The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Glad to hear Aunt Maria is generally better; hopes her health will continue to improve. Also glad that [Alphonse] Grandmont and Jan [Hubrecht] are recovering, and that Tuttie [Hubrecht] has 'come back so much stronger'. Thinks about Grandmont every morning when they eat his 'black-butter' at breakfast; they wonder why it is black since it comes from the 'juice of white apples'. Bessie is well, despite the bad weather; there has been much wind and rain and 'her violin strings squeak, for all that she can do'. She is going to have her second lesson with [Johann] Kruse next week, who was unfortunately away when they last went to London. Two of his friends, both poets, visited on Sunday; one of them [Thomas Sturge] Moore read a play yesterday ["Omphale and Heracles'; they thought it 'very good' and wished it could be put on, but 'they do not act good plays in England now, except Shakespeare, and that they usually do badly'; the actors too are 'bad'. Bessie thinks English coal fires create much 'dust and dirt even when they do not smoke badly'; admits they do in comparison to Dutch stoves, but he does like open fires; whoever invented a fireplace combining the advantages of the two styles would be a 'great benefactor to man'. Spent three 'very full days in Paris with the same two friends' [at the Paris Exhibition]; might have wished Bessie to be there too but she would not have enjoyed the 'fearful'' crowds; even they got tired. Thought the 'old French art... very fine'; the 'side-shows and sights at the Exhibition were very poor' and the 'buildings too florid and ornamental, and some of them hideous', but the 'general effect... was very splendid and brilliant'. Is interested in the Queen [Wilhelmina of the Netherlands]' marriage, and glad 'the Dutch are pleased'; Bessie was 'quite sympathetic' when [Duke Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, the Queen's betrothed] 'had to say good-bye to her and go away to his country for a time] [as Robert had had to during their own courtship]. They have got an 'illustrated paper' about the royal couple. Next week, they are going to visit his aunt, Mrs Price, who gave them the piano, at her house in the Welsh borders; he has not been there since he was a boy, so is curious to see the place again. Bessie will write soon, but there is no time now as this has to catch the post; she sends love to all.
[On headed notepaper for 40 Ennismore Gardens, SW]. Is 'so very sorry to hear about Uncle Willie [Price}'s death. It is very sad for Aunt Meggie and Morgan'. Asks if she still has the papers for the [Harrow?] scholarship which C[harles] did; they would be 'very useful' as practice. Mr Arnold has been iller than expected; he is now 'getting steadily better' but 'still very ill, and will not work for some time', mainly as he has 'overstretched himself'. Robert hopes Charlie will be all right soon. Is working with Mr Jones for Latin, Mr Gowering for Greek, and doing Homer in his 'half-holidays' with Mr Cole. Is sorry to hear about the 'riots in London'.
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - The wedding [between George and Janet Trevelyan] is over, and now the family is 'all married'; wishes Robert and Elizabeth had been there as it was a nice, well arranged occasion. She, Sir George, and Booa [Mary Prestwich] arrived by train in Oxford just in time for the Registry, which was 'in a shabby little first floor room', made nice with 'carpet & flowers' but much inferior to the Hague; description of the short ceremony there, with only the 'nearest relations' and some of George's friends. They then went to [Manchester] College to meet the friends who had just arrived by special train from London. The chapel is 'extremely pretty, with lovely Burne-Jones windows'. Order of service originally enclosed; describes the address, in which 'there was nothing the least doctrinal, but it was very high toned & 'ethical'". Many guests, including Meggy [Price], Annie [Philips], Harry Greg, 'a number of Wards & Arnolds & Croppers', the 'H.Y.T.s' [Harry Yates Thompson and his wife], 'the Bell connection, & the Stanleys in numbers'. Also Mrs [Alice] Green, Henry James, 'Ritchies, Freshfields, Sidgwicks, Mr [Hugh?] Clifford, the Holman Hunts, Russells, Muggins Runcimans', many Oxford people and 'an array of George's friends'.
