Showing 58 results

Pension Palumbo, Ravello, preso Amalfi. - Thanks Bessie for her letters and its enclosures; Grandmont's letter is 'a marvel of elegance'; is glad that [Empedocle?] Gaglio is 'showing such character and capability'; reminisces about a former excursion from which a companion [Bessie] 'returned early to Taormina' on a 'frivolous' excuse. Returns his mother's letter; would be nice for her to call Bessie 'Elizabeth' but they must decide; will be a comfort to her when Bessie is looking after him, but thinks 'she exaggerates the discomfort and untidiness of [his] life at Roundhurst'; he may have been untidy in dress when not likely to meet any one, but Mrs Enticknap would not have allowed anything worse. There is a strong south wind and the 'sea is booming loudly down below on the rocks'. Has had a busy day with correspondence, copying [Thomas Sturge Moore's] "Danaë", calling on Mrs Reid and talking to an interesting fellow guest [C. P. Scott, see 9/92]. Hopes to do a little work tomorrow.

Returns to the letter the following morning; was a thunderstorm, not the sea, which he heard last night; it is still raining heavily, so he will finish writing letters and 'read all sorts of nice things'. Gives a long extract from Chaucer's "Merchant's Tale" on 'the terrors of married life'; pretends to contemplate heeding the warning, but [John] McTaggart's letter 'tells a quite different tale'.

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Apologises for not writing sooner; never managed to write when he had so much spare time at Wallington, and now he has returned and begun work 'can easily find time'. Bessie may not yet think the house perfect, but it is 'already far more beautiful and comfortable' than he ever thought a house of his could be; she gets on very well with the housekeeper [Mrs Enticknap] and he can hear them talking at the moment; sometimes after they have had long talks there are 'such wonderful vegetables for dinner, cooked in some delightful out-landish fashions'. Even the vegetables at Wallington improved, 'especially the carrots and peas'. Bessie has been translating her "Nederlandsch Volksliederenboek" for him; some are very pretty, and he would one day like to translate them himself; he has not yet translated [Joost van den] Vondel. Hopes she, her husband, and the others will like [Thomas Love] Peacock's stories; some of the allusions to 'contemporary literary or political ideas which are now almost forgotten' may be difficult, but he thinks they will find them amusing; rememberes that the best are "Headlong Hall", "Nightmare Abbey" about Shelley, and perhaps "Maid Marian". Bessie has sent Bramine "Emma" by Jane Austen; sure she would also like that. Sorry she is not quite well, and hopes she will recover before winter. Very sad that Tuttie [Marie Hubrecht] is so unwell; hopes she will be able to get to Switzerland soon. Glad that the Grandmonts may build a house in the country; remembers the country by Doorn as being very pretty. He and Bessie went to Haslemere last Friday to visit the Joachims and some other friends and enjoyed it very much; was his first meeting with 'old Mr [Joseph] Joachim'; went for a walk with young Harold and visited his 'old haunts' like his old house Roundhurst, while Bessie stayed at home and talked. Hears that Bramine is painting Maria's portrait in the lace dress she wore at Elizabeth and Robert's wedding, which he so much liked; asks to be remembered to the family. Herbert Jones is getting married tomorrow, and they will send a telegram.

