Showing 88 results

Pension Palumbo, Ravello, Golfo di Salerno. - Perfect recent weather; has done 'a fair lot of work' and thinks he is 'well started' on his new play about 'a man who comes back from the Crusades and finds his enemy in occupation of his castle'. [C.P] Scott, editor of the "Manchester Guardian", has asked him to send an account of the landslip disaster [at the Cappuccini hotel]; if Scott prints his letter he will show it her, as his 'first and perhaps... last attempt at journalism'. The accounts of the landslip in the papers are 'greatly exaggerated'; Bessie need not worry about him. Once read a review of [Kenneth Grahame's] "The Golden Age" by Swinburne, 'with more than his usual extravagance of praise'; was rather disappointed when he read some of it soon after. Fry's sister Isabel has written 'a somewhat similar book, but with no pretentions', which he thinks is worth 'twenty golden ages'; it is called "Unitiated" and he will get it for Bessie to read; Isabel Fry is very nice, and a little like Bessie in temperament. Will lend her [Stephen Philips'] "Paolo and Francesca"; does not think much of it. Is too lazy to copy out verses, as he promised. Agrees that it is wonderful to think of going out for dinner together; not that either of them do that much, but in moderation it is very good, and he has never dined out enough for the 'novelty of it to be spoilt' as it is for her uncle. Teases her about her dreams. Is sure with her uncle and Lord Reay's advice they will be able to arrange their marriage properly; they should have as few formalities as possible, and avoid being married again in England if they can; would like the date to be as soon as possible, in June, but she should decide. Notes that this is the last letter he will send dated 1899, and '1900 will look awfully odd'.

Very interested by her description of her childhood; Tuttie [Maria Hubrecht] is certainly ' not the sort of person to have understood [Bessie] at all'; he had something of the same difficulty with Charles, who however tried to be sympathetic and a good brother to him; Charles 'had a sterner and more orderly temperament' and Bob 'the more haphazard one'. George is 'a sort of cross' between the two, but with much more intellect than Charles. Encloses a letter from Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan]; knew she had taken a fancy to Bessie; 'her staccato style is admirably expressive. She does it in conversation often'. Had said in his letter that his parents might visit Sicily next winter and she might possibly see him with them and Bessie next year. Has nearly finished reading [Shorthouse's] "John Inglesant"; thinks it 'a most remarkable novel' though it does drag in places. Calls the muses her 'real rivals, my dear nine mistresses'.

Pension Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi. - Has received the "Descent of the Primates" from Professor [Ambrosius] Hubrecht and found it very interesting; a long time since he read Darwin and 'tried to imagine [his] hairy, long-eard, tail-bearing, tree-haunting ancestors' and the paper has 'quite revived' the old fascination; never thought the hedgehog was 'so comparatively near a relation'. He and [Roger] Fry used to have one in London to kill black-beetles, which they called Hochi-Weechi, the Romany for hedgehog. Obviously Hubrecht's work is 'of great importance and value'. Had forgotten to send him the address of his own spectacle shop, and will do so when he writes to thank him. Had also forgotten to tell Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan; about their engagement]; will write at once. Hopes Gredel [Guije] gets through [her exam].

Continues the letter next day. Has got on 'fairly well' with his play recently; the sirocco is blowing today so he cannot do much except copy out what he has done so far, translate some Sophocles, and deal with correspondence. Old Palumbo is about the same; his wife does not want Bob to go unless absolutely necessary. Has not yet had a letter, or rings from which to choose one for her, from the Frys, but has written to them. Has had a 'charming' letter from Tommy Phelps [17/156], whom he calls 'almost my eldest friend' and had jokingly warned him against Dutch ladies when he would not tell him why he was going to Holland again so soon; it was also Phelps who originated the Vondel / fondle pun. Also returns C [Charles Trevelyan?]'s letter. Copies out some lines from "Troilus and Cressida", which he discusses briefly.

8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Found C[harles] and M[ary] settled at North Street, a 'bright little house' which they have made pretty, furnishing it 'economically' and suitably for a small space; their [wedding] presents looked nice, and they have an excellent book collection. Mary looks very contented, and 'Charlie's hair is curling as it has not done for a long time!'. One of the two small drawing-rooms has two pianos in; if they play them together their neighbours will think it noisy, but 'they are humble folk, & the children who swam in Westminster will come & listen in the street!'. George looks as if he needs a holiday; Caroline is glad the wedding is not far away, on 17 March. Janet looks very happy and says she is busy with her trousseau. Dorothy has returned and said to be 'much better for her journey'. Saw the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons yesterday; they start for Sicily tomorrow; Caroline will ask Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] to let them see her garden. Asks whether Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] would let them call on her; thinks she would like Dolly. Harry is telling people that Caroline and Sir George like their new daughters-in-law, but will not say 'either of them come up to Elizabeth in character or walking!'. Glad he has the right impression, though of course they will all have a 'separate place' in their hearts; Mary is good, sensible, and suits Charles, but 'needs a little polishing'.