They then went into the library, a 'fine room with beautiful woodwork, & painted windows, & a statue of Dr [James] Martineau' for tea, took the special train back and were in London by 6 pm. Sir George was unwell with a bad cold for two days before, but got through; it was a warm day and he does not seem worse this morning. George and Janet went to 'a quiet place in Surrey' for a few days then on to Cornwall; will then return to London to 'put their house in order & go abroad'. Describes Janet's wedding dress and travelling dress.
Received the box of things from Taormina yesterday [see 11/93]; 'very nice, & just suitable for a bazaar'; will write and thank Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] for ordering them. Sir George sends love, and thanks for Robert's last letter; he is reading Lord Acton's letters 'with amusement and interest', having had to stop work for a while; she thinks 'working too long at the B.M. [British Museum] made him ill' and is 'sure it is full of germs'. Charles and Mary were 'much to the front' at the wedding, and Mary looked 'magnificent'; dined with them last week in North Street, where everything is arranged nicely. Supposes Robert and Elizabeth will return to lots of business about the new house and hopes it goes well: 'the old judge [Sir Roland Vaughan Williams] has had plenty more time to think it over'. Sir John Swinburne's engagement has been broken off. Hester Lyttelton and Victoria Buxton are both going to be married.
Tibberton Court, Gloucester. - For once Caroline has 'brought down the house' with her news': very glad that Robert is going to be married, and that Caroline seems to be pleased; hopes he will be happy and 'that it will assist to bring about an Anglo: Boer reconsiliation [sic]!' (assures Caroline that is 'only fun'). Glad Miss van der Hoeven is a musician.
Thanks his mother for her letter. Has got a letter from Archie, who at first did not like [his new school?] much but 'says he likes it better now'; is going to reply today. Promises not to 'pull my eyes'. Hopes Aunt Meggie [Price] is better. Asks if his mother can send him some stamps. Is in the same room as before, with the same boys. Has nearly finished Marmion [by Sir Walter Scott]. Notes in a postscript that the new boys are Isaac mi[nor], Carnegie, Thomson, Lennox, and Clerk.
10 Prinsegracht, The Hague. - Has received her letter this morning, and sent a telegraph to say he has already written to all [the friends and relations] she names, as well as to a few others, such as Mrs [Mary] Booth, since she had invited him to Gracedieu for New Year's Day. Wrote to [Charles] Sanger first, as he lives with him, who got the letter at Cambridge and told George there; had however written to George, and Charles, next day. Has also written to his aunts and Booa [Mary Prestwich]. Has been busy: Mr Hubrecht sent him to visit Bessie's sister Mrs Röntgen in Amsterdam on Saturday, on Sunday he received callers with the family, and on Monday he went to Ede with her and her sister-in-law [strictly, Elizabeth had no sister-in-law: Bramine Hubrecht meant?] to see about the furniture moving. Thinks his mother will have seen his and Hubrecht's letters to his father; hopes that 'little difficulty' is now resolved. Elizabeth is about five foot ten, has 'brownish yellow hair, of rather a light tint', and eyes of he thinks 'greenish grey'. Has not yet written her any poems, but 'must try in Italy'. Will try to get her a ring in Milan; [Roger] Fry may be able to help; leaves tomorrow afternoon, and will spend a few days there as he has much to discuss with Fry. Not sure when he will return: depends how his work goes. Hopes a visit by Bessie to England in the spring can be arranged.