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Robert is glad Aunt Maria is 'on the whole better' and hopes she will continue to improve; Bessie much enjoyed getting her letter. Expects Tuttie [Hubrecht] will be with her soon., but it is 'very sad about the Grandmonts', and they hope all will soon turn out well. They have just had their first guest: Robert's Aunt Annie [Philips] who 'gave Bessie the broach [sic]', his mother's sister. She came for lunch and tea; Bessie was 'very busy' in the morning making things nice as Aunt Annie is a 'very skilful connoisseur in housekeeping'. Now Bessie is sewing rings onto the curtains for the dining room; Robert breaks off to go and look at them, and reports they look 'even better than expected...' though the seamstress has made them two inches too short. Wishes Aunt Maria could see their house; will soon send photographs of the exterior and two sitting rooms, but this will not give her a real idea; she will however see the Enticknaps and their son Gussie. Is about to put some weedkiller on the lawn, though this is an unending task. Their French roses are 'still blooming' and have been very successful. There are now frosts at night, though the weather is still 'beautiful'. Has recently been reading, with the help of translations, the old Provençal poets; some are much more beautiful than he expected, and he understands now why Dante so admired and was influenced by them; however many of the Troubadours are 'very dull and conventional'. He and Bessie read some of Dante's "Paradiso" together most mornings; they like it very much and persevere even though it is 'very difficult'. They both send best wishes to her and Uncle [Paul Hubrecht], whom he hopes is keeping well.

Bessie adds a postscript in Dutch at the bottom of the last page which she continues above Robert's writing on the first page; asks about Tuttie, describes getting the house ready for Aunt Annie. Asks about a name, 'Lucy Bane?', which she could not read. She forgot Johannes [Röntgen?]'s birthday; Aunt Maria 'thinks much more intensely about other people, just like Grandmother did'.

Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.

Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.

Hitchin Croft, Churt. - Asks if he and Roger [Fry] might stay at Roundhurst for a while, as Fry has decided to give up his house. Has written to Mrs Enticknap provisionally to say they are coming. News about Helen is encouraging: she saw her mother and sister the other day.

10 Prinsegr[acht], the Hague. - Her uncle returned the papers yesterday with a letter to Bob's father; she expects 'the engrossing etc.' will take some time, so if Bob wants to sign them before coming over he will need to wait; he should do what he thinks best, as her 'patience is quite infinite now', but it would be good if he could come by Wednesday. Her uncle wrote that they were satisfied with the settlement and that the wedding would be organised according to Bob's father's wishes; neither he nor her aunt want the church wedding at all, so it is 'absurd' that they listened to Ambro [Hubrecht]'s scruples, and there will be no more difficulty there. Discussion of the beds and bedding. If they can call at Grosvenor Crescent to pick up the parcel which Booa has for her, that will save Bob the trouble of bringing it; trusts him not to forget the spectacles. Will order Bob's room at the Twee Steden when she knows when he is coming; she and her uncle will order the rooms for his parents at the View Doelen this afternoon; she will then go to a 'little musical séance at the piano shop', with Mr Kattendijke playing and Mr Loudon singing; she will play a Handel sonata and a Bach aria. Thinks she will send the letter to London, though Bob 'seems to have got a nice dear old postman at Westcott, who understands the human heart'. Returns to the letter later to say that her uncle has the idea of holding the wedding breakfast at the Oude Doelen hotel; this would be easier in many ways, she dislikes the idea 'intensely', as she will explain when Bob comes, but will give in if he insists.

Concluded on a separate sheet [9/66]: wonders when Bob got her letter saying he ought to write to her uncle. Tuttie [Hubrecht] is now in Florence and wants to return as soon as she can. Thinks Bob will be able to get a nice top hat here; would like to choose one with him. Thinks the white silk tie will be perfect; likes that his mother has knitted it for that occasion. Glad he got both a Carlisle and a Meredith: a 'splendid present'. Hopes the walls [at Westcott] will be ready by the time they get there; he should tell Mrs Enticknap to air the mattresses in the sun, and must remember himself to bring all the papers her uncle talked about.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth enjoyed the visit to Chillingham, and that Mrs Cochrane plays well; seems to remember she is a 'better musician than Mrs Saxton Noble'. Hopes that the three weeks in the north have done her good. A 'big gathering of Liberal women' here yesterday, with a meeting then tea 'in the tent'. The shooting on Thursday was spoiled by a wet afternoon; Sir George has rheumatism in his hand. Janet 'very funny about the forgotten photograph'; she is 'a dear affectionate little person'. Keen to hear that 'the house business is prospering' and that the building of Robert and Elizabeth's house can start soon. Misses Elizabeth very much; was so nice seeing and 'nursing' her. Wants to hear about her trip to Holland, and what she decides about the violin.; also how the Enticknaps were. [John Joseph?] Nixon was 'much distressed' to miss Elizabeth and Robert. They have not yet finished [James's] "The Tragic Muse" as there has been little time for 'long reading'; has quite forgotten it and is interested to hear how it ends. Alone now till 21 September; Charlie leaves on Monday.

