Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Thanks Trevelyan for his note: there is 'no loss of friendship' though she thinks him 'very often injudicious in quite forgetting how very little [he knows] of Donald and of his surroundings and requirements'; has much affection for both Trevelyans and is grateful for the 'rest' their society gives Donald. Regrets that Trevelyan interfered with Donald's publishers [the Streckers: see 8/25] at 'so important a moment' and Percy Such was 'justly alarmed and indignant'. Thinks it a shame Donald wastes time on teaching and social functions, and also that the opera ["The Bride of Dionysus"] is a 'serious deflection of his proper work'; is sure though that all will be well, and is appreciates the 'loving care' the Trevelyans take of Donald. Is sure their dates will suit Donald. He will be 'quite independent' of her [in Germany], though she hopes they will meet at Munich; wishes he could travel back with her. It is 'delightful abt Schott' [apparently wanting to take three of Donald's pieces].
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Hopes Donald [Tovey] has let Bessie know that he proposes to be at Worplesdon from Saturday to Monday, to see his father and bring him on to the Trevelyans. Asks Bessie if she can see to a few things: Donald is not quite well, as 'his wretched eczema plainly shows', so she is sending his tonic and hair wash to be put in his bedroom; had got it under control but one result of 'the inexpressibly silly meddling early in the year' was that it was neglected; they both find it very depressing. Assures Bessie that it is not infectious, but hereditary [perhaps psoriasis rather than eczema?]. Will send one trunk packed for Germany, the other to come back to Northlands. Donald must leave for Mayence [Mainz] on 31 August at the latest, for his visit to the Streckers, although unfortunately 'the old publisher [Geheimrat Ludwig Strecker Sr] and his wife' will be absent. Bobbie [Trevelyan's] 'absurd intrusion into Mr Strecker's carriage' [see 8/25] gave the impression that Donald was 'an idle, capricious, rich amateur' who takes every excuse not to work, instead of a 'serious musician with his living to get'. Insists that the limitations imposed by his teaching and concerts encourage Donald to work, and do not hinder him. Urgent that he practises the piano regularly again in the autumn, as 'important people' tell her they have noticed a difference in his playing; he is however not well enough for her to worry him at the moment. Hopes to meet him in Munich with Percy Such for the Brahms fest. Will send Bessie her summer address when she knows it. Is sure being with Bessie will benefit Donald.
Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - So 'delightful that Schotts have bought three more of Donald [Tovey]'s things today'; hopes that his visit to the Streckers will be successful. Asks when would be most convenient for Donald to visit the Trevelyans. Does not know why Bobbie [Robert Trevelyan] told 'a perfect stranger like Dr Strecker' that Donald could only work at the Trevelyans; Percy Such was very indignant so she said it was 'Bobbie's notion of a joke'. Hopes Strecker will not think Donald a lunatic; Mr Such said he had explained it was 'an invention of Bobbie's to secure Donald's company' which she thinks is true, but 'he oughtn't to be greedy'. Lady [Evelyn?] de Vesci has asked her and Donald to join her in the Tyrol, which she would love, but she does not want to hamper Donald. Enjoyed Bessie's last visit very much, and wishes she could do something for her.