Showing 24 results

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking :- The weather has deteriorated recently and it is 'alternatively rainy and sultry'. Saw George briefly in London yesterday; he seemed 'very well and cheerful', except that he and Janet are 'distressed' about the health of her uncle [William Thomas Arnold], which Robert's father has 'doubtless' heard of. George was 'beginning the last chapter of his history [England Under the Stuarts].

Bessie is well; her friend Miss [Laetitia] Ede is visiting for a few days, 'having just passed her final medical examination'. They have 'signed the agreement with the V[aughan] Williamses [for the lease of land on which to build a house]' but there are still delays, since both their and the Vaughan Williamses' architects think they should 'try to get a cheaper tender from other builders'; this is 'very tiresome', but at least it does not seem to be the Vaughan Williamses' fault this time, and Robert and Elizabeth will be sure they are getting their 'full money's worth'. Does not expect the delays will be longer than a few weeks, so the roof should still be on before Christmas and they should be able to move in next spring.

Saw Murray's translation of Hippolytus acted in London yesterday [at the Lyric Theatre, produced by Harley Granville-Barker], but thought it so poor a performance that he 'could not stay till the end. No one could act well, or even make themselves heard properly, though there was plenty of ranting, and the beautiful choruses were drowned out in an intolerably affected and ineffective manner'. The play is 'very fine... and well suited for the modern style, and the translation has many unusual merits': it is a 'great pity that these abortive efforts should be made, as it only makes the intelligent public more and more sceptical as to the possibility of acting poetical drama finely, and yet it is perfectly possible, if only they would go about it in the right way'. At least they should not use 'quite incompetent actors'. Yet some papers have said it was 'very successful'.

They both send love to Robert's father and mother; Bessie will write soon.

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking :- Apologises for not writing sooner [ee 12/71]: this is not 'due to indifference or to want of interest, still less to want of affection, but to carelessness and procrastination', to which he has always been 'very liable', and should therefore try especially 'to guard against'.

Will keep the Whitefriars Journal, since his father did not mention it, until Bessie returns at least. Liked his speech, and thought it 'admirably successful in saying some quite serious things lightly, and with grace'. Bessie is coming back soon, maybe on Thursday, but has not yet settled exactly when; Robert will probably come to London then and hopes they might see his parents. She has had a cold but is well now, and seems to have enjoyed her visit.

The 'difficulties about the house' seem to be finally settled, as the Vaughan Williamses have agreed to everything they asked; wishes they had done so several months ago, and saved Robert and Bessie 'this time and worry'. Building should begin this month if everything goes well. Will tell his father 'more about the terms' when they meet in London; their solicitor Withers is satisfied with the terms now.

Spent a week with some Cambridge friends at Woody Bay near Ilfracombe and left last Thursday, stopping to see Salisbury and Winchester on the way back; returned home yesterday. Much admired 'the outside of Salisbury Cathedral, and the close'; did not see Stonehenge, but left it 'for another time'.

Does 'not know how far Verrall has really proved his point about Tyrtaeus [see 12/73]', but remembers he fairly convinced Robert that the poems 'were at least very much rewritten in the Attic dialect, and probably added to, in the 6th century'; does not think Verrall suggested there was 'not an older form behind them', he supposes 'in the Spartan dialect'. Rather likes the 'old elegiac poets' such as Solon, Tyrtaeus and Theognis, who 'may not be very poetical or sublime' but 'can say what they want to quite clearly and with great force in a very difficult literary medium', and 'prepared the way for Simonides and the later epigrammatists'.