10 Prinsegracht, Hague; addressed to Bob at Penmenner House, The Lizard, Cornwall. - Thinks Bob must not have got her letter of Tuesday [9/46]; hopes someone will send it on. Thanks him for writing his note before setting off and for the drawing of the eye. Hopes he does not mind that she is writing so frequently; asks him to say what he thinks of the music box, for which she has written to thank Mrs Price [Bob's aunt]. Alice Jones and her brother Herbert are coming to the Hague on the 26th, after a trip to Dresden; has not seen Alice since 1895, and Herbert since 1893 when he came home from the holidays and ate all her 'hopjes' [Dutch sweets] 'in one sitting' (he later sent her a box of Cambridge ginger sweets at school). Is going out for a slow walk with her aunt soon as the weather is 'heavenly'. Tomorrow is Jan [Hubrecht]'s birthday; she wants to order [Robert Louis] Stevenson's "Suicide Club" for him, and will tell him it is a present from them both. Will probably have another lesson with [Bram] Eldering next week, then may go to see an aunt at Hilversum and her [half] sister who is married to a doctor [Henriette]. Poor Lula [Julius] Röntgen has been very ill and cannot go yet to Berlin to start work. Tuttie [Maria Hubrecht] does not plan to return before 20 or 25 May as she wants to spend time at Florence on the way back; perhaps Bob could come over just before she arrives.
10 Prinsegracht, Hague'; addressed to Bob at The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking, Surrey. - Thinks Bob's arrangements about the piano 'quite perfect & quite the nicest we could have' and trusts the 'professional friend' to choose the upright one. Would like to write and thank Bob's aunt [Margaret Price] for her present, so asks for her address. Thanks Bob for sending the table measurements, as well as the lock of his hair, which she will keep in his "Pilgrim's Progress". Describes a dream she had about him, and another about Dr [Empedocle?] Gaglio - probably as Bramine [Hubrecht] had mentioned him in a letter. Sorry that Sanger is still unwell and the likely cause [love]; he is 'the last person who ought to be treated like that'; asks if 'the lady in question is Miss D. P. [Dorothea Pease]'.
Confesses Bob's jokes about regretting not being able to go to Greece with his friends any more made her cry; she has often been anxious that he will lose a great deal of freedom when he marries; surely he will be able to talk as freely with his friends after they marry; she would like to go to Greece with him. Glad Bargman gave good advice [about the house]; hopes 'dear little Gussie [Enticknap]' will not make too much noise. Her uncle's lawyer has not yet heard from the 'Paris oracle Mr Barclay' about the marriage. The Grandmonts likely to be there; so now thinks they should fix the wedding for Whit week and will write to Bob's mother if her agrees; asks if he has a preference about the day; suggests not Wednesday as then 'all the servants are married together & there usually is a great rush'. Interrupted by a visit from her friend Anna de Ravity [?], with whom she had a good talk; Anna 'talked most sensibly about the [Second Boer] war' and is 'disgusted' by the general wild anti-British sentiment here. Is going to see her sister Marie in Rotterdam tomorrow. Tells Bob not to leave his books and manuscripts around, or 'the wood nymphs' might steal them; would write a poem on the subject if she could; wishes they lived in the time of the "Arabian Nights" so she could use a magic carpet or flying trunk to come to see him.
