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Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Apologises for not replying earlier. Urges him not to worry about the way in which he (Smith) wrote, or about his spiritual state. ‘Fribourg has greatly disappointed me. I think we can thank the British Council for jamming up the works.’ Discusses Harding’s idea of Eliot’s ‘new concepts’, and responds to Smith’s remarks on the Chester miracle plays. Will try again to ‘produce something’. They have had a flood of visitors since Easter, and he has been helping two French girls (nieces of the Mother General, who has been staying there) with their English. Reflects on the qualities of Newman’s Apologia. Urges Smith to produce ‘something really first-rate on the paths on English though[t] from its philosophers thro’ its more purely “literary” writers’.

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Is disappointed that Smith has had no news from Fribourg yet, but glad that he has more pupils. Hopes he will soon be released from marking examination papers. Dickinson’s brother Paul, who visited recently on leave from Germany, has been working among displaced persons and running a review which introduces Catholics to European writers they could not know in Nazi days, including [G. M.] Hopkins, whom his brother admires. Is concerned that Eliot’s Four Quartets may have been taken as a substitute for religion, and objects to the stance taken in Scrutiny towards their theological elements. Queries Smith’s use of the term ‘new concepts’. In preparing to explain the Psalms to his nuns, he has been struck by the generosity of Catholic critics, towards non-Catholic scholars, particularly [A. F.] Kirkpatrick. Thanks him for his kind remarks about his Christmas carol. Has been working on something more ambitious, but has been hampered by other work and lack of inspiration.

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Has mislaid Smith’s last letter. Sends a belated testimonial [2/5] from Father Petit, who is preoccupied with the founding of a seminary in Nottinghamshire. Hanrahan is sure that Fribourg will give Smith an adequate salary, which might be supplemented by work at local finishing-schools. Would like to do more writing (he started writing verse again seriously two or three years ago), but lacks the necessary strength and solitude at present. Is busy with Christmas activities. ‘You will be examining, not so amusing, I’m afraid, but I hope you are keeping up your spirits.’ Sends news of [H. S.] Vaughan, a contemporary at Downing, who has asked after Smith.

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Thanks him for various letters and enclosures, one of which was providentially delivered without a stamp. Will return the Newman Society letters to Hanrahan and show him the copies of Smith’s testimonials [for the chair at Fribourg]. ‘They are really first-rate. I’m very glad of T. S. Eliot’s.’ Discusses the testimonials, the salary offered, and the conditions of life and culture in Switzerland. Suggests that Smith’s aunt would benefit from a stay at Boarbank. His own ‘little change’ did him good.

‘As from’ Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Is glad that Leavis is supporting Smith’s candidature [for the chair at Fribourg]. ‘If you get a backing from T. S. Eliot, I should think you will be home.’ Thinks he has enough ecclesiastical backing. ‘It was news to me that Fr. J. B. Reeves received you [into the Church].’ Encloses information from Hanrahan about the Newman Society’s involvement with the appointment, and urges him to apply immediately. Has heard via D[ouglas] Woodruff that the salary is £500 a year.

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Lancs.—Is glad that Smith plans to apply for the post at Fribourg, and gives advice. Sympathises with his troubles and those of his aunt, who he is sorry to hear is unwell. Is disappointed in Leavis, whom he had thought above anti-Catholic bias, but it seems that everywhere useful people—like Father Britt-Compton, who did much of the work in the Geography faculty during the war—are being dropped when ‘those of the more favoured colours’ come along. ‘Leavis … has spoken to me in the most glowing terms of you—that you were too good for the English faculty and that they wouldn’t let you in, in case you showed them up, etc. Of course, I know he thought you should have swallowed the British Minister(?) in Venezuela, or played up to him. Personally, I’m heartily glad that you are out of that hell-hole.’ Recommends a dentist in London. Asks about Smith’s writing, and hopes he will soon be free from examination papers.

Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands, Lancs.—Has learned from Father Petit of Smith’s return to Cambridge. Encloses news from Father Hanrahan of a vacant chair at Fribourg and refers to his own experience of the place. Hanrahan has also written to Fathers Gilbey, Corbishley, and Martindale. Has now been chaplain at Boarbank Hall, a convalescent home for insurance patients, for four years. Encourages Smith to come and stay if he ever needs a few days’ peace.

Convent of Our Lady of Lourdes, Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Has been ordered to rest for two or three months, on account of ill health. His J[esuit] brother [Paul] has escaped from France. Sympathises with Smith’s difficulties in Venezuela, and thanks him for ‘hints, mainly philosophical, … on 18th century questions’, some of which he has used in teaching. Has seen the Leavises this summer, and the Franciscans, but not Smith’s aunt or Father Stewart [Hilary Steuert?]. Refers to the experience of a missionary nun in Africa, and to books by Archbishop Goodier and Cecily Hallack. Gives some details of a ‘simple tale’ about Switzerland he is about to write.

119 Page Moss Lane, Liverpool.—Bids him bon voyage. Like Smith, he has been disturbed by anti-aircraft guns, but it will be quieter at Upholland College, where he is now going. Encloses a portrait photo. Encourages him to call on Father Petit, who will give him the address of some friends in New York, and refers to Petit’s revision of the breviary. Hopes Smith will be happy in Venezuela. Has received a kind letter from Cuttle, incidentally revealing Smith’s ‘Romanism’.

St Edmund’s House, Cambridge.—He said Mass on Sunday for Smith and Bewley. Objects to Smith’s remark that ‘the Church seems rotten … from top to bottom’, and refers him to Vonier’s The Spirit and the Bride. Cautions him against leaning too much towards the ‘natural’ [material?] side of things, and encourages him to trust in God. Asks whether he has seen Canon Marshall.