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Trinity College, Cambridge. - Apologises, but Jan [Bastiaan Hubrecht] is visiting just after Cambridge breaks up: Commem is on the 11th [Dec], and there will be no-one around after that, including George himself, but 'a few cross dons clearing up arrears of work'. If Jan could come next term or the term after, George could 'realize my desire' of giving Jan three or more weeks at Cambridge, should he wish; hopes this can be managed at some point in Jan's convalescence, but this term is impossible. Does not have a cutting of Charles's letter [to the "Times" on "Farm-Burning In The Transvaal And Orange River Colonies", 26 Nov 1900, p 12 ?]; thought it was very good; is 'going to look up 'Roses' which [he] missed on the 26th [or perhaps the 28th: reference to letter on the same subject which appeared in the "Times" of Nov 28, p 8, by Leonard Courtney?]'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Comments under the date that it is 'a precious dreary bank holiday'. Asks whether 'Mr Clifford Allen is of the publishing firm'. Asks for the name and address of the friend who lent them Aksakov's "Russian Gentleman" so they can return it; mistakes [Harry] Norton's name for 'Norrey', though remembers that he is a fellow of Trinity; perhaps Elizabeth can bring any later volumes; wonders whether these might cover 1812, the 'biggest thing of modern history except our recent Armageddon'. Caroline has been reading Robert's [translation of] Lucretius, while he himself has been comparing it with the Latin; quotes Lord Courtney's praise of Lucretius, from Gooch's 'excellent biography'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S. W. - Saw [Edward] Chandos Leigh recently, 'a sad wreck after some terrible medical experiences'; he is old enough 'to have played against Winchester at Lords, when the Winchester eleven wore tall white beaver hats!', and spoke in a most friendly way about Robert. The "Manchester Guardian" praises "Winter", by C[harles] Shannon, at the Academy; does not know whether it is he who is Robert's 'principal friend' or J. J. Shannon. Had a 'famous' lunch at the Courtneys' on Saturday: Lord Courtney, Henry James, Lord Welby and himself, as well as 'the grand figure of old Lady Airlie'. Caroline looked 'quite juvenile', as she always does to him. The Sargent portrait of Henry James is 'very fine indeed'. They look forward to seeing Elizabeth.

Newspaper article included.

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.

Refers to a note from Sidgwick and regrets that he cannot be in town the following day. Discusses Sidgwick's paper, and gives suggestions thereon, e.g., in relation to protection of infant industry, trade protection, and displacement. Suggests that each subject be accompanied by a practical illustration. Expresses his satisfaction that Sidgwick agrees with him on the 'general question' of 'Free Trade'. Refers to a discussion he had with [ ], [Chesterton] and [Leonard?] Courtney on the importation of Indian wheat and corn.

Hotel & Pension Palumbo, Ravello, Golfo di Salerno. - Has been 'out composing verses in a tempest'. Glad she is having happy dreams; suggests analyses for her one about the cicalas [9/26]. Quotes from Moore on sleep [Thomas Sturge Moore, "To An Early Spring Day"]. Sorry that her aunt's recovery is not speedier. Will send a letter to her tomorrow. Does not like Mrs Costelloe 'in many ways', but does not condemn her for 'refusing to live with Costelloe' who seems to have been 'almost impossible to live with', though she should not have been 'taken in' by him; thinks her and [Bernard] Berenson's relationship is 'as nice as those sort of relations can be'; discusses her influence on him. Supposes he will see Miss D. G. [Lina Duff Gordon] at Florence; explains the nature of their friendship further. He and Lina are on 'very good terms' again, and she likes his poem about her pet bat ["The Lady's Bat"], though it is not yet finished.

Continues the letter next day; has read most of the editor's letter in the paper sent by Bessie's uncle [in a Dutch paper, to the Duke of Devonshire, see 9/26]; thinks he is 'in the main right' but knows 'little of the facts, except what he has gathered from English writers who disapprove of the [Second Boer] war' such as Bryce, Hobson, Lecky and Courtney; since he has 'ornamented his columns with many not very apt quotations' Bob as a poet ought not to be too hard on him. Thinks he will spend two days with Berenson at Florence, since it is unlikely Mrs Costelloe will be back; has not yet heard from his mother about crossing with Bessie and the letter may not have reached her. Asks him his plans suit Bessie. Is torn between Venus and Apollo, and 'Apollo has all the nine young ladies [the Muses] on his side'.