Thanks his mother for her letter and her cake; this was very good, and he and Hicks (who is as old as Robert), had tea with Mr and Mrs Arnold. A boy who was at Wixenford who has just left Harrow, Walford (Hugh Selwyn or Arthur George Walford?), was also here; he was in Watson's house and says he knows Charlie. Robert hopes Charlie is getting on well. Archie has asked Robert to go to see him next holiday in Ireland, but this 'would hardly be possible'; asks his mother if he could go, as he would like to but knows it would 'be rather a business' going to Ireland and back. The weather is very fine today. There was no match last Saturday, as the 'Farnborough fellows' were unwell. It is the Eton match tomorrow, but there are 'only three or four Eton chaps'.
Decorated with transfer sticker of a sailing ship. Hopes his family are well and happy, as he is. There is a 'rage for Stilographic and Antistilographic [sic] pens'. Hugo has not been expelled. Will be 'very glad' to have a few photographs. Is 'top for the week in Latin'. The exams are this week. Asks his mother to send some stamps, envelopes and note paper. Mrs Arnold gives lectures on botany. Has begun to collect stamps; Smith has given him 21, Browning 7, and Smith is going to give him some more; knows she does not mind. Glad to hear Grandpapa [Trevelyan?] Is better. Robert and Charlie have been writing postcards to each other ‘in the secret way’. Adds a postscript hoping that Sophy is all right.
Thanks his mother for her letter and the paper. Has not yet written a speech. There are seventeen conservatives and nineteen liberals in the 'youth parliament'. Is going to have dinner with Mrs Arnold this week. May have a chance of a prize for French. There was going to be a match with Farnborough, but a boy there 'has caught an disease'; they are playing 'the Camerons' again tomorrow. Writes the next portion of the letter in Latin: he sends his love to all; is her affectionate son. If she and George are well, he and Charles are well; it is eight in the morning on the Ides of December [13th Dec], 1883; he hopes she is well; nothing stands in the way of him coming home soon. He then switches to French to say he has no more notepaper and envelopes, and asks if she can send some, though he does not need any postage stamps. There is then a line in Ancient Greek: 'the elephants love the keepers'. Asks if he will go home on Friday. Writes 'the end' in English, Latin, French, Italian, Ancient Greek, Spanish.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Is very glad that Mrs Trevelyan 'approves of the chemical food for Bobbie'. As his cough is 'very nearly well now' she hopes he will soon 'get strong', though he did give them 'rather a fright by fainting away quite at prayers' [cf 45/38]; he 'very soon recovered' and has seemed quite all right this afternoon and evening, so she therefore hopes it was mainly due to the 'close thundery feeling weather' which has also troubled several of the other boys today. He was quiet all morning, but 'seemed quite well' by the time they returned from church; this afternoon he went on a flower collecting walk with Mr and Mrs Arnold and some other boys and 'seemed as bright and well as any of them'. Trusts there is nothing to worry about, but thought Mrs Trevelyan would like to know that he had fainted; they will 'watch him carefully', and she will write again soon.
Had a letter from Mary Bright recently; her 'account of poor Hughie was a very sad one'; can 'hardly think how he can bear the long journey back to England'. But she says Mrs Arnold's brother, who is attending Hughie, says he recommends that they should; thinks they plan to leave Cannes on the 3rd [June]' and will 'be very anxious to hear of their safe arrival'. Mr Arnold sends his best regards.
Thanks his mother for her letter. They went last Wednesday 'to see another magic lantern show' by Mr Bent, with 'dis[s]olving views'; about 'his travels near Damascus and the Prince of Whales's [sic] travels in India, and several photographs of English cathedrals'. The school 'played the Camerons' yesterday, but Robert had sprained his right knee and could not play; it is better now. Wixenford won six-nil. Sends love to all, and asks if his mother can send him some envelopes. Had breakfast with Mrs Arnold last week.
Sandford Hotel, Niton, I[sle] of Wight [using Wixenford headed notepaper]:- The Arnolds have 'just arrived' after a 'most pleasant journey'. Arnold picked up Mrs Trevelyan's 'kind letter' at the Hartley Row post office, on the way to Winchfield Station, and thanks her for all he says. He also received an 'interesting letter from Mr Bowen' which he encloses [not now present] as Trevelyan will want to see it. It has been a 'great delight... to hear of Bobbie's success [in the Harrow examination]', which has 'doubled and more than doubled' his pleasure in the holidays, particularly for the happiness it will have given Mr and Mrs Trevelyan. Thinks nothing could better 'drive away the memory of the worries of last session than the return home of two such refreshing young people as Bobbie and George'. First heard the 'good news from Mr Welldon' who said that as far as he could tell from the viva voce examination, Bobbie seems 'to be a boy of wide interests as well as considerable classical attainments'.