10 Prinsegracht, the Hague; addressed to Bob at the Mill House, Westcott, Dorking, Surrey. - Is drying her hair by the fire. Has been to the oculist to discuss her spectacles. Received Bob's letter enclosing the note from his aunt [Margaret Price]; will ask her sister Mien for advice on a piano when she comes tonight for [her husband] Rontgen's concert; it is a very kind present; agrees that they ought to get an upright. Has finished "Villette" and enjoyed it very much, more than "Jane Eyre" and "Shirley"; discusses it briefly; has now got "Wuthering Heights" from the library. Had a very nice letter from Booa [Mary Prestwich], saying it was a pleasure to see Bob 'really in love'. Asks for the measurements of Bob's dining table and the door of her 'little room'. Returns to the letter next morning after practising the violin. This afternoon Mr Kattendijke is coming to play a Mozart sonata with her and try the Brahms songs. The concert last night was 'delightful'; wishes Bob could have heard Messhaert sing; Röntgen was also very good. Sat with her sister and discussed Bob's aunt's offer of a piano; Mien said she knows Broadwood's are excellent pianos, and that Bob's aunts 'professional friend' could be trusted to choose an instrument; it is not like choosing a violin, where each instrument is an individual; Mien suggested they ask for an upright to be replaced by a grand when they have space, as one was offered, but does not know if they can ask Mrs Price for this. Glad Bob feels hopeful about the play. Saw the 'tall doctor of the Swedish Institute' last night at the concert; hadn't seen him since 'the time when his appearance always gave [her] a little thrill' but it did not make any impression on her at all.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth and Robert are coming on 20 August; sure it will do her good. There will be lots of guest at first: two girls [Mary Bell and Dorothy Wedderburn], Theodore [Llewelyn Davies?], and Edgar and Baffy Dugdale., who all go on Monday the 24th. The party for the tenants and workpeople is on the 26th; good that Elizabeth and Robert will be there, and hopes it will not be boring. Asks if they can arrange to go away from the 27th, when Charles leaves, to 1 September as she has promised Sir George he can have some entirely quiet days to recover from the guests. They could go and see Durham, Richmond and York on the way if their friends were not ready for them. Would very much like to go to Holy Island with them if the weather is suitable. Charles looks much better; Hilton Young is shooting with him; Sir George has not felt up to it yet but 'will go next week, when they drive the birds'. Sorry that Elizabeth does not feel well; she needs 'some bracing air' and three weeks in the north will be good for her. Believes it will be a family party only in September; will get Elizabeth to help with a garden party. The exhibition at Cambo is on Saturday; Annie [Philips] is coming today, bringing Phil [Morgan Philips] Price. Meggy [Price] is taking Robin to the sea in South Wales; she is still anxious about him, and though he is recovering he does not seem well enough to return to Harrow. Hopes they will have good news about the house when they come, it 'must be worrying'. Supposes Robert is 'quite well again'.
The Grove, Harrow. - Statham thinks the [rugby?] balls will 'travel safest unblown'. There has just been a thaw, after some days 'skating on the much vexed pond'. [Edward?] Bowen lost his case last holidays; however, he had consolation recently when 'the son of Belial who has been his chief enemy throughout' entered the Grove to check on the pond, was turned out by Bowen, appealed to a magistrate but was forbidden by him to go there again. [The Grove] will 'only be average at torpids'; 'old Harré [?] 'coming on tremendously'. Welldon caught [Charles?] Crofton, [George] Wilson and some others having a boxing match last Sunday, and was 'most terrible in his righteous wrath'. There is a rumour that Bowen is to stand for as a candidate for Leeds in the next general election, based on a paragraph in the "Harrow Gazette", but it was around 1855 that he intended to do this. Has been 'shewing Bible reps lately' - they have 'relapsed into epistles again' since Robert left - and Welldon makes him write out sixty-three verses every Sunday. [Sydney] Clive has not been 'redeemed from a carreer [sic] of vice' [by failing his Sandhurst examination], instead his 'military ardour' has been heated; he will return to the attack next June and is meanwhile 'busily employed in mobilization'. He goes to Charter's lectures with George and 'appreciates them more than most of the audience'. Studying the constitution from 1689-1760 this term.
On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Mrs Kite has come; she is well and sends 'kind regards' to Caroline Trevelyan. Aunt Annie 'has given her 1 mile of cotton. He has had some bedroom slippers from Aunt Annie; a book called Half-Hours with the Stars [by Richard Proctor] from Sophie; a "Status Quo" chessboard [for travel] from his grandfather, which is just what he wanted; a book called Homes Without Hands [by J. G, Wood]; a book called Sheer Pluck [by G. A. Henty] from Charlie; and 'sundry other presents'. The weather is very foggy. Sends love to all. Adds a postscript to say they 'have had nothing but carol singers today', and that he went for a ride with Uncle Willie yesterday and they lost their way.
