Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Robert and Elizabeth are getting away very soon; not surprised they cannot settle down at home; Elizabeth will have much to do and she hopes she is strong enough. Glad 'some occupations' have been arranged at Ravello, as it is 'a little dull'; wonders how Robert will teach Latin. Sir George once tried to teach her, but she 'was so stupid that it was a failure'. Sweet of Elizabeth to make her a blanket but she must not trouble to finish it before she goes; likes tehm 'big enough to put round [her] back on cold nights' and will think of her when she 'cuddle[s] up into it'. Pantlin has gone to Newcastle to buy presents for the schools' Christmas trees; organising treats for children is always 'rather a bore' but they do enjoy them. The [Henry?] Willoughby Trevelyans are at Wallington for a night and the Spence Watsons will be there for Sunday; he will tell them 'all about Derby'. Hopes Elizabeth has read George's article ["The White Peril", in the "Nineteenth Century"]; asks her to show it to her cousin [Ambrosius Hubrecht] and his sons.
On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- Sends his father '[m]any happy returns' for his birthday; would have forgotten if not for his mother. Hears 'by report' that he is going to speak at Morpeth on Saturday but 'can hardly imagine it to be true', as if so his father would be coming to Wallington, and Robert would have heard of it from home.
This is the 'first fine day' they have had for a long time, and they are going to tea with the 'Willow boys' [Henry Willoughby Trevelyan and his wife Charlotte? see 45/247] this afternoon, after 'two unsuccessful attempts'. Aunt Nora seems very well; Robert has seen her twice, but has not yet introduced Mr B[elfield]. Spi[der - a dog?] 'had a fit yesterday, but is all right now'. Hears that Booa's brother is better, and that she is returning tomorrow.
They 'seem to have won a great victory last Saturday' [in the Eton-Harrow cricket match?]; heard his father was going to see the second day; Charlie sent him a 'very interesting letter' a few days ago about it. Is rather tired of 'fishing and getting nothing': has only caught six trout this year, two out of the pond and weighing a pound each. Hopes his father's rheumatism is better, and that his mother is well.
On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- Thanks his mother for her letter and the 'extract about the match'; after the start they [Harrow against Eton?] have had, they should win. Is glad C[harlie] could see it; hopes he will be all right now, and 'get his certificate'. Aunt Nora came on Friday, and Robert saw her yesterday; she seems very well. Tyne [a dog?] is ill, and Thornton [gamekeeper at Wallington?] thinks he will die soon. Spi[der] is 'all right'.
The floors have been painted, the carpets put down, and 'everything look[s] nearly as usual'. It is raining heavily today. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is very well, and does not have as much to do now Agnes has come.
Mr Sidley [John James's aunt in Birkenhead has just died, so there was no service this morning. The 'Willow boys are here now' [Willoughbys has been crossed out - Robert may be referring to Henry William Trevelyan and his wife Charlotte], but they have not been able to see them, since it rained when they were out to tea, and the 'Willow boys' were out when they called.
On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland:- The 'ladies did not come yesterday', as they did not think the weather would be fine enough, so they are coming next Saturday. Mr Belfield went to Newcastle yesterday: 'if he thought he would escape this invasion, he will be disappointed'. Is 'very sorry to hear about Charlie': is 'very disappointing for him to come just at that time'. Hopes he will 'escape the mumps'. Suggests Charlie could come here 'to the convalescent home'.
Went to Capheaton lake last Friday, and Rothley before that. Booa and Spider are both well. Has just received the prolusiones [book of Cambridge prize poems], but what he was most interested in - Hubert's hexam[eter]s - were not there. Asks if Charlie will 'have his prize sent to him', or whether someone from his house collected it, as sometimes happens. Hopes his grandfather [Robert Needham Philips] is well.
Is getting on well with his work. Willoboy [Henry William Trevelyan? see 45/247] is here now; Robert is going to tea with him next Tuesday.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - He and Caroline 'put great weight' on Elizabeth's 'kind and careful view' on such an important matter, both regarding 'Charles's equananimity & happiness and Mary's character'. Everything is very pleasant, and Elizabeth does 'much to make it so'. Sorry that Elizabeth and Robert are not coming to Wallington, but thinks it right. The weather has been very bad: on the day of the pheasant shoot it rained hard for the first hour and a half; it was Willoughby Trevelyan's last day's shooting with them, since he and Charlotte leave Northumberland for good at the end of the week and are very unhappy about it. Glad they will see Elizabeth and Robert at [Charles and Mary's] wedding.