The Mill House, Wescott, Dorking. - Left London feeling, for various reasons, a 'most miserable creature'; describes his journey down and his arrival at Wescott. Mrs Entiknap [Enticknap] welcomed him warmly, Dan [his dog?] rushed into the house and was greeted by Gussie in the kitchen. Apologises for the jam which he has got onto the paper. Likes being surrounded by Bob's books, which will be a temptation when he should be reviewing others. Attended a 'conversational Fr. Trade caucus' last night at Sussex Villas; he has been given the task of reporting on the Free Trade campaign on the American continent, which means reading 'Yankee magazines' and writing to 'goodnatured enthusiasts'. If he joins the Trevelyans at Valeseux [sic] he will have to get a stand-in.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Encloses a reference for Nurse Haydon. Very sorry for Elizabeth's 'domestic troubles'; it is very difficult to get good young servants now; expects she will have to get a permanent one once they return from their travels as 'Mrs E[nticknap] will find, after once having tried it, that she cannot do without'. Asks when they expect to set off. Glad the Dolmetsches 'are started again, poor people'; wishes she could hear Elizabeth play the clavichord; would often be good if practising other instruments "was as silent to the rest of the house". Asks if she can play the violin again without discomfort. They have not yet read George's article ["The White Peril", "The Nineteenth century and after : a monthly review" Vol. 50, Iss. 298, (Dec 1901): 1043-1055]' but it seems to be interesting.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Note to say that the figs were not sent after all; Booa [Mary Prestwich] discovered they would not stand the journey and forgot to tell her; hopes Elizabeth is not too disappointed. Booa is going to send a cream cheese. The weather is much cooler; C[harles] and G[eorge] cycled to Hallington yesterday and thought it very pretty, and nicely kept especially as Florence [Trevelyan] has not been there for eighteen years. Hope they found all well at the Mill House; sure Mrs E[nticknap] will be glad to have them home; expects Gussie has 'grown an inch at least'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Very sorry to hear the news about Elizabeth's uncle; hopes this new anxiety will not last long; reassures her about the success of modern operations. Sorry the boy [Augustus Enticknap] has measles; it is 'a light illness at this time of year'. Elizabeth must be careful about infections, and 'not let other people be exposed to it without their knowledge': the Frys should not come to the house while 'Mrs E. is going about her work freely'. Asks when Elizabeth will come up; thought the dress 'very pretty'; Pantlin should be ready for another fitting at the end of the month. A postscript tells her to ask Robert whether he 'remembers giving the measles to Arnold's boys'

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Glad the long journey went well; is sure Elizabeth's uncle and Marie are glad to have her and Robert with them for a while; hopes they will 'leave them in better spirits'. Understands how sad it must be to find her aunt's place empty. They are glad to be back; Sir George is eager to return to work and starts tomorrow; she is 'in a confusion of letters, accounts, intervoews, & general arrangeing [sic]'. Charles and George are leaving tomorrow, 'to the West of England, & to the Appenines to walk'. If Robert 'goes off', Elizabeth must come and spend the day with Caroline; they can put her up for the night if she wants. Hopes she will find the Enticknaps and the house all right. Elizabeth and Robert have missed the census, which she and Sir George 'just came in for'.

