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The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - They are having 'the most beautiful weather, and the woods are at their best', with bluebells and the rhododendrons and azaleas 'of which our neighbours' [at Leith Hill Place] woods are full'. Bessie has gone to town for two nights; she has not yet completely recovered from her cough, but otherwise seems fairly well. Julian writes [from school] generally 'quite cheerfully': he is 'in a higher class, which pleases him, and he does not mention any troubles with the other boys'.

Is going to London tomorrow to see about the publication of his translation of [Sophocles'] Ajax, and also of a new book of poems [The Death of Man and Other Poems]. Will come back with Bessie on Thursday. Will send back 'the Theocritus before too long. It is helpful, but does not give [him] much confidence'. He and Bessie are reading Harper's life of Wordsworth, which, 'though dully written', has much that is interesting 'particularly about Wordsworth's earlier life, and about his sister and Coleridge'. Coleridge's story is 'even more pitiable and tragic' than Robert had thought. Sends love to his mother.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon; addressed to Robert c/o Miss Philips, The Park, Prestwich, Manchester. - Interested by Robert's liking for [Euripides'] "Iphigenia in Tauris"; there was a very nice account of the play and a recent performance at Ann Arbor in the American "Nation", also a good review of Harper's "Life" of Wordsworth. Has sent the paper to Charles, and recommends that Robert ask him for it. Both articles are a 'most pleasant illustration of the development of the best American culture'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes Elizabeth is 'getting on with the Quest' [for a new governess]; wonders whether the two candidates Annie says she has suggested will be suitable. Hughie has been 'very ill'; Lady Bell is also ill with shingles, so they are 'a sick household'; does not know whether the elder children have gone to Cambo this week as planned. The lambs here are 'charming' and Julian would love them. Sir George is well, though '"up & down"', probably due to 'anxiety & excitement' [over the war]. Have just had an interesting letter from Lord Reay, who is good at keeping up correspondence with his friends here and in America. Is reading a 'long but interesting' life of Wordworth by [George Maclean] Harper; asks if Bob has seen it.