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.
Hampstead. - The rain on Sunday made it too uninviting to bicycle on Sunday: they stayed in the shelter of Shulbrede Priory and rode back some of the way this morning. He had written to Helen about Paul [Trevelyan]; the letter from her, originally enclosed, is a response. Would be good if Bessie could write a little note about Paul and other 'domesticities', but the doctor does not want her to have much strain from correspondence; the doctor seems to think she is getting on slowly. They enjoyed their stay with Bessie and saw some good sights on the way to Petersfield, including Bedales where he hopes Paul will go one day with Julian and Pamela. Is going to Failand to see his children soon.
The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Hopes Uncle Paul has the 'same delightful weather' as they do: it is 'almost too hot'. Bessie is well except for a 'cold in her throat'. Hopes Uncle Paul's rheumatism has gone. Their 'Dutch bulbs' are doing well: the hyacinths are 'splendid', and though Bessie thinks she planted the tulips too deeply, the flowers are 'very good'. The crocuses were over when they came [back from Italy]. The birds are singing: he heard 'several nightingales yesterday'. Roger and Helen Fry's son Julian is a 'very healthy looking young man, and his parents seem very happy with him'; though his 'chin and lower jaw are small and undeveloped', Bessie says that is often the case with babies, and 'Johannes Röntgen used to be even worse'. Roger and Helen Fry seem 'quite well now'. Has been reading the Hans Andersen which Uncle Paul and Aunt Maria gave him alongside a German version and thinks he will 'get on quite fast' with his German. They have put the photograph of Aunt Maria which Bessie brought back on the mantelpiece of the library, where they sit in the evening; it is the one from a couple of years ago, which resembles 'Bramine's last picture' of her; he likes having it there as it reminds him of her as he 'first knew her'. However, she did not change much for him even after she became very ill; even last winter [just before her death], her 'cheerful and kind face and expression' were 'essentially the same'. Hopes Tuttie is well. They much enjoyed their recent stay at the Hague, and were 'made very comfortable' and looked after well by Tuttie.
Is sorry that Trevelyan has 'this bother' [of going before a tribunal as a conscientious objector] and is very happy to provide a statement attesting to his honesty. Suggested version originally enclosed for approval; this is now not present but the letter is on a sheet of paper used by Fry for a draft of the statement which is cancelled but still legible. Fry is sorry he missed the [Apostles'?] dinner; now is back at Bo Peep [Alciston, Sussex] and working hard. If Julian [Fry] is still at Bedales next term, which depends on his tribunal, will tell him to look after Julian [Trevelyan] at Dunhurst. Hears Dunhurst is now greatly improved. Will write to Roper, whom he thinks is doing much good at Bedales. Trevelyan will know Fontanelle, as he knows 'all the books' (quotes Mallarme in French); but he himself did not and finds him witty and wise.
The Cottage, Bosham. - Regrets that he cannot put up [John] Rodker, as Durbins is let until the end of September and he is 'more or less a wanderer'. Has had little success in thinking of other possible hosts: expects Lady Ottoline [Morrell] would not be possible and fears Rodker may have to go to London. Is sorry not to help as he liked Rodker when he met him at Dora Sanger's. Asks if Trevelyan will be in town the week after next. He and the children have had a good time at Bosham, sailing and spending time outdoors; they leave for Failand on Monday.
Durbins, Guildford. Will come to visit while Tovey is staying, though he has to go to Failand this week. Next Monday he begins at Hampton Court on the Mantegnas ["The Triumph of Caesar" cycle]. Encloses first ideas for three scenes and Goldie [Dickinson's] poems, which Mason left with him. Goldie has gone abroad, and Helen to stay with her family near Lymington: she is better than she has been for a while. The children are with Fry.
Chantry Dene, Guildford. - Is very grateful for Trevelyan's letter and Bessie's offer to look after the children. Had not at first thought of the Dakynses, but they are happy to have the children till Sunday or Monday. Helen is better and he hopes an 'actual outbreak' may be staved off, but the timing when he is working hard for his show[at the Carfax Gallery] is difficult.
