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Congratulations on engagement.

Reports that he has been looking at some of Henry Sidgwick's Synthetic Society papers, and fears that, 'though very interesting on [ ] and theological topics' they are not suitable for publication. Believes that they could and should be used 'in any account of Prof. Sidgwick's views.' Apologises for having put Nora to the trouble of writing and explains that he forgot the title of 'the Glasgow lecture'. Declares that he was indebted to her 'for the pleasure of hearing [Mr. Thomas? Farrer's] lecture', which he claims was very interesting. States that [ ] 'enjoyed it immensely'. Adds that he did not know of Mrs Clough's death.

West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Hoped to ring up today, but the telephone is still in the open Post Office, 'pending Lord Farrer's pleasure' so is not private. Is not sure when they will be able to meet: expects she will not be receiving visitors for some time in the Nursing Home. Went to a bottle party at Julian and Ursula [Trevelyan's] with Raymond Mortimer. His mother sends love and sympathy. Is glad her impressions of Whiting and the nursing home are good.

Brunswick Square, as from West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Headed 'PERSONAL'. Was 'so pleased' to see Bessie yesterday, but is 'much troubled' that she has 'so much vexation'. Of course knew that she 'disliked the lady', but had not realised how much; will be 'relieved' when his own present collaboration with her is over. Thinks that 'she can only influence opinions not sway the central part', and though it is 'tiresome' to 'see the opinion of someone whom one loves influenced by someone whom one is far from loving, it is only a superficial vexation', and, he trusts, temporary. Has been 'much distressed', and glad her 'preliminary warning' led him to be on his guard 'against that restless crawling desire for intimacy'. Does not know whether 'the lady' is 'bad, and I don't think you can know', but is 'gladder than ever not to be on the telephone!'.
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Is 'not dissatisfied' with his contribution to the Pageant [England's Green and Pleasant Land, performed at Milton Court, Dorking, 9–16 July 1938], but will be glad when it is over: it has 'meant endless work', and the 'Farrer boycott' has hurt him 'unreasonably'. This is, of course, in line with the 'indifference and hostility' they have shown to him and his mother ever since they came to West Hackhurst thirteen years ago; makes him realise 'how promptly they will turn me out when she [his mother] dies', which is depressing. Hates 'bitter thoughts - they are so tiring'.

Must now 'put on a collar and go to lunch with little Lord Carlow, whoever that may be', then entertain an American writer she will never have heard of, Waldo Frank, to tea. After that will return for a rehearsal at Dorking. Is sure it would be all right if she wanted to come with him to the dress rehearsal; she 'wouldn't mind the absence of the pigs and goats, which we fear will distress the critics'.

Reform Club, Pall Mall, S.W. - Has been to see Crump, who will put his case before Evelyn [William John Evelyn?]: told Crump of acquaintance with Lord Farrer and W. S. Blunt. Evelyn wants to let the stables with the house for £120, which would be too much. Did enjoy the last act [of Trevelyan's "The Bride of Dionysus"?] but is not quite sure about proportion and intensity.

Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.

Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.