The Shiffolds. - Forgot to return the enclosed [a letter from Charles Adams, see 12/194] to his father in his last letter; hopes Mr [Henry] Adams is now recovering. Returned home on Tuesday, and 'found Bessie and Julian very well'; Bessie was 'a little tired by the moving [the replacement of the Enticknaps as cook/ housekeeper and gardener by Elms', but now seems all right. All seems to have gone smoothly, and so far Elms has been 'satisfactory'. Mrs Enticknap was 'not in the right frame of mind evidently, but Enticknap all along has been very nice, and has made things easier'. It is 'really a relief to have got rid of Mrs E[nticknap]'.

Spent a weekend with Aunt Annie; she did not look well, but seems to be recovering from her cold, and will have an 'easier time'. Thanks his mother for her present of the teak seat, which is now on the lawn, it 'looks splendid, and will be a great thing to have in the garden in the warm weather'. Is 'very sorry to hear that Booa [Mary Prestwich] is ill', and hopes to hear good news about her soon.

The Park, Prestwich, Manchester. - Is staying here for a weekend on his way home; Aunt Annie has a 'bad cold' and does not well, but he thinks the cold is getting better and she will 'have a quieter time now than she has had for the last few weeks'. They have had a 'very successful Hunt', with fine weather most of the time, and 'some good runs each day'. Charles seemed very well, though 'was careful about going down hill too fast'; he and George seemed very cheerful, and 'Molly kept us all very lively in the evening'. Robert 'was hare twice, and was caught twice each day', though he 'gave them two very good runs'. A 'young Cadbury, fresh from Cambridge [Laurence John Cadbury?]' came for the first time and 'is quite an acquisition, as he is a great runner, and also a thoughtful and interesting young man'.

Thanks his father for sending Charles Adams' letter [originally sent with 12/194]; his brother [Henry]'s illness is 'very unfortunate', but it looks as if he will fully recover; 'had no idea' that Adams was so old. Is just going out to call on 'old Mr [Edward?] Broadfield, whom Aunt Annie tells me I shall probably find in bed' though happy to talk; will go to London tomorrow, and home on Tuesday, since Bessie does not want him back till then as their 'domestic changes [the replacement of the Enticknaps, cook/housekeeper and gardener at the Shiffolds, with the Elmses] will not be completed until then'. She and Julian seem to be very well. Aunt Annie joins with him in sending love to his parents.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is doing 'quite well'. Mrs Grandmont is now here; she is 'not in good health', but will benefit from the quiet, and is a 'good companion'. There is a 'possible plan' for finding successors to the Enticknaps; will let her know if it comes to fruition. George and Janet visited yesterday, and both seemed well. Robert's proofs [for The Bride of Dionysus... and Other Poems] are starting to come; there is little to correct, but he will have to go through them with Donald [Tovey]. Julian is very well.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is doing quite well; Nurse Shepherd is here now instead of Nurse Godwin, and Nurse Fry leaves today. Bramine Grandmont has just come; George and Janet are visiting for the day tomorrow. Has already told her that the Enticknaps will probably leave soon, and so they are looking for replacements; they have heard of a promising-sounding couple but fear they will already have a place, still, they are enquiring about them.

He and Bessie had hoped 'the Vaughan William[s]es of Leith Hill Place' would have let the Enticknaps have one of their cottages, so that Enticknap could stay on as their gardener; they could then have employed a cook, and Gussie could have 'got carpentering work in Forest Green, and been under his parents' eye'. However, since the Vaughan Williamses do not want to let the cottage permanently, this seems impossible; there are 'no other cottages near enough'. It is a 'comfort' that the Enticknaps are 'friendly and considerate', though no doubt have a grievance against Keith [head gardener at Wallington]; this cannot be helped, as 'they can't be told the whole truth [about why Gussie was dismissed]. Fears it will be 'very difficult' to find a married couple who fulfil all conditions, but they may be lucky. The Enticknaps would not insist on leaving immediately, so they can 'make a shift for the next month or two'. Robert and Bessie think Mrs Enticknap is 'perfectly right in wanting to leave', since the work is 'very trying for her, and her health is not very good'; she would do well with a 'quieter life', and would 'look after May and Gussie better'. They are 'most sorry to lose' Enticknap: he 'has his faults, but is 'in many ways quite invaluable'.