Hampstead. - Has written to Mrs Wedpool [?] to say the house will not quite do for the Frys. Expects Trevelyan will have received his letter about Crump. Helen has been much better since they returned home, and has even been giving the children their lessons.
22 Willow Road, Hampstead, N.W. - Delighted to hear the news from Helen about the birth of the Trevelyans' son Paul; is not sure he will fit into "Ariadne" ["The Bride of Dionysus"] but perhaps Bessie won't allow his use in poetry: he had 'to behave very well to be allowed to draw Julian'. Possible arrangements for meeting; has to go to Munich for a day but otherwise is free. Jokes about all babies' resemblance to McTaggart. Asks Trevelyan to get tickets for the concert on February 11th.
Dorking. - Is well again now: it was noble of Bessie not to tell Trevelyan. Helen was a little troubled by the wire and letter. The measles is passing: Julian is almost well, but his sister who came to help nurse has come down with it now. The new landlord [for 22 Willow Road, Hampstead] is still making difficulties. Envies Trevelyan for being in Ravello: he wishes he had the courage to 'chuck England' and live cheaply in Italy: 'sunshine is more important than society'. Loathes art criticism more and more and longs to create. Has nearly done Cook's picture, then will turn to Trevelyan's Claude. He and Helen are reading slowly through [Henry James's] "The Wings of the Dove". Their regards to all at the Palumbo.
Dorking. - Asks why Trevelyan thought he might have died: did he see the death of Fry the bookmaker in an Italian paper? Was in fact not at all well yesterday. The children have had measles and the weather is dreadful: is determined not to spend another winter in Britain. They have taken the house at Hampstead [22 Willow Road] but the landlord is making difficulties about allowing alterations. The Piero di Cosimo scheme has fallen though.
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - He and Helen much distressed to hear of Ida Cresswell's marital difficulties: her husband's affair seems insane, but she is brave and will pull through. Is leaning towards beech trees for Trevelyan's picture; will send some ideas of composition soon: thinks he has the pose of the figures. Has finished the second volume of the "Arabian Nights". Has finished Horne's and Mrs Gibson's pictures. The family is well though Julian is upset not to be able to dig outside because of the weather. They have met a 'very nice curate'. They go to Failand on the 27th and then on to Bruge. Saw Entiknapp [Enticknap].
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - The book [Trevelyan's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"] is 'disgusting' and Johnson is to blame for the poor quality reproduction of Fry's illustrations: vows to cut the blocks and oversee the printing himself next time. Helen has taken Julian to Failand and he is staying on a few days to finish a Band of Hope banner for the Hodgkins [his relatives] at Lowick; thinks this is the best thing he's ever done and wishes he could get more work 'on this level of fine decoration' as he loves working within the limits imposed. His watercolours have been successful: three other people tried to buy the Chantilly after Trevelyan. Wishes Trevelyan a happy Christmas and envies him being out of England for it: perhaps they should all spend a winter at Ravello together.
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - Thanks Trevelyan for the cheque and the extra £5, which he will not refuse; has had more work than he expected over the book ["Polyphemus and Other Poems"] Hopes Johnson will put pressure on the blockcutters and get it out before the end of the month. Illness in the family, but all now recovering.
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - News of the birth of the Frys' son; Helen is doing very well. Went riding at Cambridge with Goldie [Dickinson], was thrown and hurt his calf, only just returned in time for the birth and is still hobbling around. Saw a great deal of George [Trevelyan?] at Cambridge: has just finished reading his book ["England in the Age of Wycliffe, 1368-1520"] which is 'capital' except for the split infinitives. Hopes Bessie is well again. Asks for Trevelyan's opinion, 'as a euphonist', on whether the baby should be called Sebastian Edward or Julian Edward.