If there are things at La Croix which would be suitable for a bazaar at Stratford, asks if Elizabeth could buy her two pounds worth; she can send them by post if she likes. Going today to see if they can find out about Aunt Margaret [Holland]'s health; fears it is her 'old trouble, clots'. Meta [Smith?] has reached Egypt; is said to be better. Very glad life at La Croix suits Robert's work. Caroline has found a cabinet at Stratford which she thinks will suit their new house; asks whether the work on that has begun yet.

8, Grosvenor Crescent. - They have just arrived in London, in pouring rain. Glad Elizabeth and Robert continue to like La Croix [-Valmer?]. Expects it must be difficult to give a sense of period language in their translation work; sure that between them they will do well. The gathering at Welcombe was pleasant: Henry James, 'as delightful as ever', Miss [Lily] Noble who 'always brings an atmosphere of culture and friendliness', Sir Alfred Lyall, 'the agreeable man of the world'; Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green, earnest and serious, who 'occasionally treads on all our toes!'. There was lots of talk, and they managed some walks [despite the weather]. Yesterday and this morning she watched some flowering shrubs being planted in the garden at Welcombe; hopes they will flourish. Going to North Street [Charles and Mary's house] tomorrow, and will write and tell Elizabeth about it. Has had a letter from Mad[am]e Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan], who is pleased with the photographs Caroline sent her

Grand Hotel, La Croix, par Gassin (Var) :- Has not yet answered her last letter, having written to his father instead; is glad to hear from her letter to Bessie which arrived today that he, George, and Charles are well. His mother's account of North Street [Charles and Molly's new marital home] much 'interested and amused' them. Hopes all will go well at Oxford [for George and Janet's wedding]; wonders if George will wear a frock coat, but supposes not 'as he will not wear a topper presumably'.

He and Bessie are both well and 'enjoying very fine weather'; he is getting on all right with his work, finishing a play he began last year but put aside having 'got into difficulties'. Now he thinks he knows 'how it should go'. Is going to review Sturge Moore's poems for George, but not until he leaves here, as time spent on his own work here is too valuable; nevertheless, has promised George he will have it ready for the May number [of the Independent Review]. Bessie is getting on 'slowly' with her translation, but it is 'very difficult work, and can't be done quickly'. They have just heard from Mrs Cacciola, who asks several questions which Robert cannot answer: about '"Andrew Johnstone (Charlotte's husband)"', and whether '"Mr Frank Snowball... is a man as honourable and capable in business as his father Joseph Snowball was"' - he was apparently a '"highly esteemed friend"' of Mrs Cacciola's mother. Robert thought his mother would probably know these people, but that as he does not know why Mrs Cacciola is making these enquiries, his turning to her 'had better been in confidence', since Mrs Cacciola could always have asked her directly. In the mean time is writing that he does not know but will find out; since Mrs Cacciola 'has so few friends in England' he feels he should do so.

Asks his mother to thank his father for her letter, and tell him Robert will write soon. Hopes the 'literary dinner went off well'. Bessie will write soon; they both send love. Decisions about their house are now 'more or less settled', though the 'road question' is still not yet quite agreed; expects they may need to spend something on it themselves 'if no one else will, possibly one or two hundred pounds'. They are leaving it to their solicitors to settle. Their friends the Hardys [G H Hardy and his sister?] have not yet come, which is a disappointment.

Begins mid-sentence stating that [his brother George's book "The Age of Wycliffe"] is 'a good piece of history', which shows up John of Gaunt as 'a sort of 14th century Taman[n]y ring boss'. Also recommends Rostand's "Les Romanesques", which he read recently and things is even better than "Cyrano". Cannot think of any more modern books for the moment; fears his list is 'chiefly composed of friends' and relations' books'; [Roger] Fry is also bringing out his book on Bellini soon, which is well worth getting. Asks Elizabeth to tell Mrs Grandmont that the Frys would like her to visit when she is in England; gives their address. He himself is getting a house near Dorking at Westcott, and will move in September, when he will be within a mile of the Frys; the house he is giving up at Haslemere is, though, very beautiful.

Supposes she has been back from Taormina a while; asks her to send some photographs, especially the ones of 'Mrs. Cacc. [Florence Cacciola Trevelyan] and the dogs' and himself in the loggia. The last few days of scirocco were 'a great bore', but he almost forgives it for preventing the trip up Monte Xerito as it 'made [them] those splendid waves among the rocks'; it also 'put [Elizabeth's] fiddle out of sorts' though, so he could not hear any more Bach suites. Heard Isaye [sic: Ysaÿe] play one yesterday, as well as the Mendelsohn concerto; he was in good form, and he will hear him again playing the Beethoven. Is having a musical week, as he has already seen Paderewski, for the first time, and will hear [Wagner's] "Tristram" tomorrow. 'Paddy was great fun, at all events to look at'; thinks he played a Chopin concerto better than the Beethoven. Spends most of his time at the British Museum library when he is in London; has found a translation of [Joost van den] Vondel there by a Dutch American; it is 'very conscientious and scholarly' but he does not think much of the blank verse; still, he can now go on where Elizabeth left off. Would like to know when Mrs G[randmont] is coming to England, and if Elizabeth is likely to be in London so he can 'make a display of [his] extensive and profound knowledge of Italian painting in the National Gallery'. Not sure whether he is going to Bayreuth yet; discusses times he could come to Holland.