On headed notepaper for Welcombe, Stratford on Avon:- Has arrived safely. Uncle Willie and Aunt Meggie [Price] came yesterday; Aunt Meggie is well, though Uncle Willie is 'rather lame'. They have been shooting today; 'several other gentlemen came'. They shot about forty pheasants, forty or fifty rabbits, and seventy rabbits released from bags - there was a black one among these. Grandpapa [Robert Needham Philips] is better, and went out shooting today for the first time this winter.
Is going to get his presents tomorrow. Charlie is well, and has received The Dutch Republic as a [school?] prize. Sends love to all; hopes his parents and Georgie are well. 'Tiny is quite well'. The weather has been 'very fine'; hopes this will continue. Will write again for Christmas day.
Note on last page from Anna M Philips to her sister, addressing her as 'Dearest Carrie'. They have 'had a lovely day for the shooting'; the boys have been 'very good and happy'. Charlie is now reading his book until tea-time, and they will play billiards after that. Both boys 'seem very well... and are very well behaved and no trouble'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Does not like to think of Elizabeth being alone, but Robert says he will be away 'a short time' so hopes this is true. Thinks Elizabeth could certainly 'offer' herself to the Wards, but has not yet established whether they are settled at Stocks. Sir George likes the letter Robert has written to him on classics very much; he thinks him 'such a good critic' and wishes he would write 'prose on Classics - old & new'. Sir Walter Phillimore and his son [Walter or Stephen] are here; wishes Elizabeth were too; hopes Robert is enjoying the Lakes but does not like to think of him leaving her behind. Meg [Margaret Price] has been anxious about Robin, who has been very ill at Harrow with pneumonia but is now recovering; she will probably need to give up her trip to Norway. The hay is to be cut tomorrow; the 'school treat' is on Friday. Asks if Elizabeth has any amusing books; she herself is reading George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda" but finding it 'very long and dull'.
8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Originally enclosing a note from Dolmetsch; hopes Elizabeth will agree to play with him; she 'can join him in the Purcell' and perhaps play something 'after his program is finished'. Asks her to write direct to him and say if she can 'undertake the Sonata'. Hopes she will have a good evening with the Daveys [sic: Llewelyn Davies family?]. Going to Welcombe on Thursday. Would like to visit for lunch if Elizabeth and Robert are at home in the week of 17 June; Sir George says he wants to very much, and they are visiting Aunt Margaret [Holland] at Witley then. Aunt Annie [Philips] was here yesterday, and discussed arranging a visit to her by Elizabeth and Robert. Caroline hopes they will spend a fortnight at Wallington; would be best if Robert could come for the shooting. Annie is coming on 15 August for a week, and has Aunt Meg [Price] staying with her until the 12th. Hopes there is good news from the Hague [of Elizabeth's uncle]. A postscript says Elizabeth may stay the night on the 12th.
40, Ennismore Gardens. - Aunt Meggie [Price] has given him an ornament shelf; he has put Robert's 'carving out of the glass table' on it, as well as his, and hopes that is all right. Has 'begun to read "Josef"' and likes it. Everyone sends their love.
On headed notepaper for Harrow Philathletic Club:- Thanks his mother for her letter; would be very pleased for her to come down on Tuesday at the time she mentions. Will remember about the cab. Aunt Meg [Price] has sent him a hamper, which is 'nearly finished now'; is writing to her. Is reading in Chapel today and 'still find[s] it very trying'; will be able to get back to 'House-Supper', though may be half an hour late.
For the moment his chances of getting into the [cricket] eleven 'have dwindled to almost nothing', but still hopes that if he 'stick[s] to it matters may improve'. Hopes to tell her more when he sees her. Does not think he can go for an absit, but G[eorgie] can go next Saturday if he likes, as that is 'the next half-holiday'.
On headed notepaper for The Grove (corrected from The Knoll), Harrow-on-the-Hill:- Thanks his mother for her last letter. Hopes his parents enjoyed the play, and that it 'came up to [their] expectations'. Asks whether they find Charlie 'quite well and flourishing; hopes to see him up at Cambridge, 'where he is up for this scholarship'. Georgie is well, but Robert has not yet heard 'where he has come out'.