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - Was good to get the Trevelyans' letter and hear good news of everyone at Ravello. Has done the composition but not yet the drawing [for another frieze at the Trevelyans' house or the illustrations for Trevelyan's "Polyphemus and Other Poems?"]. Has lots of writing to do: another "Monthly Review" article is just coming out. Is becoming 'quite Berensonian': his lectures have been plagiarised by Julia Cartwright Ady in her book ["The Painters of Florence from the thirteenth to the sixteenth century"] but it is useless to make a fuss. Is glad Lina D. G. [Duff Gordon, later Waterfield] has been praised so highly [for "The Story of Assisi"?]; his review will soon be published. He and Daniel have written about [Herbert] Cook's book on Giorgone; Maccoll has blessed the book. Has had a disagreement with Tom Moore over Fry's qualified praise of [Charles] Shannon. The baby [Julian Fry] is in no hurry to appear; Helen is well but bored with a quiet life.
Rodney House, Montpelier, Weston Super Mare. - The whole family had a good short holiday at Burford then went to Failand together; from there Fry went on to London to finish some work before his trip to Normandy and Helen took the children to Weston. Helen then developed scarlet fever and had to be taken to an isolation hospital; the children and nurse returned to Failand where they also became ill; will be anxious for a while but hopes the children's attack is mild. Will have to divide his time between Hampstead, Failand and Weston for the next six weeks; Helen is 'of course fearfully lonely' but luckily her room is on the ground floor so he can visit and talk to her through the window; encourages Bob to write to her. Glad Bob liked his article. Cannot write more as is trying to get an article ready for the "Quarterly Review" [published in October 1904]; feels as if they are 'pursued by a malignant Fate' as he has had almost two years of constant anxiety about Helen and the children. They may come to Dorking for a while when Helen comes out of hospital, unless they go abroad after all. A postscript details when he will next be in London.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - The 'bits of furniture' Elizabeth and Robert have got will be a 'great improvement'; the hall is so pretty it was a shame to keep the 'ugly bookcase'; thinks the sideboard will be a 'nicer & more permanent present than the wine'. Glad that Elizabeth liked the Joneses [Herbert and Lily?]; 'always delightful when friends keep up to one's ideal'. Had a party of visitors this week but they have now all left: Sir Kenelm and Lady Digby, old friends of hers and Sir George's; Charles [Roden]? and Victoria [Alexandrina?] Buxton; and Jack and Alice Pollock. They 'made plenty of noise in the evening over various games; there was a shoot, when the 'girls went to Rothbury & spent the day on the Crag Side Hills'; another day everyone went to Rothbury Lake and Crag. Charlie went off for two days walking with Charles Buxton, who is 'better & stronger than he was'. as is Victoria, but they still both have 'very delicate health' which is 'most unfortunate as they are so full of life & interests'. Sends love to Robert and hopes 'the publisher [Reginald Brimley Johnson] has been amenable'; it 'will be most interesting to see the drawings [by Roger Fry; for Robert's "Polyphemus and Other Poems"]'. Hopes the Frys are well and the baby [Julian] 'flourishing'.
22 Willow Road, Hampstead. - Finds it hard to write what he feels about the suggestion put to him by [John?] Withers: Bob's 'constant and affectionate interest' is 'one of the most precious things' in his life; if it were necessary he would accept [the offer of help], which he cannot imagine doing from someone like Bob; expresses his gratitude and 'the sense of perfect reliance and affection'. His father has given him some help, and B.B. [Bernard Berenson] has managed to sell the Venetians; Fry has also nearly finished three restorations. When he has done so, and written some reviews, he intends to get to work on Bob's 'rabbits' picture [see 13/17]. Helen is not quite recovered, but nearly; the nurse has gone and she is taking an interest in household things; Edith [her sister] is making sure everything runs smoothly.