Suggests older books she should read: Keats's letters, most of which are available in Sidney Colvin's edition though he advises getting Buxton Forman's four volume edition with the poetry; Butcher and Lang's translation of the "Odyssey"; Meinhold's "Sidonia the Sorceress" and "Amber Witch", translated by Lady Wilde and Lady Duff Gordon. Could lend her all of these books, as well as [Henry James's] "In a Cage" and his brother and father's books . Asks her to write with news and to say when would be best for him to come to Holland; he will write soon to the Grandmonts when he sends them [Thomas Sturge?] Moore's book. Thinks he remembers Elizabeth said she had never read Jane Austen; she should read them all, especially "Mansfield Park", "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma". Breaks off mid -sentence: 'by advising to...': 9/71 forms the rest of the letter.

A portion of what seems to be a poem by Robert Trevelyan based on the "Mahabharata", with some explanatory notes, is found with this letter but not referred to in it

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Last two pages only of the letter: begins mid-sentence with '...mother [underlined]'. Would like to have the names of the present Trustees [of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan's estate?] Is writing to Elizabeth as he is in London; knows she will 'communicate this letter' to Robert.

Describes: his studies at Cambridge; brief time as a pupil in the chambers of T. E. Scrutton, which would have been a 'great privilege and opportunity' if he had only had 'any talent for the law'; a long holiday at Corpo di Cava in southern Italy to recover from influenza, where he began to write a 'long, rambling... romantic modern novel' on the theme of incest, inspired by Ibsen's "Little Eyolf; outdoor composition; his turn to writing poetry, in which he was encouraged by Roger Fry.

Pencil notes at the back of the book sketching out further topics for the autobiographical account, such as [Thomas] Sturge Moore; 'Taormina - Bessie - Mrs [Florence] Cacciola - Holland'; writing the libretto [for the "Bride of Dionysus"] for Donald Tovey; his translation of Aeschylus; Welcombe [his inheritance of the house from his mother?]; at the bottom of this page, the other way up, there is the beginning of an account of a gentleman living 'not long since, in one of the northern counties of England'.

'La Signora Van der Hoeven' is written on the front of the card in pencil; a pencil note on the back by Robert Trevelyan informs her that he has given something to [Giuseppe?] Bruno.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Blames the 'heat which brings on indolence' for his delay in replying to her last letter. Saw Madame Grandmont at the Bowmans', where he spent a very pleasant evening; she has since written to say he can visit in early September, so asks Bessie to tell her that will suit him very well. Is not going to Bayreuth, so will come straight out to Holland, which he is looking forward to seeing again. Has left the heat in the South of England and come up to 'the cool and airy atmosphere of Northumberland'. Is glad she likes the Odyssey; her translation is 'quite correct and scholarly', although a little too Biblical and free with 'withals' and 'verilys'. Agrees generally with what she says about [Henry] James: he need not always be so obscure, though 'vague ideas can often only be vaguely expressed'; discusses some of the characters and scenes he admires. Supposes she will be going to Denmark now; hopes she enjoys her music there; he has heard little for weeks and fears he will not until he goes to Holland. Is glad she enjoyed "Marrow and Asparagus" [his "Mallow and Asphodel"]; but she must like [Thomas Sturge] Moore's poems better, particularly "The Vinedresser", "The Panther", and "At Bethel"; the parts of Moore's poetry he likes 'mean more to [him] than anything that has appeared in England since Browning's early and great days". Will send for [Lagerlof's] "Antichrist Miracles" as is keen to see Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] 'glorified by fiction', even if she is depicted as 'a witch or Fiery, instead of the mild lady she really is'; has always intended to make her 'the subject of a romance' when he takes to writing novels in his old age. Bessie can keep [his father's] "American Revolution" until he comes. Asks to be remembered to the Grandmonts. His father has just bought a Madonna by [Francesco] Francia; they are all very pleased with it, though he is amused by the comments of the servants. The butler secretly prefers the not very good copy of Raphael's "Madonna della seggiola" which used to hang in the room; he says the 'lady' is pretty '(being good protestants, they won't call her the Madonna or the Virgin)', but the baby is 'rather a funny-shaped baby', and at least Raphael gave his child some clothing; says Mrs Prestwitch [sic: Mary Prestwich] (the old nurse, now housekeeper) knows more about babies than he does, and she is not sure about the baby; supposes neither he nor his brothers were 'exactly that type of infant' when they were in her nursery.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Is 'very sorry' about the news [of Florence Cacciola's death] in the letter from Withers, which he supposes Bob has by now received. Sorry her 'personal property is so small. It doesn't much matter about Hallington [Hall], one way or the other'. Janet wants to know whether Mrs [Marie] Sturge Moore has just had, or is about to have, another baby, as she would like to invite them to dinner; could Bessie send a line about it as soon as she can.