Sees there are 'great rows going on about Parnell', though it 'does not seem it will be as bad as was thought'. Supposes it will 'put off the success of our party [the Liberals]. The thaw has begun here, and he supposes it 'will be all right soon'. They have been playing every day, though 'of course... put off the match on Saturday'; does not know whether he will be played on Thursday, the last match. Is 'swotting' as much as he can.
Thanks her for the trousers, which he will take to Cambridge. Asks if she saw [Nugent] Hicks there, who was going to see the play; believes [Leopold?] Amery was going too. Adds a postscript saying that he is 'sending the tins [?] in a hamper which belongs to Aunt Meg [Price], as well as some books, Charlie's and other peoples.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Was tired after a busy day in London and a long journey home, but is rested morning. The shooting has gone well; three pheasants are being sent to Elizabeth and Robert today; Mrs [Hilda] Runciman came out shooting with her, and is staying with her husband here today. Sorry that Robert has to work indoors, but it will be good for him to acquire the habit if he can, as it will be harder for him to work outside in the damp as he gets older. Wonders whether [Thomas Sturge] Moore will publish soon, as he 'seems to have written several plays now'. There is a poem by [Laurence] Binyon in the 'new magazine'. Glad that [Alphonse] Grandmont and Elizabeth's aunt are 'progressing'; expects being in hospital with Madame Grandmont nearby will help her aunt. Asks for Madame Grandmont's address so that she can write. Is going next week to Welcombe, and will probably be in London from 19-21 November; would be good to see Elizabeth then as she will not go south till January. Elizabeth and Robert would be very welcome to spend Christmas with them, but expects they will have 'fled to the sun' before then. Wonders how Elizabeth will get on at [Margaret Price's house' Pen Moel. Would be very kind if Elizabeth could visit 'old Mrs Bostock', who is a 'kind old thing' though would bore her, and 'the daughter is not very charming'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear Elizabeth has been 'well & cheerful & busy' and that George has been to visit; will see him on Tuesday and hear what he thinks of the Mill House. Sorry she missed a music lesson, but glad [Johann] Kruse has not 'gone abroad altogether' and that she will have another soon. Hopes Robert is getting on well with his work and will be ready for another holiday when they go to Pen Moel [home of Caroline's sister Margaret]. Charlie has been here again this week; next week is the pheasant shooting. Has to go to London next week, 'rather a horrid long journey for one day' and must go to Welcombe the week after as she and Sir George have 'quite decided to go abroad'. Wonders how Elizabeth will get on with Miggy [Price], who is 'very excitable sometimes' and talks so much she finds her 'very tiring'. Glad Elizabeth's aunt got through her journey to Holland; hopes the treatment at Utrecht will help; supposes Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] will be able to look after her as well as her own husband; Elizabeth's uncle will be lonely. Charlie was pasting the wedding photographs into a book last night; 'sad to think how much illness there has been since in the group'. Asks if Mrs [Helen] Fry is keeping well; hopes 'the lantern arrived for the 2nd lecture [by Roger Fry?].
Marine Hotel, Criccieth. - Was 'very grieved' to hear from Bessie yesterday of Aunt Meg's death: had 'felt it was likely, but did not know it was so near'. Is 'very sorry for Phil and Robin'; wrote yesterday to Phil. She was 'always very kind and affectionate' to Robert, and 'very kind to Bessie from the first'; will 'always think of her most affectionately'.
Hopes his mother's stay at Eastbourne [with Bessie] has made her 'really better, and that this trouble won't undo any of the good'. Bessie reports that Julian is well, and that nurse [Catt?] 'seems on the whole better'; she will have gone home yesterday. Encloses George's article, which is 'very well done'.