Julian is very well. Hopes his parents will 'keep well in London'.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is 'going on very well'; Dr C[ornish] came today and 'seemed quite satisfied'. Molly should be here in about an hour. Nurse Godwin is leaving tomorrow, and Nurse Shepherd arriving.

Asks her to thank his father for his letter [12/189] and the enclosure, the 'old Harrovian's letter'. Bessie has met him: he called here a 'year or two ago' when Robert was out, and had his book with him. Bessie says he was 'a rather mild seedy-looking sort of man, probably a little mad, though excitable'; his letters seem to Robert 'quite mad'. Bessie wishes she had looked at the book more carefully, but it 'seemed to be poor stuff'. Robert thinks the 'poor wretch was probably tramping the country', visiting the Old Harrovians whose addresses he could find 'to try and make them buy a copy'; he sent a letter to them afterwards which was similar to the one to Robert's father, and 'seemed quite mad'. Will write soon to his father and return the enclosure. The old Harrovian was 'much older' than Robert, and 'certainly not at the Grove in Bowen's time'.

The Enticknaps have generally taken things [the dismissal of their son Gussie from the gardens at Wallington] 'more sensibly' than Robert expected. They are angry with Keith, which 'cannot be helped, as they cannot be told the real reasons [for Gussie's dismissal] so naturally they thought he should have written earlier to warn them'. They are though 'anxious to do the right thing with Gussie now; Robert and Bessie think they are right in 'wanting to apprentice him as a carpenter, or possibly a smith, and having him to live with them'. The Enticknaps see that this would mean leaving the Shiffolds and are ready to do this; Robert thinks they are 'right on the whole', and they have been 'perfectly nice' about it. It will of course be difficult to replace them, but with luck Robert and Bessie may be able to find a childless married couple. Meanwhile, perhaps a cottage could be found for the Enticknaps nearby, so that Enticknap could come for the day. In some ways Robert and Bessie are sorry to lose the Enticknaps, as they had 'great merits' and 'in important things were thoroughly trustworthy', but they also sometimes gave them 'a good deal of trouble', and in the long term their leaving is probably for the best. Since the change cannot take place at once, Gussie will need to be here for a while, but Robert thinks he will 'be on his best behaviour'. Bessie has talked everything over with Mrs Enticknap and is not at all worried. They have had a 'reference about a married couple', but expect they will have found a place by now'.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is 'going on very well'; the doctor came today and was pleased, he will not come again until Thursday. [Edward] Keith's letters to Robert and the Enticknaps came this morning; Mrs Enticknap has 'on the whole taken [Keith's dismissal of her son Gussy as a gardener's boy at Wallington] sensibly, and is not making a grievance of it'. She is 'Of course... slow and rather stupid in not seeing how unsatisfactory Gussy is', but that was to be expected as she 'cannot be told the full truth'; however, she does 'to some extent recognise his weaknesses', and is willing to try to find 'the right kind of employment for him'; it might be best for him to go into the Navy, or a trade such as 'carpentering or a blacksmith's'. She is 'perfectly nice about it' towards Robert and Bessie, and seems to accept that Gussy had to be given notice. Robert thinks Keith 'has behaved very considerately and wisely'; will write to him about it.

Will write tomorrow; will finish his father's book tonight, so may write to him instead of his mother.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie has had 'another quite good night' and is getting on 'quite well'. Mrs Grandmont is coming next Saturday; Molly may come for a night before that. Dr C[ornish] says that 'as far as he can see the kidney trouble is quite at an end', but will 'keep analysing etc to see if he can detect anything wrong'; however, he thinks it was 'solely due to pregnancy' and has not yet revealed any further weakness.