8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Amused to hear about 'the tea making at Rocca Bella [the Grandmont's house in Taormina]; hopes the concert was a success. She went to hear the Manchester [Hallé] orchestra, which was good but not as good as the Meiningen, conducted by Richter last night. Has not seen Robert's play ["Cecilia Gonzaga"] yet, but Mr Longman dines with them on Thursday so she will hear about it then. Can imagine that Mrs C[acciola Trevelyan] could be 'exacting & tiresome' but they will not be long near her. Hopes Elizabeth will get her visit to Holland; Lord Reay told them a while ago that the strike was serious, but she has heard nothing about it recently. Expects they will have a good view of Vesuvius erupting on the way back. Sir George saw a cyclist hit by a car, which drove off without stopping, this morning; it is 'quite unsafe to walk about now!'.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Withers has gone to see Philipson today [regarding the legacy left to Bob and George in the will of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan]. Received a letter from Sir George, enclosing some old letters, too late to show Withers before he left; they were sent to George not Bob only as he is in London so nearer the lawyers. Will send on Sir George's letter soon; Withers and Crompton [Llewelyn Davies] will let Bob know the 'contents of the enclosures'. Saw Crompton this afternoon; he has the papers, and 'has the whole affair in train'; will be in touch once the significance of the will of Mrs Cacciola's mother, Mrs [Catherine] Trevelyan, is understood.

Regarding Welcombe, George encloses a statement [no longer present] drawn up by Crompton, which Bob can keep. 'Re the last sentence in the letter, [George] told Crompton to get a copy made at Somerset House' so that Caroline need not be disturbed again. Bob can discuss this with Crompton when he is next in town.

Hôtel & Pensione Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi:- Is 'here, and all right', but has little else to say; the last week has been 'very stormy' but the weather is now better, and since there is no-one else at the hotel he has 'nothing to complain of'. Thinks this is generally 'the best place for working' he knows, though he has not done much yet. Mrs Reid, 'an old lady related to the Lacaitas' lives here in a villa; Robert visits her every few days and uses 'her garden and books'. She is 'the Mrs. Cacciola of Ravello, only with more to say for herself, indeed quite a charming humourous [sic] old lady'; though of course 'she is not such an original, quaint thing as Florence [Cacciola Trevelyan]'.

Is 'looking forward to having [his father's book] the American Revol[ution]'; reminds her to ask his father if he would mind sending a copy to Mr [Bernard] Berenson at 5 Via Camerata, Florence. Is reading [Carlyle's?] French Rev[olution] now 'which is a very different kind of book. However there is room for all sorts'. Hopes all are well. Has not heard from [Roger] Fry for a while but everything was going 'very well' when he last did. Has now nothing left to write, and needs to go out.

8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Rather 'wonderful how many liberals' Elizabeth and Robert have had in 'such a small party' [of fellow guests at Ravello]: Mr [Henry John?] Roby is 'a fine old fellow'; knows who Miss Williams is. Hears of many people going to Rome and Sicily now. Understands that Elizabeth wants to stop in Holland while Robert 'joins the Easter party [organised by George Moore]'. Has reserved tickets for the Joachim concerts; would very much like to go with Elizabeth and would be able to find other takers on occasions when unable to attend. Elizabeth was elected to the [Grosvenor Crescent] club and Caroline has paid her sub. Sir George is talking to Mr Longman downstairs now; Caroline is glad the play [Robert's "Cecilia Gonzaga"] will soon be out. The Bertie Russells visited on Sunday; she is 'much better, & looked quite different'; they are moving soon to Churt, a neighbourhood Caroline likes but supposes Elizabeth and Robert prefer Haslemere. She and Sir George are anxious they should find a nice house this summer. Asks for news of the Cacciolas; sends love to Florence and 'kindest regards to the Signor', as well as remembrances to the Grandmonts and Marie [Hubrecht].

Naples. - They go to Rome in two days, and can be reached there by Post[e] Rest[ante]. Bob must be generous to this letter as it was written 'after a day of rain & scirocco and sight seeing'. The news about 'Mrs Bertie' [Alys Russell?] has made them 'pretty indignant, and supports Helen's opinion of the character of 'P. Smith' [housekeeper at Beaufort Street?]. Bob, with his 'horror of moving & doing household things' will suffer; perhaps he should stay at Welcombe. Jokingly suggests then 'retract[s]' the idea that Bob should 'spend three years choosing or educating a wife'. Thanks Bob for all he 'did about the picture'; he and Mrs W[iddrington?] have been marvellous about it. A confusion over Taormina involving [Alfred?] Thornton and [Francis?] Bate. Never got chance to continue with the Galatea picture, but hopes he might yet finish it; has done 'lots of studies of seaweed etc', and Goldie [Dickinson] has seen the painting and likes it.