The Old Masters [exhibition at the Royal Academy] are 'the chief interest in now' London; disagrees with the attribution of a picture in it to Dürer, but [Charles] Holmes 'committed the Athenaeum' to it while Fry was away. Bob might like to join the new Arundel Club, fpr the reproduction of works of art in private collections. The "Burlington [Magazine]" is doing well and Holmes is showing 'infinite energy & business capacity' [as editor]. Relates a scandal created when [William Bell] Paterson asked Fry for his opinion on a painting, which Fry judged to be largely modern paint over the possible outline of a Giovanni Bellini; the painting turned out to have been sold by K[err] Lawson to Coates [unidentified] for a large sum; 'always feared that K.L. was not over scrupulous about his ascription of pictures' and thinks this may damage him 'considerably'; Kerr Lawson has 'sent his "Titian" as a Bonifazio [Veronese] to the Old Masters [exhibition] and ought to sell that.
Would be 'jolly' if Bob could write [Fry's sister] Margery's masque [for the opening of the new library at Somerville College, Oxford, see 4/55 and 4/104]; hope he has forgiven the suggestion he could 'polish it off quickly', as Fry likes to 'think of a poet as a perennial fount, bubbling up and overflowing with limpid words', and praises his skill with mythology. Has written 'an extravanganza on Blake for the Burlington' ["Three pictures in tempera by William Blake', Burl. Mag, Mar 1904 4 p 204]. Julian is very amusing, and has begun to sing a little; Edith has a cello here and Fry is accompanying her 'in very simple things' - tells Bob not to let his wife know - which Helen enjoys.
22 Willow Road, Hampstead. - Glad Bob liked his [painting of] the Beechen Tote [near H]aslemere; thinks it is one of his best and that [John] Masefield is sure to like it. Also thinks that 'the Cowdray oil is the best thing in a way' that he has painted; delighted that [Neville] Lytton agrees, though it will 'almost disappear on the walls of the N.E.A.C.' Hopes to see Lytton this afternoon. The children are with; they are taking Pamela to see Helen this morning. Helen is 'going on well & steadily'; though she tends to be depressed, he thinks this is better than the 'exalted state', and he feels hopeful.
The Shiffolds. - Since writing this morning, the child has been 'going on quite well': the doctor seemed satisfied with him and Bessie when he called. Bessie is not able to feed him yet, and may never be able to; he hopes she will, but it is not too important. Bessie is doing well, 'though rather tired in the head'; is sure that will improve since there is 'practically no anxiety now'.
Wonders what his mother will think of their idea of naming the baby Julian Otto; this is not decided, and they would like her opinion. Robert suggested William, a family name; Molly likes Antony. Robert 'would not object' to John [also a family name], but prefers William and Julian; besides, he does not like either Jack or Johnny. Julian 'would suggest Julius Röntgen' [Bessie's brother-in-law]; the only other Julian he knows is Roger Fry's son who is much older 'so there would be no confusion'. Bessie would prefer it to the other suggestions, though does not object to any of them.
Is unsure now about sending a notice of the birth to the newspapers; it is not that he is really anxious any more, but everyone who should know will do so by now, and it would 'only mean more answering of letters', which he will have had enough of. Supposes they could send a notice later. Molly went this morning, but will return for lunch, probably with Charles. She could stay on after Monday, but this will probably not be necessary: they can 'always have Mrs Grandmont [Bessie's cousin] now'. His mother must do just what suits her about coming to see them: she knows they will 'always be glad to see [her]', but he is now sure that the 'child will... wait till it suits you to come'.
Hopes their 'first bad news' did not upset his parents too much: Dr Hutchison's opinion justified their anxiety, while allowing them to feel less anxious later; thinks the child's illness is now clearly 'ordinary jaundice'. Nurse Godwin has had more sleep and is now more cheerful; she 'became rather too nervous at one time, though she has done splendidly all through'.
Grand Hotel, La Croix de Cavalaire, Var - France. - Thanks his mother for her letter; expects by now she will have seen Bessie, who is 'still not satisfied' about Paul's health, and may take him to the seaside if it does not improve soon. Will stay here for perhaps a fortnight, as the weather seems likely to remain fine. Hopes his parents will enjoy London. Wonders what his father will find is happening about the Cacciola property [left to Robert and George in the will of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan]; thinks he himself has 'really ceased to be interested in it by now' and expects the same is true of Withers. The Fry children are not going to come to the Shiffolds, which is perhaps good since Bessie 'will have more time, and be able to have some guests'.
