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The Shiffolds. - Encloses Withers' letter [re the will of Florence Cacciola Trevelyan; see 12/171]: it is 'a great relief that the whole matter seems really to have been wound up', and he and Bessie are 'very grateful indeed' for his father's help throughout. They were glad to hear better news of his mother, and hope she 'will soon be really well again'. Julian has been 'doing very well' recently, and they think he has 'really made some progress'.

Is just starting a journey to Camberley for the funeral of the wife of his friend Harry Fletcher: she 'died of consumption after a long illness of three or four years'. A grand-niece of Emerson, she 'was a person of a good deal of originality and force of mind and character'.

Bessie is very well, and sends love.

The Shiffolds. - Is alone here until Wednesday, since Bessie is in Cambridge; she hopes to see Caroline in London during her return, and seems well, apart from a cold. The weather is 'beautiful again today, and the woods are full of bluebells'; this is the best time of the year here, before the trees are fully in leaf.

They are currently 'very anxious about H[enry] Fletcher's wife', whom they hear from Mary Fletcher to be dangerously ill: if she can 'get through this crisis' she may 'get fairly well again'. Sturge Moore, the poet, and his wife are coming to the Shiffolds for two days on Wednesday; then Moore's brother [George], the philosopher, comes till Monday. On Saturday night, Denman is bringing Tovey over in his motor-car, and Arthur Dakyns will also be here. So on Sunday they will be 'quite filled up', with four guests, but he thinks they can manage.

Expects to be in town one day next week. Will try to see Pelléas et Mélisande if they perform it a second time. Hopes his father is well. Wonders how she thinks Henry James was looking when he came to lunch: does 'not think he looked at all well at Eastbourne'.