He and Helen had 'rather a serious time' when his parents came; they arrived a day early with 'all the other people whom we'd offended, including Ezekiel'. The talk was 'geological' rather than 'the wild orgies of the [Terence?] Bourke regime & the fierce gladiatorial shows... of [Bob's] reign'; assures Bob that their arguments do not matter; means to find out 'what it is that annoys some people so much in my way of arguing). His father was 'very nice' and got on well with Helen; his parents took her off on a driving tour of Etna while he himself stayed to work. Tells of visiting 'Mrs C' [Florence Cacciola Trevelyan] with his parents, and being menaced by her dogs. They went several times to see the Gramonts [Grandmonts] and had some 'splendid music', with ' more kindly scandal from Mrs G.'; they are nice people. Not enough time to tell of their 'quaint adventures at Pestum and Agropoli', and Pompeii, 'the apotheosis of shoddy' and so quite loveable, as 'immoral as the Brighton pavillion [sic] and as charming as a Japanese toy'. They stopped there a week at a 'filthy inn' where Goldie, [Nathaniel] Wedd and [Augustus Moore] Daniel came to stay: Daniel great fun, Wedd 'cussing & swearing because its not England'; got on 'splendidly with them'.

He and Helen are now staying in Santa Lucia; he goes out in the morning to buy bread and ricotta at street stalls, and milk straight from the 'street cows'; they have been up Vesuvius. Reassures Bob about his poetry: he and many others have 'betted heavily' on him so he must 'make a success of it'; is sure he himself will, having been just where Bob is; 'one comes though by mere pigheadedness'.

Pension Palumbo, Ravello:- Has little to say, as life is ‘quite uneventful’. They [he and the Frys] usually have the place entirely to themselves. Visited Mrs Reid’s garden the other day: it is ‘not so fine and big as the Cacciolas’, but has some nice trees’, and he will go to sit there occasionally. Mrs Reid has said he can go whenever he likes, though she herself is too ill to be called on at the moment. Believes the ‘present Lacaita [Charles Carmichael Lacaita]’ is her nephew. There are ‘many other places’ he can go, ‘especially a garden at the top of the cliff’.

The Frys ‘usually spend their day in their studio’; Roger has just had ‘rather a bad cold’, but Robert thinks Helen ‘is all right’. They ‘read Don Quixote aloud in the evenings, having first read ‘the beginning half of [The Casting Away of] Mrs Lecks & Mrs Aleshine [F. R. Stockton]’ which they found here. Robert has done a lot of work since coming here; there has been good weather, except for ‘three wet days last week’.

Has received her letter, and the bills: it was quite right of her to open those. His letters have now begun to ‘come direct’. Is glad his father is ‘keeping well’, but wishes ‘he would not go back [to London?] too soon’. Does not yet know when he will go to Florence, but does not think it will be for some time; expects he will not stay there long. He and the Frys may visit Naples soon; does not know how long George will be there, but expects he will have left by the time they go.

Hotel Palumbo, Ravello, Presso d’Amalfi:- Hopes she received his postcard saying he had arrived safely. Did not get here till more than an hour after he had expected, as his ‘horse kept breaking down’. Ravello is ‘much higher up’ than he imagined, but when it is reached ‘nothing could be more delightful’; it is ‘really a more satisfactory place than either Taormina or La Cava, though it would be improved by a Mrs Cacciola and garden’. There is however a ‘Mrs Reid and garden’ whom Robert has ‘some vague notion is a friend or even connection of ours’; asks her mother to let him know if this is so, as he could call on her.

The Frys are well, and both ‘doing some interesting work’; it is ‘very pleasant’ that they are here. No-one else is here but Strachan Davidson, a Balliol don with whom Robert ‘can talk about the Classics as much as [he likes]’. The ‘inn is almost as good as any in Italy’, with everything ‘the best of its kind, food, service, tea, rooms, beds, etc. Signor Palumbo himself is a ‘famous vine grower’, and his ‘wines admittedly the best in Italy’. Until today the weather has been very fine, but ‘now there is a scirrocco [sic] and showers of rain’. Has been getting on well with his work, but expects he will not do as much today but ‘copying out’.

Has not received many letters, and thinks there might be ‘something wrong at the Post Restante at Rome’; asks if she could ‘ask Batsley (?) to go and enquire’. He could enquire if there are any letters ‘under Robert, for they often keep them under the letter beginning the first word spelt in full’. Hopes she is still having a good time, and is not returning [to London?] for some time. Supposes George will soon be at Naples: he should come here for a few days. Robert has little news, as their lives are ‘very uneventful’; there is no ‘sea bathing’, as at Taormina, but ‘on the whole there are more walks’.