Sends love to his mother, and hopes to see her this week.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that Elizabeth and Robert were at Holly Lodge [for the unveiling of the blue plaque commemorating Lord Macaulay]; envies him that and [his reading of? Aristophanes's] "Birds". Has just read the "Epidicus", and enjoyed it, though thinks Jeremy Collier was 'preposterous' to call it Plautus's masterpiece. Very pleased with Robert's opinion of "The American Revolution" and relieved by what he says about Wesley and the soldiers [see 46/87]. Will be glad when the settlement with the Vaughan Williamses [for the land on which to build Robert and Elizabeth's new house] is concluded. Will enclose a few letters: two from historians which are 'satisfactory testimony' to his accuracy; and three from James, Colonel [John] Hay the Secretary of State, and [Joseph Hodges] Choate, which he asks Robert to show to nobody but Elizabeth. A postscript on a separate sheet says he will send the letters in a few days. Asks if Robert could look at a book in an auction for him which as 'a lover of Horace'. he is thinking of buying.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Elizabeth may get this letter before she leaves for Cambridge. Very glad she and Robert are going to Holly Lodge [for the unveiling of the tablet to Macaulay: see 10/40]; wishes she could be there herself but cannot make the long journey gain; the 'Birds [?] too would be delightful'. Distressing about the dog, and it does not sound hopeful that it will recover; Annie [Philips] never gets a dog which 'has not got through distemper', saving herself 'much agitation & sorrow'. Very glad that Elizabeth is interesting herself in Bedford College, which is 'an excellent institution'; she herself has often been approached about it but has 'declined to be on the council' as she cannot take on more work, and did not want to be 'called upon for large subscriptions in London' as she has 'such endless calls' upon her there. Would be glad to send Elizabeth five pounds for her collection, and thinks it would be very good for her to take up something outside of home and music; it is 'a great refreshment to feel that you are helping in some work, either educational or philanthropical or political'. Very odd of the V[aughan] W[illiams's not to settle [about the house]; asks if Elizabeth thinks they want to get out of the arrangement; always hard to deal with friends. Hopes however that the delay will keep her and Robert in England long enough to come to Wallington, even if they do not stay for [Charles and Mary's] wedding. Charles is in London, after a speaking tour in Scotland.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad all in order at home, and that Elizabeth and Robert enjoyed their stay at Wallington; wishes the weather had been better so they could have made more excursions. Now very cold, but yesterday was 'delightful' and they drove in the afternoon to Capheaton for a sale of some of Sir John [Swinburne]'s cattle. Miss Fitch recovered quickly and left yesterday, returning all the books; the good uncle [Charles Augustus Fitch?] will be relieved. Glad to hear the negotiations with the V[aughan] W[illiams]s are 'satisfactory' and that they 'propose a lower rent'; hopes the agreement will be drawn up and the architect will get to work soon. Has been reading Madame de Lieven's memoirs; they are 'amusing up to a certain point', but she thinks her 'much over-rated'. Thinks George has returned from Wales; Charlie has gone to visit the Bells before 'starting his campaign of speaking'. 'Old Anne' is visiting, and Booa [Mary Prestwich] is very happy; Booa hopes Elizabeth got the parcel. Asks whether Elizabeth is having friends to stay, and whether she wants a melon, also whether she is quite well again. Glad she enjoyed the music at Chillingham; hopes she finds a good violin before long but it is right not to hurry. Has been looking through her autumn and winter clothes. A separate sheet says she thinks it is possible to get good dogs cheaply from the Dogs Home in Battersea. If Elizabeth wants a Dandy [Dinmont] 'like Pepper' they can get one in Wallington. Annie [Philips] also knows about them.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Originally enclosing a letter; does not think she answered Elizabeth's last as Sir George said he would write to say what they thought about the rent [to the Vaughan Williamses for the new house to be built at Leith Hill?]. Hopes Robert returned 'refreshed and well [from the Lakes]' and that she is not too bothered by 'the house business'; business arrangements with friends are always difficult. Hopes something will be settled at Leith Hill as it is such a beautiful place. Has had a letter from Janet [Ward] describing 'their interview with "the Master [of Trinity, Montagu Butler?]". He was very deaf, & George shouted, but his talk seems to have been very good'. She then walked fifteen miles with no ill effects: "Surely George has found the right wife!" 'The lady mother' [Mrs Humphry Ward] is coming to Wallington next week, as she is opening a school in Newcastle. They were expecting the Monkswells today, but [Lady Monkswell] is unwell and cannot come. Various young people are coming next month; asks if Elizabeth and Robert can come on 20 August for a week, returning on 1 September, or whether another time would suit them.

The Shiffolds. - Thanks her for her letter and present, a 'charming edition of the Drayton' which he will enjoy reading again, perhaps to Julian. 'Very kind' of her to send Julian the Browning and is sure he will 'appreciate it, since he has no Browning, though he knows and likes some of the poems'. He seems well, and has generally 'got on well this term, and certainly seems happy there'.

