'.

Florence asks Bessie not to write at the moment, as 'Letters upset her', and she knows what the Trevelyans both feel. She sends her love, and looks forward to visiting them in the future. Margaret did not suffer.

King's Coll., Cambridge. - Must write by return of post, and 'not delay until I compose that illusory 'real' letter which I am always intending to send'. Feels 'overtired and fidgeted', but 'alright in health', and has 'found much more comfort than I expected here, as well as the expected friendliness'. The 'young Wilkinsons' with whom he is lodging 'seem quite perfect'; thinks 'all that side of life will go on without jolts'.

His 'big room' at College is also starting to look right at last; now sits in it with 'my personal past and ancestral past stacked around me in comparative order, and quite a large coal fire inside my father's chimney-piece, reinforced by an electric fire'. Is 'exhausted mentally and intellectually, but the shock of being uprooted is bound to come out somehow', and he is glad that he can 'eat, sleep, and carry on socially'.

Called at Trinity recently, 'seeing the windows lit up [in the Master's Lodge] and thinking a reception in progress'. Found 'only the Master [G. M. Trevelyan] and his wife, and Robin Mayor and his wife', so they had 'a very nice old codgers' tea party'; Hilton Young and his wife appeared at the end, though Kathleen Kennet 'would scarcely relish being classed as a codger - or codgeress'.

Florence [Barger] has returned; her visit to America was 'a great success', and she has brought back her sister [Margaret?] with her. Sends love to Bob - his proof-correction must be interesting. Expects they will spend Christmas at the Shiffolds; hopes 'domestic arrangements keep all right'. Agnes' foot 'got very bad in the final pandemonium' and she went off to her niece's in Barnet in a car. Has been to see her; she 'seems happily placed', and her room is very nice.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking [headed notepaper]. - 'So pleased' to hear from Bessie; was about to write, partly to ask whether she might like to take on 'one of our pussies' when he leaves West Hackhurst - Bob thought she might. If so, he 'would describe their characteristics and their defects - for cats, unlike human beings, are imperfect. They are of the Tabby habit'.

Looks forward to seeing her, 'perhaps next month'; will bring the 'Tovey volume' [edition of Beethoven's Mass, see TRER/ADD/71], which was 'very helpful'. Is going to Cambridge again this week, to 'make some final arrangements' about his room; his move will probably be 'in two bits, the bigger bit not till October. Much has been done here, much still remains to do'. Has recently sent 'a lorry-load of jumble... off with the Rector's wife built up in the middle of it. She is a darling'.

Glad to hear of the Trevelyans' 'revised arrangements', and hopes they will work well. If Mrs Jane [?] 'is a chatterpie, Bob has only to trot, tell him, into another room. It's a chatterpie in the same room that is so trying'. Has had an 'Excited and delighted' postcard from Florence, who much enjoyed her flight across the Atlantic, and has been 'going round New York with her sister [Margaret?] in a bus'.

Is going to Glyndebourne, 'quite unexpectedly', tomorrow with some Indian friends; he 'rather hate[s] the snobby place, however, dress clothes are out of the question now, and Britten's new opera [The Rape of Lucretia] said to be very lovely'.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Is glad that both Trevelyan and Bessie like the Notes [see 3/72] and think they will do for the Abinger Chronicle. R.B. is Reggie Bray. Wishes the Trevelyans had always edited the Chronicle; previously did not like the 'critical standard that controlled it' and found contributing 'uphill work'. Florence [Barger] is away with Evert; no doubt she will ring Bessie soon. Forster would like to come over too. Glad Trevelyan has seen Bertie [Russell]. The P.E.N. flyer on which the letter is written is 'an indication not an invitation'.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Is going to the Beethoven mass at Kings [College Cambridge] next Sunday; if it is in one of the Tovey editions, asks if he could borrow it for a while; would be 'very grateful'; asks if it could be posted to him as soon as convenient.

She will find with this letter a sponge which he 'stole during a pleasant visit' and has been meaning to return; he 'did indeed bring it one afternoon as far as the top of Water Lane, which is a very good address indeed for a sponge', but instead it went through the Leith Hill Place woods and 'would proceed down the other hill to Forest Green and the Parrot [a pub]'.