Hotel Timeo, Taormina:- The Frys have been here a week now, and Robert will stay ‘a little longer’ than he had intended, though he hopes to start back ‘some time next week’. Most of the time the weather has been ‘very fine’; in fact, ‘rather too dry’. Today they are going, in the boat of ‘the Cacciolas’ fisherman’, to see ‘the grottoes under the cliffs, which are very wonderful, something like the Capri grottoes’. They will then spend the rest of the day on ‘the Cacciolas’ island [Isola Bella] which contains everything, from rabbits and a ruined chapel to corals and Leonardo “Madonna of the rocks” sort of places’. Roger Fry is painting ‘a picture of the theatre and Aetna’, but Robert does not think ‘the place inspires him much for painting, though they both enjoy staying here very much’. They ‘looked in at an Italian carnival dance yesterday evening’; the Frys ‘danced a polka’ and Robert watched.

There is ‘great indignation here about the bombardment of the Greeks [in the conflict with the Ottomans over Crete]’; expects there also is in London, as ‘Public feeling seems to be entirely with the Greeks in England, France, and here [Italy]’. Sees Colonel Hay is the new ambassador [of the US in London?]. Will try and get Il Capello del Prete [by Emilio De Marchi] for her on the way back. Is not yet certain about coming down [to Welcombe] for the ‘Shakespearean week’, so she should not get him tickets; would most like to see As You Like It. Does not think [Frank] Benson ‘would do the Tempest very well’: his Midsummer Night’s Dream was ‘not altogether good’. Is glad Fairweather is ‘strong again’. Supposes his mother will be in London when he returns. Will go to Haslemere and ‘get settled there as soon as [he] can’; thinks the Russells are there now. Hopes his father is ‘still well’.

Hotel des Palmes, Palermo [on headed notepaper for the Grand Hôtel Central, Palermo:- Has come to Palermo for a few days to meet the Frys, who have ‘just come over here from Tunis’; thinks they are coming to Taormina later. Has just found them, after ‘a search of some time’, and is writing this in their hotel on ‘their royal sized paper’; his own hotel is the Hotel des Palmes, but she need not write there as he will soon be back in Taormina. The ‘pens of the Grand Hotel are as execrable as their paper is glorious’.

Was very pleased with the Daily News article [on his father?], which he has given to the Cacciolas. The Doctor [Salvatore Cacciola] has ‘always had an admiration of Papa… now strengthened by the sketch of his life’; he is a ‘great admirer of the English character, and rises at 3 or 4 in the morning to study Smiles’ Self Help and so improve his English’; he is currently ‘Syndic and autocrat of Taormina though he has bitter enemies, and even dangerous ones’ . Cacciola's father, ‘the avocat’, was ‘murdered by some offended client’, but Robert reassures his mother that ‘Taormina is not a place where murders are frequent'. Has been satisfied with his work, and ‘even rather grudge[s] this expedition to Palermo’, though ‘it is a wonderful town, and Fry is just the person to show it one’.

Thinks he will return around the end of the month, when ‘England ought to have become habitable’. There have been ‘no interesting guests ‘this year at the Timeo, and the only friends he has besides the Cacciolas are the Gramonts [Grandmonts], an ‘old Belgian savant and his Dutch wife who paints’, the ‘old man is very musical, and he and an Italian play violin and piano duets twice a week… They read Mozarts and Beethovens sonatas without having always played them before, and certainly perform excellently’.

Hôtel Timeo, Taormina:- Was ‘very glad’ to get his mother’s letter: what she says about his father [resigning his seat in Parliament for private life?] is what he has been ‘expecting and hoping to hear for some time’, for both his father’s sake and that of his book. Would however like to talk to her about this when he returns, ‘some time about the beginning of next month’. Has been fine weather since he arrived, though it was very cold for several days which amounted ‘almost to a disgrace to Taormina, which is nothing if not a warm place’; now however it is as hot as may be wished, ‘far hotter than Wallington in midsummer’. A ‘rather… rowdy lot’ have been staying at the hotel, ‘chiefly Germans and a banjo-twanging marine from Malta’, who have been ‘playing bad danse [sic] music on a vile piano, dancing and singing (the Homeric μολπη) till eleven at night, much to the annoyance of the quieter guests’. Floresta was ‘very angry, as such a thing is unheard of in his hotel’; Robert thinks the worst of them have gone now, and Floresta would stop further noise.

Has been listening to all of Florence [Cacciola Trevelyan]’s ‘woes’ this morning; last year he used to give about a morning a week to this, and ‘then administer such advice and consolation’ as he thought fit. Her garden is ‘much nicer this year, and the flowers earlier and more abundant’. Has not heard anything of the Frys yet, though believes they are coming here before long. Returns ‘the card of Σ with profit and thanks’; is very sorry that he has ‘nearly torn it in half’ - asks if she could put some ‘paper with paste or gum at the back to hold it together’ before she gives it back to his father, and tell him Robert is ‘very sorry for the accident’.

