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.
‘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.—Asks him to return Hanrahan’s papers, when convenient. Has just had a ‘quiet little rest at home’.
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.
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.
Convent of Our Lady of Lourdes, Boarbank Hall, Grange-over-Sands.—Congratulates him on his nomination to the chair at Fribourg; he had been wondering whether to make inquiries through the Holy Ghost Fathers there—where de Winton is—and only yesterday had been sharing recollections of the place with the Bishop of Lancaster [T. E. Flynn]. Thinks Aunt Hannah will be at home there. Will start saving for a visit next year. Is glad that they [Smith and his aunt] are going to the South Coast for a holiday. Smith will be relieved that his examination work is coming to an end. Is thinking of going to St Edmund’s House in August, at the invitation of the present rector [Corboy], and asks whether Smith will be in Cambridge then. Encourages him to write to Hanrahan directly.