Thinks he is himself 'much better now for having been to Dr Anderson', but since he still has to go to London for two or three days a week, he does not wish to miss more of Julian's birthday than he can help; hopes therefore that she will not mind him visiting her this month, though he may later on in the spring.

Is just finishing his Aeschylus translation [the Oresteia], though it will need much revision before he can publish; it has been a 'very tough job'. Bessie has just started reading aloud [Scott's] Heart of Midlothian, which Robert has 'quite forgotten'; they read it in the first edition, which the 'Vaughan Williamses of Leith Hill Place' have lent them. Sends love to his father and to Booa [Mary Prestwich].

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to get Elizabeth's long letters; she and Sir George are very interested about the house, and Elizabeth seems 'to have a good hold over all the plans and details'; hopes a satisfactory arrangement can be made. Much will depend on the length of lease [the Vaughan Williamses] are prepared to grant; thinks there would be more freedom and less complication if Elizabeth and Robert have it built themselves, but she and Sir George think Elizabeth is the best judge; Sir George will look over the final plans if she likes and say if he thinks them 'wise & safe'. Delightful that Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] can come to visit Elizabeth. They have just heard from Uncle Harry [Viscount Knutsford] and are very sorry that Aunt M[argaret] is still so ill; asks for news about her; wants to know if Meta [Smith] has reached Norway; must be 'very depressing for them'. Hopes the weather is better tomorrow when Mr Milnes Gaskell and his daughter come. They 'walked across Shafto' yesterday; Sir George has had two days fishing and shoots a few rabbits in the garden every day; lots got in 'when they varnished the gate' and needed to be exterminated. Hope that G[? George?, or Grandmont?] will bring the violin and that Elizabeth will 'like it and get it'; is sure it will be a joy to her. Charlie spoke at a 'great liberal meeting at Welcombe on Saturday', which seems to have been a success. Asks for the names of any interesting books Aunt Margaret has been reading; wants to get a parcel from the library before guests come. Glad Robert is all right and hopes he will stay as long as it suits him [in the Lakes] now Elizabeth has company; lucky she did not come to Wallington or go to The Park [to stay with Annie Philips]. Says in a postscript that it is a good idea for Elizabeth to send her girl [maid] to the dressmaker as it would be useful if she could do some altering and mending.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Expects that Elizabeth has returned home and that the weather is 'cooler & pleasanter'; it was fine yesterday for the school treat. Sir George has been out fishing twice, which is very good for him. Does not think there will be fine weather in the North for some time, so perhaps Robert will not stay so long; thinks September will be better than August this year and is glad Elizabeth is coming then. They are alone at the moment, but expect Mr Milnes Gaskell and his daughter on Tuesday. Hopes Janet [Ward] will be able to visit Elizabeth; she and George have taken a house in Chelsea and are very happy; their prolonged engagement obviously suits them. Is reading [Elliot's] "Daniel Deronda"; thinks it is 'much too long, and rather tedious', though some minor episodes such as Klesmer's 'talk about art' are very good; also has 'the last new Vol. of Le Gorce [?]' and the newspapers; Sir George is reading Meredith's "Egoist" aloud, which she thinks better every time she reads it. Hopes the negotiations [about the land and house at Leith Hill] are going well; asks whether Elizabeth and Robert intend to build themselves, or whether the V[aughan] W[illiamses] will build and let it to them. Sad that Aunt Margaret [Holland] is laid up for so long and unable to write. Asks how 'the little maid' is getting on, and Gussy [Enticknap]'s violin lessons.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letters; it is a great pleasure to Caroline and Sir George to help her and Robert settle themselves 'really comfortably'; hopes the V[aughan] Williams proposal [to lease them land at Leith Hill on which to build a house] comes to pass. Is very sorry that Elizabeth has been 'worried & upset'; quite understands that Robert is 'trying' when he is upset, as 'All Trevelyans are inclined to be so sometimes, & "get on the nerves" of their women-kind'. Does not like to think of her being alone, and hopes her Dutch friend came yesterday and that she will go to stay with Aunt Annie [Philips] for a night. Aunt Margaret [Holland] has been 'laid up' for more than a fortnight 'with clots'; she has one in her hand and so cannot write; thinks she will tell her Elizabeth could come over and see her. Also suggests that Elizabeth could come to Wallington for a while, and Robert come to join her; they could then go home together and return on 1 September with George and Janet. Does not want Robert before 20 July, but Elizabeth could come earlier. Asks if she is getting any music; must find someone to accompany her at Wallington. Has been 'too cool for a cotton dress' here, though she hears dreadful things from a lady in London who 'nearly died' from the heat when she had to spend two days at the cricket with young people. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is very busy, as Grace has taken a holiday.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad Elizabeth and Robert have had friends to stay; will be good when they have room to put up more than one. Weather lovely here now; they went to the Gibbet yesterday and she missed her children; they took 'old Hague (Annie [Philips]'s deaf housekeeper and Booa [Mary Prestwich]' but wished for 'some young ones'. Wonders when Elizabeth and Robert would like to come up; George and Janet will be here for about a week from 1 September; she is arranging 'to have some young people' from 13 - 27 August then wants to have a few days 'quite alone' for Sir George's sake. Thinks Robert and Elizabeth were going to pay another visit in the north, so they could come on the 19th or 20th for a week, go for that, then return on 1 September to see George and Janet. Sir George is pleased with the book Robert has sent; sure the 'vigour with which he settles to down to read Greek every day' as if 'in for an examination' would amuse Elizabeth. Nixon [the estate agent] has lost his father. Janet has not written recently; George is busy with house-hunting, and they 'incline to Chelsea now'. Hopes they will 'arrange something definite with the V[aughan] Williams [about leasing land to build a house] this summer'; when he knows their plans, Sir George will tell them how much help he will provide. Would like to see any of Elizabeth's Hubrecht cousins, if any are visiting.

