Headland, Mount Park, Harrow-on-the-Hill. - He 'insist[s] on forgiving E. B. Osborn' due to the 'surprising cheek of the idea' [see 21/103]; would be 'fun... to write critiques of plays with imaginary casts'. Also knew Osborn in 'old days', and now 'owe[s] him much' for his 'fantastic articles' in the "Morning Post".
The Shiffolds. - He and Bessie are sorry to hear she has a cold, and hope by now it is gone. The weather is 'very cold and nasty here today', but everyone is well except May [Enticknap]; she however is recovering, and he does not think she had measles badly. Went to London on Tuesday to dine with his 'friend [George] Hardy the Actuary, who has been working out the Invalidity Insurance scheme for the Government'; wanted him to meet [Ralph] Hawtrey so they arranged a dinner, with [Francis?] Hirst also present. They had a 'lot of political discussion': according to Hirst, if Phil Price had been back, he would have had a good chance of being chosen as [liberal] candidate for the Forest of Dean.
Is very sorry that Aunt Meg is not recovering more quickly. Supposes his father has finished his [jigsaw] puzzle by now. Says they should 'keep the Medici book [Lives of the early Medici as told in their correspondence, by Janet Ross?] as long as Papa wants it'. Saw Charles and George 'at breakfast' yesterday; both seemed well, and 'Charles quite cheerful'. Hilton Young has got the 'city Editorship' of the Morning Post, so will 'give up the Economist: his new job is 'well paid, £800 a year, and he will be able to say what he likes, though of course politics won't come in much anyhow'. People such as Hirst and George 'seem to think it is a good thing', since Young will be 'much more able to afford the expense of standing [for Parliament] a few years hence'; Robert hopes they will not have another election for 'four years or so'.
A Spanish musician they do not yet know is staying at the Shiffolds this weekend: [Benvingut] Socias, a friend of Röntgen and Casals; he does not speak English, so Robert will 'get some practice speaking French'.
Headed notepaper for Nuneham Park. - Has just read of the birth of Milnes' son in the Morning Post. Hopes that all is going well, and thinks that if this is the case 'it is better [Milnes] should be out of the way'. If Mrs Milnes and the doctor agree, 'they will send [Milnes off to Nuneham] on Monday.
Railway Hotel, Bellingham - Was very pleased to read Sir James' article in the 'Morning Post' ['Our Debt to France'], and regrets that probably no other paper would have published it, 'though every other paper would accept any sort of slobber about Germany'; wonders where this will lead.
The Morning Post, Argus Building, Tudor Street, E.C.4. - Asks her to thank Frazer for answering his query about the passing of the port, and asks for permission to publish his letter.
Escrick Park. - Declines request to vote for a hospital medical officer as it is her rule only to do so on the advice of her London physician; Milnes' letter in the Morning Post.
The Morning Post - Is sorry that she feels they have not done enough to find the missing article by Frazer; they are searching but have not had a complete index until recently, are looking through ledgers but her inability to provide the title makes things difficult.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Hopes Elizabeth's search for a nurse goes well; recommends the "Morning Post" for advertisements. They have had a good time with George, Janet, and the children, who have been 'very much better' behaved. Asks if Elizabeth would like an Otterburn Tweed for a coat and skirt; originally enclosing samples of patterns for her to choose from. Gussie [Enticknap] 'looks very cheerful' and will go to Mrs Davidson's [lodgings for the gardeners] soon; Keith says 'he wands a good deal of looking after & "knows nothing of work"'.