Is starting on a new play, 'probably for an opera', which is 'dreadfully' serious. Strange that he has had no reviews of Sisyphus, except in the Daily Chronicle and 'the Scotch and Birmingham papers'; does not mind, as 'people who are not reviewers seem to like it well enough'. [Bernard] Berenson has just sent him Heracles, 'a portentous dramatic poem 270 pages long', by George Cabot Lodge, 'the son of the senator'; does not know, 'after labouring through it, whether there is really anything in it', whether he is a youthful and rather crude genius, or only a clever bad poet' and wishes he knew Lodge's age: if Lodge is under twenty-five, Robert would call him a genius and think he 'would turn out... the American Robert Browning', as it much reminds him of Paracelsus, though 'not as masterly in style'. Unfortunately, is expected to give his opinion to the Berensons, who will probably pass it on to the poet, who 'seems to be interested' in Robert's own poems. At least Lodge has 'very few mannerisms, and even spells labour with a u'.
Is glad his father is well.
Grand Hotel La Croix, La Croix du Cavalaire, Var, France; addressed to Lady Trevelyan at Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Arrived here last Friday; the weather is fine. Left Bessie and P[aul] well. Bessie may have the two Fry children to stay at the Shiffolds while Robert is away, as their mother is ill; this was not settled when he left, but they had offered if necessary. Does not think it would be 'much trouble, as they are nice children, and have a good nurse'; will probably know today.
Saw George in London, who 'gave a good account' of their parents; was sorry to miss his mother there. Will stay here for several weeks, perhaps a month, depending on how he gets on with his work. No-one is here 'but French people, and those not interesting'; bathes in the sea every day as it is 'quite warm enough' for him.
Ivy Holt, Dorking. - [Reginald Brimley] Johnson has written, and Fry is going to see him on Tuesday [about Bob's book, "Polyphemus and Other Poems", with illustrations by Fry]. Looking forward to Wallington; wishes Bob could put off his visit to Glasgow [the International Exhibition?] so they could go together, but supposes it is impossible. Has hardly seen B.B. [Bernard Berenson] but has 'heard more than enough of him': will tell Bob about this later. Apologises for 'disconnectedness' as Julian [his son] is 'helping' to write this. has discovered a very interesting picture at the Gibsons' house which they though was worthless but which he has cleaned and found 'a very good Florentine Madonna and child underneath'. Too hot here, but has found a 'new & much finer bathing place'. Thinks from what Johnson says that they will be able to arrange about the books; twelve illustrations would do and should cost about thirty or forty pounds to print.
Pensione Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi. - Has not heard from Fry for a while: hopes Helen and Julian are well. Description of 'a Julian at the hotel': Julian Cotton of the Indian Civil Service, honeymooning with his Neapolitan wife [neé Gigia Riccardi Arlotta]. Other guests are Kershaw and his friend Perry, an ex-actor; 'the Lapchinski', who luckily only came for a week; and [William] Wyse of Trinity, an Apostle who has been forced by ill health to give up work for a year. Goes every day to the Cimbrone, passing Fry's old studio, and has overheard prayers there as if to 'rid the room of... some devil who has...haunted there since you painted him in your picture of St Antony'. Taking tea today with Mrs Read [sic: Mrs Reid, widow of Francis Nevile Reid of Villa Rufolo]. Bessie is learning Latin and Trevelyan is rewriting the old play 'which sent [Fry] and Helen to sleep once'. Has heard nothing from Johnson about "Polyphemus" and only seen two reviews. Bridges wrote him an appreciative letter, though he did not like the Faun's song or make much of the irregular metres. Will probably stay at Berenson's on the way north; asks if he and Fry might meet around Florence. Fry should read Defoe's "Moll Flanders", which is the best novel in English. Bessie is now reading "Robinson Crusoe" to him as a 'shaving book', which is also excellent.