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Hitcham, Bildeston, Suffolk - JSH is going to Hemel Hempstead to see some of the 'haches en silex' brought from Abbeville, and to discuss it with his host Mr Evans: 'There is no question whatever about these haches being the work of man - but, in my mind, a very great doubt indeed of their having been wrought in pre-historic periods. I can't see how the deluge has anything to do with them'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - He and Caroline are very pleased with what Robert says about Charles's intended marriage [to Mary Bell]; they are 'delighted' by Charles's happiness and 'freedom from restlessness'. [All their sons] are 'very nicely settled now'; hopes the plans for Robert and Elizabeth's new house come about. They have Sir John and Lady Evans, the [Thomas?] Hogkins, [Herbert Woodfield?] Paul, and the Henry Gregs; Greg is their trustee, 'a very nice, clever fellow, and a good liberal'. Went to put out his 'best blue tie' in their honour, and was reminded of Elizabeth by 'a faint, delightful fragrance'; regrets not having asked her to play for him more often. Glad Robert saw Arthur Coleridge, 'the most pleasant - perhaps the most characteristic' of a large family in which each generation is 'pervaded with a certain intellectual and emotional flavour'. Is anxious about politics: fears the Duke of Devonshire 'may have a great deal to answer for' and the 'end of his career may be very disgraceful to his glorious name'. Is reading the fourth book of [Cicero's] "De Finibus" and wishes to discuss some ideas about ancient philosophy with Robert.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Elizabeth and Robert are very kind about Charlie's engagement; she and Sir George are 'more & more satisfied about it', as Mary 'writes very nicely', and Charlie is 'extremely happy in a quieter way' so she thinks 'her influence must be good'. The family are 'very well thought of' and her father has been 'frank and sensible'. Thinks Mary was much in love when she was here 'and found it difficult to behave quietly'. Charlie likes the family; hopes they will visit next month. The Bells are going to Berlin for a fortnight while Charlie goes to his constituency. Has had many letter; 'rather an undertaking' to have two sons engaged at once. Hope Elizabeth and Robert soon have their agreement so that the architect 'can get to work [on the new house at Leith Hill' in the fine autumn weather'. They are going to Belsay [home of the Middletons] and she will tell them why Elizabeth could not come. Dr [Thomas?] and Mrs Hodgkin, Mr [Herbert?] Paul, Sir John and Lady Evans, and the Henry Gregs are all staying; they are 'agreeable & easily amused'. Would like to asks the Russells back again, but next week must be quiet, and there is 'so much to settle'. A postscript says she knows Elizabeth will tell her about Holland when it is settled.

Sutton Oaks, Macclesfield. - The title of the first poem ["The Bride of Dionysus" - sent her by Anna Maria Philips, see 19/12] made her 'long for the evening to read it'. Has been most interested in the 'explorations' at Knossos [by Sir Arthur Evans], and has 'followed them closely' since she belongs to the Hellenic Society and the Egypt Exploration [Society]. The 'marvellous civilisation' with its mysterious sudden end are very romantic. 'While puzzling over drains' recently she has thought about the 'wonderful system' at Knossos, which [James] Baikie says were hardly matched in Europe until the mid-nineteenth century; is just now reading Baikie's "The Sea Kings of Crete. They [she and her husband?] used to plan to go to Crete and had an introduction to Dr Evans from his father; she could have stayed with Miss Cortazzi, who kept the 'little hotel for the excavators - a cousin of my Cortazzi cousins' but never did. Likes the poem very much; compares it favourably with Stephen Phillips's "Odysseus" [sic: Ulysses"]. Would be good to see it performed; she and her husband went to see "Ulysses" in London and 'the glamour remains' with her. Hopes Anna got safe home; looks forward to seeing her on the 23rd. Used to read Greek with Mr Philips when they visited The Bank; he liked to read over his favourite books of the Odyssey.