Has finished Thomas Mann's Joseph series, and is 'rather shocked' by Bessie's 'undocumented scorn'; has also read R. K. Narayan's The English Teacher. Saw Julian 'in the distance' at a concert of Monteverdi's Vespers; hopes he 'enjoyed them as much as I did'. Adds postscript: Florence [Barger] should be back tomorrow.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Very much liked the poem Trevelyan has written about Goldie [Dickinson]: Bessie has given him a copy to keep. He shares the sentiments about Goldie: he was not afraid of death, only distressed by the state of the world as he left it. Forster is glad he has gone, particularly that he did not live to see Japan attack China. Expects Trevelyan will send a copy to May and Hettie [Dickinson's sisters], to whom it will give great pleasure. Is lending his own copy to Florence Barger. Sends greetings to Trevelyan's brother [Sir Charles]; would like to visit him again, and wonders how his plantations coped with the summer. Has just returned from Dorset, and is to 'broadcast about T. E. Lawrence's cottage there.'

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Wrote to Bob before going to Dorset for a week, but ‘lost the letter [probably TRER/3/26] after it had been addressed. He ‘may seem to have been indifferent to the kindness and sympathy’ of them both [on the death of his mother], but ‘this is not so’. Everyone has been ‘so kind, and Agnes is wonderful’; Ruth [Goldsmith, the Forster's old cook?] is staying with her for three days. Is going to London ‘to broadcast as usual’; when he returns, he thinks on Tuesday evening, would like to come over to see Bob and Bessie if that would suit them. Florence and Aunt Rosie ‘have alternated here’; at the moment he is ‘sustained by Bob Buckingham’. His health is ‘very fair’, and he is eating and sleeping properly.

Stayed in Dorset with ‘some young people [Pat and Joyce Knowles] who are the custodians of Clouds Hill [the former home of T. E. Lawrence]. They were absolutely charming, but the weather was poor’.

Postscript dated ’11.4.45’: ‘Even this has been left about’. Will ring up some time tomorrow.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Must send thanks to ‘Dearest Bessie’ for her wire, which did not reach him until ‘too late’, and letter. Thinks he would rather see her ‘a little later’. The death [of his mother] leaves him ‘very tired, but there have been no regrets’. Florence Barger left his morning and now his aunt [Rosalie] is here, ‘very nice, and “saving herself”’. He had to be in Dorking at 8.30 this morning to register the death, and the funeral is tomorrow. Agnes ‘was and is spendid: helpful, deeply moved emotionally, but never pretending that she and mother cared for one another: two bossers [?] naturally couldn’t’. Does not yet know whether she can be ‘left alone at night’, on which his ‘immediate movements’ depend; would like to see Bessie and Bob, but as far as ‘staying away is concerned’ wants to go either to his flat in London, ‘or “right-away”, if there is such a place or state’. Confirms that his mother was ‘very fond’ of Bessie; signs himself ‘Your affectionate (and sleepy) Morgan’.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Is signing the card 'After some indecision... with a slight modification of its text'; though there are 'some weighty arguments against it', he feels it is 'a good thing to testify to the possession of compassion and a heart, when one has or things one has them. Everyone is or is pretending to be so hard'.

After he visited Bessie, 'a cloud, then no bigger than a man's hand, turned into the shape of an aeroplane', and now it really seems he will fly to India in ten days for a [P.E.N. ] conference of writers at Jaipur. Can 'hardly believe it, and of course there may be last minute hitches'. Hsiao Ch'ien has lent him a 'wonderful cane suitcase', which he can 'carry with one finger' when empty. Is only meant to be away for two months, and the household 'hopes to limp through' in his absence, with the help of Florence [Barger], Aunt Rosalie and others. Agnes [Dowland] 'has been very sweet about it, her only objection being that I am sure to crash'.

His only companion will be Ould, the secretary of P.E.N., who is 'pleasant and easy to get on with'; they hope to fly via Karachi to Delhi, where Forster will stay with friends [including Ahmed Ali], then to Jaipur for the conference, then he thinks to Calcutta and Bombay. He may of course 'be turned off the plane at the last moment if a V.I.P. (official phrase for Very Important Person) wants my seat'. Looks forward to going, 'despite the unhappiness and the politics which I am certain to find there'; will be 'such a change', though he fears he will be 'in a daze for at least a fortnight, and lose Chi'en's suitcase during it, with all my clothes therein'.

[No signature - incomplete?]

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Tells Bessie to 'keep the Boswell for Beethovenian cycles'; is glad that Bob is reading aloud from it. Pleased they had 'such a nice visit from [their grandson] Philip. I expect and hope that he cried on the chord of C because a chord is too much of a good thing at once, whereas a scale is just a lot of nothings-at-all in a row, and he could deal with them severally'.

Asks if she has heard how Hsiao Chen is; he wrote to Forster after Dr Bluth took him for an x-ray, and 'was hoping to avoid an operation'. Afraid Margaret's operation 'though not making her worse, did not do her any good'; does not know what arrangements Florence [Barger, her sister] is making for her. Understands that 'Evert and his Molly [Mollie Sinton, who married Evert Barger in Jan 1944]' are being very helpful.