The Shiffolds. - Thanks his mother for the presents: the tie and 'very nice edition of the Sonnets', which 'will be a good excuse for reading them again'. But she has got the date of his birthday wrong: he is not 42 until the 28th; as he 'never remembers the date of anyone's birthday' himself, he is not surprised. He and Bessie have just been having the 'panetti di passe' which she kindly sent them; they are very good, 'not quite the same as we used to have at Ravello, but just as good'. The Abercrombies, who are staying till Monday, liked them very much. They are 'very pleasant guests, and the company of the children is good for Julian'.

Is going to London on Friday for Charles's 'Greenwich party'. He and Bessie 'entertained 7 of the tramps last Sunday at lunch'; [the Vaughan Williamses at] 'Leith Hill Place gave lunch to Haldane and several elders'. Haldane 'walked very bravely, though deliberately'. Robert and [Lascelles] Abercrombie walked to Dorking to meet them, then they all walked 'about seven miles to Leith Hill'; the Tramps then went to Gomshall [to catch the train], 'about five more miles. It was enough for a hot thundery day'. Sends love to his father.

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'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to have Elizabeth's news of Aunt Margaret [Holland]. Is following Elizabeth and Robert's negotiations about the new house closely, and agrees that the most recent proposal to let the land for ten years, with the house returning to the landlord at the end, is 'quite impossible'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Robert has written fully to Sir George about his journey [to the East with Goldsworthy Lowes Dickinson] which now seems very likely. They think he should be able to go on the journey if Elizabeth is well and if they can make 'comfortable plans' for her and Julian; would not think it right for her to stay at the Shiffolds through the winter. They suggest that she and Julian should settle with them when Robert leaves; understands that she probably will not want to spend the whole time 'with 2 old people' and might like to go with a friend to somewhere dry and warm like Torquay or Sidmouth for some of the winter which they would pay for. The house could be let, or left with the 'newly married couple'. Sorry that Lady Vaughan Williams is ill. A postscript notes that Sir George is writing to Robert; he and Elizabeth can 'think it over together'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - All well with Bessie and baby Paul. The thaw is 'very complete now': they had had enough of the snow so are glad; last night 'was quite a hurricane'. Tomorrow is going up [to London] to lunch with Roger Fry, who has returned from London. Bessie has started reading to herself: [H. G. Wells'] Kipps; Robert still reads to her after dinner, usually Keats' letters.