Hôtel Timeo, Taormina:- Has ‘found fine weather and comfort at last here’, and will stay for the rest of his time abroad. Has got to work already on his first day here; the weather is ‘perfect, and rather cold’. Came straight here from St. Raphael, stopping a day at Naples to see if going to ‘Corpo di’ Cava, but thought he would have been ‘washed out’: was not till he got past Messina that it stopped raining. Most of Italy has been ‘flooded this winter’, though it has not been very cold; Taormina ‘seems to have escaped’. The hotel is very quiet, and only half-full.

The Cacciolas are ‘very glad to see’ Robert; their house is quieter since the ‘lunatic German governess’ has left. Cacciola suspects she took opium, if not her behaviour was ‘almost inexplicable’. Floresta, the ‘padrone’, has had a letter from [Roger] Fry saying that he and his wife are coming soon. Robert hopes they will stay for a while; believes they are currently at Tunis but has not heard from them recently. Hopes his family are all well. Hears the Russells [Bertrand and Alys] have returned from America; hopes he will ‘find them settled at Fernhurst’ when he returns. Does not think he will stay longer than a month. It is an ‘almost perfect place’ for his work, with the Cacciola’s garden and books; expects he will get ‘much more done’, as last spring he ‘was more uncertain as to what [he] wanted to do’.

8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Glad to get Elizabeth's letter this morning and be able to tell Sir George the news [that she is pregnant]; he was 'most heartily pleased'. Asks if they could come for the day on Friday 18th, which Sir George prefers to Sunday 20th since he thinks fewer holiday makers will be returning home then. Robert is 'a bad boy not to write to Florence [Cacciola Trevelyan?]. Has seen Aunt Annie [Philips] today.

Hôtel Floresta, Taormina [headed notepaper]:- His mother’s news about George was a ‘great surprize’ to him: is sure George is ‘doing the wise thing in going to Madeira’, and hopes that on his return he ‘will be himself again, and ready for his tripos’; supposes George is ‘so far forward, that the loss of a month or so will not be serious’. Now remembers that George ‘did not seem particularly bright at Welcombe’. Hopes the ‘Spanish Got has not ordered a quarantine at Madeira for Cholera’: almost every year it is ‘seized with a senseless panic, and most absurdly compells all visitors to wait some weeks before landing’; since Cape liners cannot wait, passengers have to go onto the Cape or be ‘transferred to some ship returning to England’.

There was a case in Robert’s Chambers in which a ‘miserable traveller sued the Castle Line (Donald Currie’s) for breach of contract to land him at Madeira’; Chambers were acting for the company, and [T. E.] Scrutton thought there was no case, but Robert ‘rummaged up a rusty old case of Commonwealth times - something about a tenant refusing to pay rent because Prince Rupert and an “ungodly company of horse” had cut down his fruit-trees’, with which the ‘poor traveller’ was ‘confounded’, and Robert ‘gained great éclat for it was a very subtle point of law’. Sir Michael Hicks Beach was ‘shipped to the Cape in like manner’ a few years ago, instead of Madeira, but he was ‘patient and did not sue’. Hopes George does not suffer this fate.

Wishes he had wanted to come to Taormina, but perhaps he is right: the ‘Cacciola library consists partly of Hallington books, but the greater number, and many of the more valuable ones, have been ordered by Louisa or her [Florence Cacciola] and sent out from England’. Is ‘nearly siroccoed out of existence’: the wind has blown continuously for five days, for the last day or two bringing ‘a slow drizzle, and muffling in a mist as impenetrable as a London fog’. The weather should change soon, as it ‘usually lasts only 3 or 4 days’; everyone is ‘more or less seedy, and in the sullens’. Two Roman Catholic priests from Oxford are here; one, ‘a [Charles David?] Williamson is a delightful creature’, and they have become friends. Williamson ‘seems to have met the Herbert Pauls at Venice last year’, having known Herbert well at Eton but then not seen him; now they seem to be ‘great friends again’. Williamson says Herbert Paul ‘doesn’t at all like being out [of Parliament’.

Hope C[harles] will ‘get on the School-Board’. Is ‘very glad to hear that his father has begun writing: ‘“Our Unhappy politics”, as Shelley calls them, are not worth wasting time and trouble over just now’. Hopes ‘[John?] Dillon will do well, but his prospects are not bright’; supposes ‘[Thomas] Sexton could not accept’, yet his conduct resembles ‘Achilles sulking in his tent without sufficient reason’. Robert’s new friend Williamson is ‘very intimate with Dillon and the Matthews [a reference to the Mathews, family of Dillon’s wife Elizabeth?]’

Palermo:- Has come here for a few days to ‘draw on [his] bankers’ and see some more of the place; will return to Taormina tomorrow or the next day. Is well; the weather ‘has become Italian again, after nearly a week of continual wind and rain’. The rain was ‘sadly wanted’: the Cacciolas say that there has not been a ‘proper downpour’ for three years, so that citrus and other fruit trees are ‘quite backwards, and the blossoms unhealthy’. The Cacciolas have been ‘very kind’, allowing him to borrow books, but still he does not thinkTaormina can ‘hold a candle to Corpo di Cava as a place to stay’, and he would definitely have gone there had it not been for the cold. Has not yet received her second letter, but thought he would write since he may not return to Taormina till Tuesday. Is just going for a drive with the Hodgkins, whom he found in Palermo to his ‘surprise’. When the ‘old boy is at Syracuse’, Robert will go there for a day: Hodgkin has ‘an exaggerated idea’ of Robert’s knowledge of Thucydides, and wants him to ‘demonstrate the military topography’; Robert is however confident that he knows the ‘“siege” pretty well’. Will write again from Taormina.

