I Tatti, Settignano, Florence. - Starting South this afternoon after ten days with the Berensons; B.B. is anxious and not sleeping well, but seems more cheerful since their arrival; his wife also seems to be in poor health and when she returns B.B. hopes to go to Sicily for a holiday. Asks whether Fry will be in Italy in March, the probable time of their own return, and whether Daniel will accompany him. Glad Fry's watercolours were successful and that he likes the [Band of Hope] banner. He must not forget his picture of H[elen] and J[ulian], and Helen her 'Bronzino infant'. Has seen Moore's young brother [Bertie] who paints in Italy; hopes Fry might be able to give him advice. Has heard about 'Lina's artist' [Aubrey Waterfield] from her, the K[err] Lawsons, and Moore who knew him at the Slade: tends to think that Lina is right about Waterfield, 'the Oxford manner' makes him a little difficult at first but he is fundamentally decent, and that [Lina's aunt] Mrs Ross has treated her very badly; Berenson is also 'perfectly silly' about it. However, Lina is being sensible and they will marry in a year or so. According to Moore, Tonks thought highly of Waterfield's drawings. B.B. 'nicer than ever' himself but much more intolerant of others (not Fry). Is sorry about the book [problems with the reproduction of Fry's illustrations for Trevelyan's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] but it was not Fry's fault and his illustrations are much appreciated by all there. Bessie sends regards to all.
Albergo Biscione, Piazza Fontana. - The Frys have changed hotel on recommendation of the Kerr-Lawsons; Trevelyan can stay too if he hasn't taken his room; he should look them up as soon as he can, but they may be at the Brera or Poldi Pezzuoli [galleries] except at mealtimes.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Benn for his letter and advice about Fiesole [in response to his own 16/28]; seems less likely now that they will be staying at Fiesole and will probably take the Kerr Lawsons' villa at Corbignano, since the 'young painter' [Will] Arnold Forster seems 'quite satisfied with that neighbourhood' for painting purposes; if not they will probably stay at the Italia or Aurora as Benn advises. They will probably start on 3 October, arriving on 6 or 7 October; will bring the Abercrombies to see Benn soon after that. Will be glad to read Benn's Milton essay. Apologises for his 'forgetfulness about the postage' and wishes for 'a universal penny post'.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Has arranged to go abroad early next month with [Lascelles] Abercrombie, his wife [Catherine], and [William] Arnold-Forster, 'the son of [Balfour's] War-minister'. They have been offered the Kerr Lawsons' house at Corbignano, and will probably go there, though he wishes they could find somewhere higher in the hills, either at or near Fiesole. Seems that Mr [Edward Strachan] Morgan cannot let Monte Fiano at the moment; this would have been perfect as 'Forster wants to paint the Arno valley from above' and there are splendid views there, but perhaps there is another house to let in the neighbourhood, or pension 'not too dear, nor too uncomfortable'. Very kind of the Kerr Lawsons to offer, but it is a way from the top of the hills; asks Benn to let them know if he knows of an alternative. Abercrombie says he had a 'very interesting letter' from Benn about his "[Sale of ] St Thomas", and seemed 'very pleased' by Benn's remarks.