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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.