Thanks his mother for sending him Keith's letter; thinks he has 'behaved very wisely', and neither he nor Bessie has any doubt that 'his suspicions [of Gussie Enticknap] are correct'. Is sure he will 'write tactfully to the Enticknaps'; his mother will see that he and Bessie cannot speak to them of the matter until they have heard from Keith. Expects Keith will give 'general unsatisfactoriness and untrustworthiness' as his reasons for dismissal, and they will 'have to accept that'. Bessie tends to think they will be 'sensible' and feel that Keith had ' very good reasons, which he cannot fully share with them'. They will certainly look out for work for him at once; until it is found he will have to stay here, but 'they are the last people to wish him to remain idle. They are unwise in some things, but not in that way'. Perhaps Gussie could 'go into the navy, where he would be under discipline'.

Bessie sends her love; she is 'longing to write', but thinks she should put this off for a few more days. Robert will write next tomorrow afternoon, not in the morning. Adds a postscript sending thanks to his father for his book, which has arrived; will 'write directly'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Returned 'quite comfortably', and found Sir George 'well & cheerful'. Miss Martin had been 'a very good companion'. Sidney Lee, Miss [Lily?] Noble and Ella Pease came on Sunday, but they are alone again now. Will send Elizabeth's Christmas present with the hamper going to Gr[osvenor] Cr[escen[t]; it will be there on Saturday morning so can be collected if she stays in town for Friday night. There will be 'a little "pot pourri" in the parcel also'; sent some flowers yesterday. Sorry Elizabeth's cough continued to trouble her; asks if it is gone now and what the doctor thought of it; also when they plan to go abroad. Good that Elizabeth can leave Mrs E[nticknap] in charge of the house. Hopes Mrs [Helen] Fry keeps well and that 'the event [the birth of her child?] will come off soon'. Madame Grandmont has written kindly, and seems 'cheerful about her husband' Wishes Elizabeth could see the 'school children's [Christmas] tree. It is so pretty in the Hall'.

The Shiffolds. -- Bessie seems to be doing well still; the doctor is not visiting today, so he may not write this afternoon. Aunt Annie is coming to lunch, and perhaps George. Is 'very sorry to hear about [Gussie] Enticknap': has written to Keith [the head gardener at Wallington] asking him to 'write at once, if he has not done so already, to tell the Enticknaps the reason for giving [their son Gussie] notice', and also to write to Robert himself. Of course his parents should hear directly from Keith, and Robert can say nothing to them until then, especially as he does not know what Gussie has done. [Alfred] Enticknap will doubtless try to find his son work somewhere else as soon as he can, though he will have to stay here until then. Hopes very much he will 'turn over a new leaf'. Nurse Godwin and Robert thought it 'best to tell Bessie, since she is getting on so well' and would soon have to hear about it anyway; she 'says she will not worry about it.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Elizabeth for her 'long interesting letter'; hopes she and Robert will now have some quiet weeks. Sir George has had an accident: the nails in his fishing boots made him slip down the doorstep, and he has hurt his elbow badly. At first it was just put in carbolic dressings, but they had to send for the doctor on Friday and Booa [Mary Prestwich] is now kept busy making poultices; the arm is in a sling and Sir George 'gets very low-spirited'. Thinks it is improved today; hopes in a few days it may be 'strapped up with plaister'; fortunately no injury to the bone. George enjoyed himself at Naworth; expects Charles will be back tomorrow. Will keep the list of things left at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escen]t; thinks Elizabeth is right not to take the silver, as Mrs Enticknap does not have time to look after it; always thinks it is a 'pity to give young married people silver' as often it is not suitable. Hoping to visit in October. They are reading some of [Austen's] "Emma" each evening, and have finished the third volume of Byron's letters. Has not got on fast with Santayana, as she has little time for reading, but thinks what she has read 'very interesting'. No shooting since Elizabeth left. Charlotte came to tea yesterday and was sorry to miss her, and the Daylishes [?] called on her last week. Very interesting for Elizabeth to see [Joseph?] Joachim; sounds like a pleasant excursion. Asks how her aunt and cousin Marie are. Tells her not to do 'too much stitching at [her] curtains and take a good walk every day'. Sent her a cream cheese yesterday. Supposes the manuscript came safely.