Hotel Timeo, Taormina [on headed notepaper]:- There is 'beautiful weather again', though the nights are rather cold. Everything is 'rather backward this year, and the almond trees are only just beginning to blossom'; there are many in the Cacciola garden, which 'will be a very Eden in a day or two'. Is still living a 'studious and simple life, not cottoning' to any other hotel guests, but occasionally taking meals with the Cacciolas. They have many books, and a 'really fine collection of illustrated books of all kinds, Nashes, Bidas, Dorés etc'.

Is going to Syracusa for a day on Thursday or Friday, to 'go over the place with Dr [Thomas] Hodgkin, and to listen to long-drawn comparisons between the Syracusan and Crimean campaigns'. Will 'remember and compare the Greenleighton Epypolae [Greenleighton was a moor with a prominent hill in Northumberland near Wallington, Epipolae a fortified plateau near Syracuse]' when he visits its 'prototype', though he fears the animals 'that browse about its foot will be a sorry lot and nothing to compare to MacCracken's prize sheep'. But 'the genuine Theocritean shepherd still survives here, still plays on a συριγξ (or reed) and still calls out σιτθ to his goats'. Surprisingly, he was as unable to buy a text of 'the great Sicilian poet [Theocritus]' in the capital of the island, Palermo, 'nor even a Thucydides'; he did manage to 'rout out an Odyssey' to re-read the story of the Cyclops, which is set 'in a cave a few miles south of this place'.

Her 'P. M. Budget [a newspaper his mother has sent to him?] is 'very welcome'; also sees Truth, which someone at the hotel takes. Has had a cold, but got rid of it; otherwise has been in 'first-rate health'. Hopes his family are 'all enjoying life, and not suffering too much for being London-pent'.

Hotel Timeo, Taormina [on headed notepaper]:- Arrived last night, and is 'settled at a pension of 7 lire on the top of the Taormina cliff'. Went straight to Palermo after leaving his parents (stopping one night in Rome) but soon discovered that it 'would not do for what Baedeker calls a "prolonged stay"' and came on to Taormina after one day. Has not yet visited his relative, 'the doctor's wife, who was a Miss Trevelyan [Florence Cacciola Trevelyan', but thinks he will 'out of curiosity'. This hotel is the one 'that proved fatal to the poor lady, making her forget her home-ward journey (νόστου λαθέσθαι [Odyssey 9.97])'. Does not think he will 'fall a victim', but will stay here a while. Did not find any letters at Palermo : if his parents addressed any there, he will send to the poste restante for them.

Wants to catch the post, so this will only be a short letter; will write at further length in a few days. Hopes their journey back to London went well; expects they are now at Welcombe.

Written 'in train Amsterdam - Hague'; addressed to Bob at The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking, Surrey. - Has had a nice day at Amsterdam and good first lesson with [Bram] Eldering, who is a 'charming man and excellent teacher'; will go again soon as next Saturday there is a Brahms concert to which she will go and stay with her sister. Her aunt has been much better recently. Is just passing 'the famous bulb fields', although there are no colours yet except some yellow and purple crocuses. Has been talking with the Röntgens about the wedding day. Tells Bob off because she finds no letter from him when she arrives home. Tomorrow is going to see her sister [Maria] at Rotterdam, the district nurse, who came once to dinner when Bob was here; will also go and see 'old aunt of theirs... whom [she] hasn't seen for ages' and will show her and her sister their photographs. Has begun "Wuthering Heights", which is 'curiously fierce and bloody' but has not yet got far. Has just found a letter from Tuttie [Maria Hubrecht], asking her when she ought to come home; she will certainly return before mid-May when Bob may come. Tuttie says [Salvatore] Cacciola has 'made himself tremendously unpopular' with lawsuits against someone he accuses of lie; feels sorry for his wife [Florence Trevelyan]; Cacciola will probably come out of it badly but 'one can never tell with these Sicilians and bribery'.

Envelope labelled [in Elizabeth Trevelyan's hand?] 'Negative of photograph of R. C. T in G. Bottomley's room', but no negatives present. Five photographs showing a small group of people at a simple wooden house or hut may possibly show Bottomley.

Several of the photographs show what looks like Italian scenery; one is certainly of the Fontana del Duomo at Taormina. Some of the others may show the gardens of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan at Taormina, and it is possible that some of the interior scenes are also from her house there.

Carte de visite of George Otto Trevelyan, pen in hand, in middle-age. By John Y Hunter, 59, High St, Hawick and Bongate Jedburgh,