Is staying here until next Wednesday; will then go to Malvern for a week or two with [Will] A[rnold] Forster. Robert's friend here, [Gordon] Bottomley, is 'rather better, but it is a bad case [of TB]'. Sends love to his father.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Expects this will find his father in town. Hopes that his mother will 'find Aunt Meg better, and not be tired by the journey'. He and Bessie were in town last week; Bessie saw Janet and 'gave a very good account of her', as she seems to be recovering well. Charles and Molly came here last weekend; Charles seemed 'quite cheerful, though perhaps a little tired. He slept part of Sunday' and appeared 'quite fresh' when he returned on Wednesday.
Julian is well, and 'gets about over the floor now, not by crawling, but jerking himself forward in a sitting position'; generally he 'gives little trouble', and is 'learning to play by himself more than he used to'. '[N]othing but wind and rain' today: Bessie is mending Julian's toys 'with cement', also 'several pieces of her china, which have been broken for years'. Has recently read some of Bernard Shaw's plays again, some of which he had never read but only sen acted. Thinks he likes them much more than he used to: 'Their merits seem greater, and their faults, though real, seem to matter less'. Even his prefaces 'annoy [Robert] less': he is 'often silly and exaggerated and egotistical', but Robert 'can't help feeling that all that is more bad manners and journalistic emphasis'; it used to 'disgust [him] beyond words', but now he 'can't help liking him in spite of it all'.
Asks if he should send back Verrall's Bacchae to London, or wait till his father returns to Wallington. Was 'unconvinced' by it, but found it 'more plausible than he often is'.
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'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - The Trevelyans have been to stay for two days at a 'little inn' at Wooler, visiting Flodden Field and Ford Castle. Continues the letter next day, after having been interrupted by 'the school treat'. Today a 'party of High School mistresses from Newcastle' are spending the whole day at Wallington. Hopes that there will be fine weather when Elizabeth comes in early August, and that she will stay while Annie [Philips, Caroline's sister] is there; understands that she and Robert both want to settle down at home so they must not feel bound to pay a long visit. Sure the Cambo Exhibition, which is on 18 Aug, will amuse Elizabeth. Charlie will be at home for the first half of the month, so there will be a family party with friends too. Delighted the Enticknaps are being helpful in getting everything in order. The clavichord [by Dolmetsch, decorated by Helen Fry] will be very interested to have. Meggiy [sic] Price asked about the piano, so Elizabeth should write when she is ready for it. Supposes she is not finding much time for the violin at the moment; the drawing room at Wallington is good for music. Wonders whether the 'Cambridge table has arrived. G[eorge] was very angry with his old Mrs Larkins about it'. Apologises for a 'most disjointed letter' since the young ladies have arrived and she has taken them for a long walk since starting the letter. Marie [Hubrecht] has sent her a 'capital photo' of the wedding party. Cannot get their furniture from Thunnissn [?] due to the continuing strike at Rotterdam. Will pay Elizabeth for the carriage of the goods from Welcombe.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Lord Wolseley and his daughter [Frances], 'one of the C. Booth girls [Imogen]', Henry James and 'the L Courteneys [sic: Leonard Courtney and his wife?] have been staying at Welcombe; the weather is glorious. Expects the next month will be trying for Bessie; hard to leave 'such a kind home'; everyone will try to make it up to her. The Trevelyans are 'not very demonstrative' but already feel that Bessie is one of them. Charles and George have spent some time at Welcombe, but left yesterday; Sir George goes to London on Tuesday; she herself is staying till the 26th as her sister Mrs Price and her boys are coming to see some of the Shakespearean plays. Charles and George both hope to come to the wedding. Robert will be in London before long to settle some 'law business'. Thinks Bessie will be able to get Robert 'gradually into more regular habits', and he will see that 'batchelor [sic] habits cannot be continued'. Wise to choose the long sofa; will tell Mrs Enticknap when the things are to be expected. Has had a 'nursing meeting' and bazaar opening this week. Sir George is writing to Bessie's uncle. Asks whether it will be hot in the Hague in June.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Thanks for the two letters; is glad that Janet is coming to see Elizabeth and will be very pleased if they can be real friends; hopes Robert will like her too. Elizabeth need not go to Pen Moel if she does not want to; sure Aunt M[argaret Price] would understand. Sorry to hear about Dr Cacciola's illness; Florence will be 'much alarmed'; good the nephew Elizabeth mentions is nearby. Booa [Mary Prestwich] thinks the picture must be at Elizabeth's house. Very hot here. George is coming back on Monday, quite suddenly, so 'everyone can be told [about his engagement]'. Very glad Elizabeth is having music; 'fancy quartettes in Dorking!'. Mrs [Kate?] Courtney asked her to meet Mrs Pierson, but she could not go that afternoon ; Sir George met him there at breakfast. They return to town on 8 June; asks if Robert is coming to the [Apostles'] dinner on 17 June. Wants to have a family party with all the Wards; asks if they could come on the 15th or 16th.