Fortezza, Aulla, Lunigiana, Italy. - Sends a 'thousand congratulations on the happy event'; they [he and Lina] were glad to get Bob's letter with news of Paul and Bessie. Glad the Enticknaps approve. Is following Bob's plan and goes for walks with 'pockets full of books' everyday, but rarely reads them, instead sits 'basking in the sunshine & the stillness'; describes the surroundings. Lina is 'doing away with the pigions [sic] because they don't pay'; he objects, but will have their tower room for 'a study from which to wander in the roof garden' as compensation. Needs Bessie 'badly to paint the ringhiera [banisters or railing]'; sends love. They miss the Trevelyans both very much this Christmas.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - Thanks his parents for their letters; will write to his father soon, but today is 'really writing... for Bessie, who is very busy': she has to look after Julian 'a good deal now', since the nurse has had a 'bad cold, and is rather upset'; it is not 'the same thing as last time' and they hope not as bad, but she is 'not at all well, and it is very discouraging'. The doctor has seen her and will come again in a few days. Bessie takes Julian out in the pram, as the nurse is 'really not well enough to go out in this damp weather'; they may have to 'think seriously whether she will be able to go on through the winter', but that is not an immediate concern. The nurse is 'quite nice about it herself, and tries not to be depressed' though Robert fears she is not successful. Luckily Julian is 'very well'. Sure Bessie will write herself soon.

They read his father and Charles' speeches 'in a paper Gussie sent to his mother [Gussie Enticknap, son of Robert and Bessie's housekeeper, currently working as a gardener's boy for Sir George and Caroline at Wallington]. They seemed very good'. [Donald] Tovey came last Monday; he has been 'rather unwell', so has not yet done much work, but seems to be 'getting under way now'. His 'fellow composer' Ralph Vaughan Williams is coming over from Leith Hill Place this evening'.

Has a better ending for his short poem, which she can add if she likes: gives three lines to read ('I shiver in the chilling wind: the clouds whiten...') instead of the last two she has; it may not be quite right yet, but thinks this is an improvement.

Roundhurst, Haslemere. - Has seen Dr Chambers: he thinks that Helen is much the same, though Helen's sister Mildred considers that she is much brighter. Is not going to see her yet; waiting is 'slow and weary work'. He and Goldie Dickinson are enjoying Roundhurst very much: Mrs Entiknapp [Enticknap] is very good to them and Augustus approves of them. Is going on with his illustrations though Macmillan's plan for an illustrated M. Arnold is not good for his prospects. Hopes Trevelyan will have a good time with B. [Berenson?]: must not let him criticise too much. Will probably go to London for good soon as he has a lot of lecture work to do, though he is far less unhappy in the country.

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.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Thanks Mrs Walter Rea for thinking of the puzzle, and Elizabeth for sending it; it is the most difficult he has ever done and he has 'had to take a holiday even to set it going'; will let her know how he gets on. This morning in the portico, saw a little girl 'in a sort of ecstasy of happiness' singing and talking to a kitten; Caroline says it must have been May Enticknap; glad they [the Enticknaps] are here and 'so agreeably lodged'. They are looking forward to Elizabeth and Robert's visit, and eager to see Julian. Is finding it 'a very attractive way of doing one's politics' to read the letters in the "Times" at Wallington; supposes everything will be over by Friday; the 'unexpected has played a great part, as it always does in a revolution'.