Showing 8 results

The Master's Lodge, Trinity College, Cambridge. - Very glad that Bessie and Bob liked his lecture. Good that the Ralph Wedgwoods are living at Leith Hill Place; cannot imagine better neighbours for Bob and Bessie. Enjoyed seeing Bob yesterday and talking to him 'about the poets, always most refreshing'.

23 West Road, Cambridge. - Desmond [MacCarthy]'s death is a 'terrible loss to his friends', and to the 'reading public whom he advised so well'; it is much to be regretted that he cannot now 'write that Introduction to the selection of Bob's work'; fears only he could have written it 'to perfection'. Took George Moore and his wife to Desmond's private funeral here; Ralph and Iris [Wedgwood] also came as well as his relations. Only person he is not sorry for is 'Desmond himself'; 'not much privilege' for the old to 'drag on in the present age' and he suffered so much from the asthma 'he endured so bravely'. Janet is much the same, but cannot get about; he leaves her as little as possible. Thanks Bessie for the offer of a book from Bob's library; he does not have a particular one he would like so she should choose one for him.

2 Garrick's Villa, Hampton, Middlesex. - Is glad that Bessie will be at the Shiffolds when he visits; asks if he can stay till Tuesday or Wednesday; they will certainly play chess. Is bringing something to read aloud to Bessie which he hopes will make her laugh. Expects he will miss 'the silent Miss Simpkins'. Asks if the Wedgwoods [Ralph and Iris] are at home. Dining with George [Trevelyan] last night, who was 'brisk' like Henry Sidgwick as remembered by MacCarthy and Trevelyan, and was not wearing any teeth. They discussed autobiographies and historians; George confessed he had never read Gibbon's "[Decline and Fall of the] Roman Empire"; MacCarthy did not tell him that one of his favourite autobiographies was 'that of Robert Calverly Trevelyan' [sic] as he is not sure if it is finished; his own is 'rather good, but rather scrappy'.

2 Garrick's Villa, Hampton-on-Thames. - Spent the last ten days of his time abroad at Somerset Maugham's villa near Nice, as the only guest; Maugham is 'industrious' so he had much lot of time to himself, there is a lovely bathing pool. Is delighted with "From the Shiffolds" and its dedication to him; also thanks Trevelyan for the Theocritus translations, which he found when he returned. Must have been delightful having Moore to stay: hopes the rest at the Shiffolds did him good after his recent illness, and that he did not even go up the hill to see the Wedgwoods [Ralph and Iris].

Garricks Villa. - Very sorry to hear from Bessie that he is ill, and has been worse; however, George got over his far worse pulmonary attack, and the Trevelyans are tough, like 'not a few of the old families in England'. Wants more news, but is writing to Bessie and Catherine Abercromby [sic: Abercrombie?] so Trevelyan should not trouble to write himself. Discusses the pleasure he gets from Trevelyan's writing, which if 'civilisation founders' due to expanding population, 'sentimental humanitarianism... coupled with practical callousness' and 'scientific technology' (television, for instance, is an 'asinine invention') has been loyal to the 'sinking ship'. Met a friend of Julian's recently, who told him that Julian is happy and has found a partner [Mary Fedden], and that Ursula has also found 'consolation' [Norman Mommens]; Trevelyan and Bessie must be relieved. Had a letter from Dorothy Moore yesterday, with two pots of marmalade, saying that Moore was well. Molly wants to 'hoof him out of England' for a while for his health, so he plans to stay with Somerset Maugham at Cap Ferrat in March, and would like to see Trevelyan before he goes; thinks he will ask to Iris and Ralph [Wedgwood] to put him up so that he can visit without being a strain at the Shiffolds.

The Shiffolds. - Was glad to get Bessie's letter; has also had some Wallington news from Bob. Is having a pleasant visit to the Shiffolds: likes the 'helpers and servers' very much. They came to the library one evening with their little girl, and Bob read poetry to them. He and Bob have had one long game of chess, which ended in a draw; Bob seems well and very active-minded, and is translating 'Ibant obscure...' [Virgil, "Aeneid VI"]; is unhappy because he has lost the minute hand of his watch. They are discussing literary subjects and about the past. Has seen little of the 'pleasant-faced dog'. Went to tea with the Wedgwoods [Ralph and Iris] on Saturday; they sent down the car as his 'breathing-machinery' cannot cope with the hill. She should tell Charles [Trevelyan] that he has been enjoying Keith's "Memories of Wallington"; sends his greetings to him and Molly. Remembers Molly as having the sweetest reading voice he ever heard.

86 Chesterton Road, Cambridge. - Would like to see Bob's collection of Desmond [MacCarthy]'s reviews, and would be able to send them back quite soon. Does not know who Desmond's literary executor is, but gives his son Michael's address; they see him occasionally as he usually visits when he is passing through Cambridge. His arthritis is still very bad; an X-ray has found that it is osteo-arthritis, which Dorothy says is incurable. He has no pain but is 'badly crippled'; it has affected his arms as well as his legs, and he is liable to fall asleep in the day. Hasn't yet read Forster's book ["Marianne Thornton, A Domestic Biography"?] as he discouraged Dorothy from getting it at first, but it has just arrived and they will read it soon. Saw Forster himself at an exhibition of Gwen Raverat's oil paintings. Always pleasant to hear of Ralph Wedgwood; is sorry to hear from Bessie that he looks older; hopes Veronica is not over-working. Hopes Tim will enjoy his visit to the States and get some good work done; Tim has always liked jazz, which is Moore's 'only reason for thinking that there must be some good in it.'

Has not yet heard from Bessie, but supposes they got seats on one of the trains. Is going to tea at Leith Hill Place [with Ralph and Iris Wedgwood?] then to lunch and to stay the night at Hurtwood House [with Joan Allen?]. Will listen to [Mozart's "Marriage of] Figaro" tonight on the [BBC] third program'. The [A.W?] Lawrences and 'Mrs Anderson (or Edwards)?' came to tea yesterday, which was 'very pleasant'; they look alder, but he enjoyed seeing them. Is well, but cannot work so will read Ben Jonson's "Alchemist'. Feels 'rather lonely' without Bessie. May go to the Deuchars and bathe on Monday if it is still fine. Ted Lloyd has gone to a conference in Switzerland. May visit Olive [Heseltine?] one day. Asks Bessie to let him know when she is coming back, and whether he should send her the "New Statesman" and 'those white trousers which Kitty said she would mend'.