Hopes his parents are well and 'will have nice weather now'; will write soon about paying a brief visit to Welcombe. Hopes Wallington is free of snow now. The V[aughan] Williamses at High Ashes, and Mrs Vaughan Williams at Leith Hill Place, have influenza, so Bessie cannot have visitors at the moment, Does not expect they will get it themselves, but they have to be careful. Sends love.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Bessie is doing well, and 'sits up in bed a great deal'; Paul is also well. The thaw 'set in last night', and Robert hopes it will continue. Sees in the papers that Wallington is 'cut off': that is 'unpleasant' but may not matter so much, but it could be 'serious for some of the scattered farms' and he hopes it will not last long. Bessie says that 'but for Paul' his parents might both be snowed in at Wallington, so 'in spite of all the inconvenience he has caused' he may at least have saved them from that.

They have not suffered much here as the snow was never too deep. Some of the neighbours have influenza: both at High Ashes [home of Sir Roland and Lady Vaughan Williams] and Mrs Vaughan Williams at Leith Hill Place, so they 'must take care not to let it come here'. Has 'Sent Jim [? Conrad's Lord Jim, see 12/105] by this morning's post': it is Tom [Sturge] Moore's, but he 'won't want it back yet'. Wonders whether his father will 'make anything of it': Robert 'found it tough at first, but afterwards was quite held by it'.

The doctor has just come and says Bessie is 'doing very well indeed'. Has been writing many letters recently, some at Bessie's dictation. People have been 'most kind in writing', some have sent presents for Paul. Hopes his parents and Booa are well; sends love and 'best wishes for 1907' from him and his family'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - All well: Bessie is 'getting stronger quickly' and the boy [Paul] 'usually sleeps and feeds well'. Thanks her for her last letter, and Bessie thanks Booa for her letter. Lady V[aughan] Williams called yesterday and 'admired Paul very much'. Does not think the snow here is as bad as in many places: it is only about 3 inches thick. Encloses G[eorge's] letter, which is 'very interesting'. Is 'glad Aunt Annie is enjoying her travels'.

Bessie would like to know how long his parents will be at Welcombe. She says she is 'perfectly happy being quite idle in bed, and feels very warm and cosy'. Thanks his mother for suggesting he comes to Welcombe: might do so for a 'day or two in January', but since their plans are unsettled will 'leave it now'. Sends all love from all of them to his parents.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Apologises for not writing for a few days: they 'missed a post by mistake', and this afternoon Roland [Vaughan Williams?] called wanting him to go for a walk just as he was about to write and Bessie thought he should go. There is not much news: Bessie and Paul are doing well. Bessie has 'already seen several people', and Lady V[aughan] Williams will probably visit tomorrow.

Thanks his mother for her letter, which came this afternoon; Bessie thanks her for her last letter and was 'much amused to hear of the muisjes-rite'; she is 'shocked' that Robert is 'refusing the sacriment, because it contains carroway seed [sic]' - he does however think they 'look very pretty'. Bessie says the 'nursing' [breast-feeeding] is going well, and 'the supply and demand question, which often seems the chief difficulty, has been settled to the satisfaction of both parties'.

There has been heavy snow, but the 'Doctor still comes out in his motor'. Will give Gussie [Enticknap] his Christmas card. Robert has had a 'letter of congratulation' from A. G. Watson. Supposes there is snow at Welcombe too.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - They are having a 'very pleasant Christmas'; everyone is well. His father's 'kind letter' to E[lizabeth: 10/69] came this morning, and 'gave her much pleasure'. The baby seems to 'thrive'. Since it is Christmas today, Bessie 'had him dressed in an old Dutch dress, made 70 years ago, in which he looks very Dutch and pretty'.

Is going out to dinner tonight to High Ashes for the V[aughan] Williams' Christmas dinner; does not mind leaving Bessie as she is 'really so well'. She sends her love, says she 'thinks a great deal' about Caroline, and is much enjoying getting letters from everyone. Paul got his 'first letter this morning in the shape of a Christmas card from Pauline and Georgdie' [Charles and Molly's children].

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Bessie and Paul are both very well: Bessie was pleased to get his mother's letter this morning - she is 'allowed to read all letters that come' - and is 'looking forward to writing herself'. The doctor called today, is quite satisfied, and will not call tomorrow. The frost has gone and they have 'stormy warmer weather'.

The V[aughan] Williamses at High Ashes are 'very kind', and ask him to lunch: went on Sunday, and will go tomorrow 'for the Xmas dinner'. Has had a nice letter from C[harles] and Molly [16/165]. Is 'rather tired', so she must not mind him not writing more. Sends love from all the family.