[On headed notepaper for The Grove, Harrow]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Came first [in his form] last month, 'which however is nothing wonderful'. Does not have much to say either. His knee is 'a little better', but he will not play football for a few days, then it will be all right. Is otherwise keeping well, and his cold is gone. Charlie is 'quite well'. Will write to Aunt Meggie [Price] when her hamper arrives. Is sorry he has 'so little to say'.
The Alcaics [prize competition?] are about Frederick the Great; will try to write something if he can. Is glad she is visiting on Saturday, and asks if his father is also coming; hopes he is all right.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Wishes Bessie and her uncle and aunt a very happy new year. Very pleased to receive Bessie's photographs; asks if she could send copies to her sister Miss [Anna Maria] Philips, who has always been very good to Robert and his brothers and takes great interest in them. This aunt lives at Tunbridge Wells in the winter with an invalid friend, Miss Wicksteed, who is also very fond of the boys and would like a photograph, and in the summer near Manchester. Caroline has another sister [Margaret Price], a widow living in Gloucestershire; Sir George has two sisters, Lady Knutsford and Mrs Dugdale. Not a large family of near relations; looks forward to introducing them to Bessie. Hopes to hear from Robert about the disaster at Amalfi [the landslip at the Cappuccini Hotel]. Will be in Welcombe from next week.
The Shiffolds. - Has been away, or would have answered her note with his father's questions earlier. Cannot find a reference to 'levying an indemnity' in Murray or elsewhere; '"requisitio"' is used as a substantive in that sense, but may be general a word', as is probably the case also for 'fine' and 'tribute'; both 'ne'er do weel' and 'ne'er do well' seem to be 'used as nouns by quite good writers, such as Dickens'.
Paul 'seems quite well again now', though last week he was not so well; Bessie also seems well: she went with Robert to the Speyers' last Sunday, where Hausmann, Frau Soldat, and and Leonard Borwick were staying 'so there was a lot of music' and several pieces were rehearsed for next Wednesday's London concert.
Is glad Phil [Morgan Philips Price] is now recovering; Bessie has had 'a nice letter from Aunt Meg'. Has not had much news about the Frys recently, as Roger has been in Italy for the last three weeks; expects he will soon return. Imagines Helen 'is much the same, perhaps rather better in some ways', though 'doubt[s] whether there is any real improvement'. Robert's play [Sisyphus: An Operatic Fable] should be out this week, though he has not yet heard anything about it.
The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking; sent to Lady Trevelyan at Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Bessie is 'going on very well still' [after labour and the death of their new-born daughter Susan Caroline in September]; the doctor came today and 'seemed quite satisfied'. Has not yet replied to his father's last letter but will do soon. They are glad to hear Paul is 'so well' despite the heat; has been cooler here recently though still fine.
The Chiswick Press [printers of his new book Sisyphus: An Operatic Fable] seem 'very dilatory', and will not send a 'specimen page': until they do he cannot begin getting proofs. Expects he will not be able to get the book published until December now. Hopes Aunt Meg 'will find Phil's case is not a serious one', and that his parents are well.