His mother is 'fairly well and sends love'. Forster fears they have 'now left it too late and date in the year' for Bessie to visit; looks forward to coming to see her and Bob at the Shiffolds. Now has a copy of Trilling's monograph', and could lend it to her if she likes. It is 'an intelligent but almost overwhelmingly serious piece of work. It praises me for my seriousness; then censures me for my lack of seriousness... but when summing up it suggest that my very absence of seriousness may imply a seriousness far more serious than superficial seriousness'. Was 'rather difficult to know how to thank the author', but he is 'pleased with the book, and tried to say so'. His mother 'cannot read it for nuts [?]'. Has had 'several letters from America, and some tins of food'.

"Lady, you said a mouthful" might be your reply to Moya's epistle, but I don't expect will be'. Has also had a letter from Moya recently; thinks she is lonely, and that 'letters of any sort... should cheer her'. Would very much like to see Bessie, but it cannot be this week; will be in touch.

Is lunching with Florence and Evert [Barger] in London tomorrow; Evert 'seems in good form, and has achieved his purpose in coming to England'. Though Forster has been 'told several times', he is unsure what this is, and 'dare not ask again'. Margaret was 'safely conveyed by Florence to Bristol'.

His mother is 'fairly well, though rather depressed because she has made some chutney which hasn't turned into proper chutney. It is delicious, but what is the use of that?'. Very sorry to hear about Sturge Moore's health; fears he 'can't think of anyone who could give any substantial contribution'

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Asks Trevelyan to date the enclosed [perhaps letters from or to Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson, whose biography Forster was writing] and return them; thinks the Jubilee was that of 1897 rather than 1887. Much enjoyed the visit. Florence [Barger?] has now left. Does not want the Békássy poem back; perhaps Grant Watson might like it.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - They are 'most concerned' to hear about Bessie's 'crisis' [seemingly regarding household servants], and keen for further news; his mother 'asserts that an old father is sure to be dirty', but Forster agrees with Bessie in 'considering him as an asset as a [?] pin'. Hopes that she will anyway 'send the Packs packing, and that they will encounter the discomforts which, by their vulgarity and their unkindness, they have done their damnedest to deserve'. If they had first given notice, so that they and Bessie could 'look about' at the same time, 'one would understand and sympathise, but this discreet preparation is unpardonable'.

Has not read his Where Angels [Fear to Tread] 'for a long time'. Is now reading Illusions Perdues, and 'liking it much better than other works by that master [Balzac]. It sometimes equals Proust in social atmospherics, and of course is his superior in dramatic bustle; also most amusing here and there'.

Florence [Barger] is staying with them for a few days and joins them 'in love and sympathy'; they trust Bessie will 'pull through the crisis'.

Their letters crossed; returns Sykes Davies' letter which 'is gay and charming, and doesn't suggest that much is wrong with him'.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. Note at top of letter reads 'FOR BOB OR BESSIE', but it is addressed to 'Dear Bessie'. - Does not think she need worry about Florence and Margaret; when he saw Florence recently she was 'comfortably in bed', and when he rang on Tuesday Harriet said she was much better. Believes that Margaret's x-ray was satisfactory; she is 'now in the non-danger ward, and quite bright'. Expects Florence will write to Bessie later; she is resting as much as she can, and Harriet deals with phone calls.

His mother has been ill with 'cold, weakness, etc'; she has now recovered but is 'by now means the better for her illness'. Has concealed from her the 'extremer side of Margaret's trouble: said it was just a tumble'. Feels 'sick of everyone's health, including my own'.

Turns to 'a different kind of nuisance', which he was going to write about to Bob. Asks whether he has any news of Hugh Sykes Davies, who is 'giving a lot of trouble to the London Library'; he has books out worth over seven pounds, and 'won't answer letters'. Forster thinks this has been going on for over a year'. Wrote to him at the Committee's request via The Shiffolds about six months ago, and received no answer; the Committee have also written 'fruitlessly through their solicitor, and are contemplating prosecution, though they hate the idea'; Ilchester [the President] particularly has been 'very nice about it'. If Sykes Davies would 'only write, and acknowledge his existence and his whereabouts they would probably calm down'; wonders whether Bob could 'have a try at him', and fears that he is 'one who, when in trouble, always runs deeper into his hole'.