The Shiffolds. - Dr Clarke says that Bessie 'could not be doing better'; Paul is also very well, and 'sleeps a fair amount'; Clarke will come again tomorrow. The nurse 'manages splendidly'. The household is also getting on very well: Mrs Ent[icknap] 'takes a great deal of trouble' and Alice also 'helps well'. Gussie [Enticknap] was 'kept in the dark until yesterday evening', when his mother took him to see the baby; he 'seemed very much astonished'. He thinks he will 'soon have someone to play cricket with, but that is looking forward too far'.

Everyone thinks the baby looks a lot like Robert; supposes he must be, but to him he 'looks far more like Mr Finch'; asks his mother not to tell this to Finch. The baby is 'certainly very healthy and a fair size, 7 1/2 lbs and 20 inches'; his hair is 'about Bessie's colour, or a little darker, and his skin is rather brown'.

Lady V[aughan] Williams has just called to enquire and invite Robert to High Ashes for lunch; thinks he will go, as Bessie usually sleeps after lunch. Miss [Sophy?] Wedgwood and Margaret Vaughan Williams also came to see the baby this afternoon, and 'thought him very charming'. Does not think he missed writing to anyone: sent telegrams to Aunt Anna, Aunt Meg, Uncle Harry, Aunt Nora, Janet, Molly and a few others. Sends love - also from Bessie and Paul - to his father; will write to him next. Must finish now as the post is due.

'On the Road! Birmingham [written on 8, Grosvenor Crescent notepaper]. - Glad Elizabeth had a good time at Pen Moel; has met the 'rather astonishing lady [Agnes Macdonald: see 46/101]' and does not know what Meggy [Price] sees in her. Everything lovely at Welcombe and she was sorry to leave, but Sir George is 'longing to be at work again'. Now on her way to the Park [home of Annie Philips]; hopes to be at Wallington by Saturday evening. Glad that Elizabeth has seen the V[aughan] W[illiams]s and that 'all is going pleasantly'; hopes the roof [of the new house] will be on before she and Robert go abroad. Caroline and Sir George dined at the [Grosvenor Crescent] Club and thought it 'very much gone off'; the food and the meeting [?] were both bad. Thinks she will give it up next year; for the cost of the subscription she could have a kitchen maid. Writing at Birmingham station, having seen Sir George off North. He is 'enormously excited about the Russian business' [the Dogger Bank incident]; since he is 'so peaceful generally', his agitation makes her worried about 'what hot headed jingos will do'. If Elizabeth would like to stay at Tunbridge Wells for the Conference, the local secretary Miss Jones is Caroline's friend and would take her in or find her somewhere else to stay; Sophie [Wicksteed] seems very ill; does not think Aunt A[nnie] would like any visitors there in her absence.

Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Thanks his mother and father for their letters; will reply to his father from abroad. The Chinese poems [see 46/102] were by Professor Giles, not him; one day he will bring the book [Giles' Chinese Poetry in English Verse] to Wallington, as some of its poems are 'very amusing, and others quite pretty'. Copies out one he might send to George, An Agnostic, by an anonymous poet, 'a contemporary of Voltaire'.

Thought George's article 'a little over-emphatic in places', but essentially agreed with it, and thought it 'much better written' than his previous articles in the Nineteenth Century, Heart of the Empire etc; is glad to see his book [England under the Stuarts] is getting good reviews. He himself plans to write 'a comedy... or else a comic prose story', although he may change his mind when he reaches Italy; he does not want to write 'any long serious poem or play'. They are glad Meg Booth can come out to Italy later; thinks she will 'prove an excellent companion'.

The [new] house is getting on well, and is now 'quite roofed'; they have been 'arranging for a more satisfactory approach by making the drive longer', which will cost more but 'be better in the end'. Will not decide finally until they have estimates. The Vaughan Williamses are not putting 'difficulties in the way' of their new plan, which is good. Bessie has made arrangements for some work to be done in the garden while they are away in Italy; she will write to Caroline as soon as they get there; their address will be care of Bernard Berenson at I Tatti. Bessie also thanks Booa [Mary Prestwich] for her letter, but is too busy packing now to reply; will write from Italy.