If his mother keeps well, they hope Bob will visit; he has 'already favoured Molly'.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks Bessie for her letter about The Celestial Omnibus [an adaptation of his short story broadcast on BBC radio, see TRER/ADD/45], with which he 'disagree[s] pretty completely!'. Acknowledges that 'one can pick holes in the production, as in everything', but thought that it was generally 'intelligent and in good taste, and the boy, with his unpriggishness and unsophistication couldn't have been better'. Asks if he is 'being nasty now'. Encloses Florence [a letter by Florence Barger]; his mother and aunt [Rosalie] agree with her, as does Kathleen Kennet, 'who started listening with the utmost hostility' and 'Mr Herbert E. Gibbs, otherwise unknown'. He will, with his 'noted fairmindedness' forward Bessie's letter to Florence and 'extend this salutary disquiet'.

Hopes that later in the month, after the 20th, she might be able to visit them 'unsupervised by Molly [Trevelyan?]' for coffee and tea. Postscript conveying his mother's love.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks Bessie for her letter and interesting enclosures, which he returns: a 'nice letter of Mrs Clausen's: it is a shame we cannot get up more interest in Adamic [?] and in his actually seeing President Roosevelt - Rhea is much more real' to him, as he 'has stroked her'.

Visited Florence yesterday in her new house; she has had a cable 'about - though not from - [her son] Evert'. Is glad that Bessie has Julian in this country, and that Gordon Luce is also here. Sends love to Bob; hopes he will manage to get to the [Apostles'] Dinner on the 20th. He himself will be there, as will Sebastian Sprott, and he hears 'from an authoritative source that there will actually be WINE (a little)'.

Hopes to come and see her soon. 'Is not the cold appalling? But are not the flowers in the garden beautiful, and are not the gooseberries welcome?'. Adds Florence's address and telephone number as a postscript: 102 Hampstead Way, N.W.11; Speedwell 7833.

West Hackhurst. - Thanks Bessie for her kind letter. His 'contusions swelled to exaggerated proportions' at Cambridge; he 'fell on [his] nose at the Wings for Victory Garden Party' and also bruised both wrists, but 'carried on as usual afterwards, and no bleeding'. Had not heard Max [Beerbohm?] 'nearly tumbled'. Wishes he had seen his lecture: has just been sent the proofs from Cambridge and 'as reading, it is rather flimsy'.

Has just had a letter from Moya Davies; she asks him to tell Bessie that she is 'very anxious to know about Leo Hubrecht and her children, especially Julie'; thinks they 'were at Switzerland just before the war, the younger children at school in Holland'. Also has a 'dear friend in Burma, Carola Toennies' and another in Italy, and has not had a word from either since the beginning of the war; supposes 'it is the same with everyone'. Gives Moya's address as 'Killadreenan House, Newtownmountkennedy, County Wicklow, Eire' in case Bessie wants to write direct, or he could send a message for her if she prefers. Richard [Moya's son] has a new wife 'in the place of Ann Stephen, who has got someone else [Richard Synge]'.

Is very pleased with the new Abinger Chronicle; 'not entirely carrried away' by his own contribution, but Bob's is 'very good'. Asks whether she agrees that they are generally *much more comfortable and vigourous [sic] on our own'; found S. S. [Sylvia Sprigge] a 'most enervating editress'.

His mother is 'fairly well, though she hasn't been up to her former level since illness at the beginning of the year'; she is enjoying the garden, which is 'lovely'. Hopes that Bessie will be able to visit soon, though next week he will be away a great deal. Went to see Florence [Barger] yesterday, who 'seems very well and is on yet another committee - reforming London University'; gathers Edith Mathews is staying with her. Margaret is 'cheerful, but no better, whatever Florence says or thinks or pretends to think'; would be better if she went to an institution, and she will have to one day as it is 'too much for Florence and Harriet'.

Sends his and his mother's love.

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - Thanks Bessie for sending on a letter [from an unknown writer], 'how nice and warm-hearted she is'. Has received two copies of the book and sends one to Bessie; asks if she can post it to Sig and Ruth [Waley] when she has finished with it. It is the 'sort of book' he finds 'impossible to read' in his present mood: 'yet another of those "recipe books" which the earnest and uninfluential continue to turn out on both sides of the Atlantic'.

Comments on the 'bitter cold': they have frozen and burst pipes, but since they have 'so little water at any time' the 'results are in no wise tragic'. Has been to London and brought back his aunt Rosalie to stay, so they are 'now a nice quartet'. Florence [Barger] is 'slowly recovering from her cold'. They hope that Bob and Bessie are keeping well.Adds undated postscript: is starting [Flaubert's] L'Education Sentimentale; wonders whether he will ever finish it.

Another postscript, dated 28 Jan: has received her letter, and is very sorry about Bob's cold; 'We must all take care'. Confirms that her 'Tovey Beethovens are safe here and have been much enjoyed and played', though he has not been playing the piano at all recently. Can send them whenever she wants.