Arnold finds what Bowen says to be just what he expected, and considers it 'very satisfactory, though it may not sound so to everyone. Bobbie's work all through showed power and ability' and pleased the examiners, though 'his blunders almost proved fatal'. Believes that the ability will grow 'rapidly', and the 'inaccuracy will disappear before long'; this will require a 'constant effort', but he thinks that Bobbie will 'triumph'. Latin Prose is in fact Bobbie's strongest subject - thinks Mr Trevelyan will agree if he looks over the piece which Bobbie took home - but 'again and again [in class] he did what he must have done in the examination'. He 'really is a fairly sound scholar for his age', as he can almost always correct the mistakes he makes as soon as he is asked. Arnold was surprised he did so well in verse, for which he needed more time, and 'of course forgive[s] him his bad Latin Prose in return for his good verses'.
Was very glad Bobbie did a good Homer paper, which he owes 'chiefly to the work he did with his father last holidays'. His French is 'really rather good' and he could have 'made it tell' in the examination with 'very little brushing up', but Arnold spent almost all the time for this on Greek. Apologises for 'such a number of details', but offers them in support of the hope that 'if Bobbie's work was so good to place him 3rd in spite of his many blunders', they may 'soon hope to see him in the very first place'. It is obvious that Mr Bowen is interested in Bobbie, which Arnold is glad of, 'for no one can help him better'. Sends thanks to Mr Trevelyan for his letter last week, and best regards from himself and his wife. Adds a postscript saying that he should have written to Bobbie yesterday but was too busy; will write to him very soon.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Sends 'two capital reports' [not included]. Cannot predict the result of the Harrow examination: Bobbie 'is not a quick worker, and he is too liable to lose his head just when put to the test', but he has 'at times done quite as good and probably better work' when compared with Hicks. Arnold has asked Bobbie to show Trevelyan a piece of Latin prose which 'struck me as quite promising', and he has 'made a good start' in verse, though Arnold wishes they 'could have had another month'. At the moment Bobbie 'is slow and his ideas are often too far-fetched though his attempts show power'. Is sure that, 'whatever he does next week', Bobbie will 'soon prove himself at least fit for Lower Remove'. Is 'thoroughly satisfied' with him, and also with George 'who is very promising, and more wide awake than his brother'. Bobbie's 'influence in the school has throughout been excellent [underlined]'.
Asks if he may beg 'a favour': they [Arnold and his wife] will be in London tomorrow and Tuesday evening, and if possible Arnold would 'so much like to go' to the House of Commons on Tuesday evening as he has 'never heard a debate', though he is unsure whether the House will still be sitting. If so, and Trevelyan can help, he directs him to send the 'order to 24 Norfolk Crescent, Hyde Park; Trevelyan should not trouble to write if it is impossible.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- The result of Bobbie's work this term is 'on the whole decidedly satisfactory', as Trevelyan will see from the enclosed report and list of examinations passed this term. Bobbie has 'pretty nearly kept pace with the scheme' which Arnold sent a few weeks ago detailing 'what we hoped he w[oul]d accomplish term by term'. He is 'anxious to do some work in the holidays', so Arnold has put down what he thinks will 'help him most', in case Trevelyan agrees Bobbie should do some work and can find time to 'give him a little help'.
Arnold has lent Bobbie a copy of the first book of [Xenophon's] Anabasis, which he should 'now find well within his power', and recommends letting him 'translate about 12 lines daily on paper, as far as possible against time'. He 'still requires drill in the verbs in μι', but will 'get that next term at school if it cannot be managed in the holidays. Arnold has also lent Bobbie 'a little book of Latin Exercises' from which he could do 'about 8 sentences' a day; Bobbie's form-master Mr Evans has offered to check these exercises if they are sent by post, and would also correct the Xenophon if required. Evans will be with Mr Sellar at Ardtornish House, Oban, 'helping Gerard with his work previous to going to Eton next half'. Arnold send [his and his wife's] 'united kind regards', and wishes the Trevelyans 'a most happy holiday'.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Is happy to tell her that 'Bobbie has arrived quite safely and looking very well'; is glad she was 'pleased with him', and that he had 'such happy holidays'. They have been 'much distressed' to hear that 'little Tom Booth was not the only sufferer from Ring worm' and that four other boys have had it, two badly and two less severely. None of these boys are here, and all those who returned to school without having seen a doctor have been 'most carefully examined on their arrival'; they have also had their 'own servants examined'. Hopes they are 'now quite safe', but the doctor is to re-examine the whole school in about a week. Bobbie 'brought fine weather with him & the boys have been enjoying a good game of football'. Hopes they will 'only have good news to send' all through the term
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Understands how difficult it must be to arrange to send her boys [Charlie and Bobbie] from Ireland on different days, and has 'real pleasure' in acceding to her request; he supposes that if a 'satisfactory escort should offer itself the right day' she would let Bobbie come. They do 'care very much' about this matter, as cases like this are 'often used as a precedent' by people who have no real reason to delay return. Since, by preparing everything in advance, the school can usually begin work the day after the boys arrive, 'Bobbie will lose rather more lessons' than Mrs Trevelyan imagined; however, they will 'make the best of that' and hopes he will catch up soon. Glad to hear that Bobbie has been 'well and happy' and that she speaks 'happily of his general progress'. They have been 'truly concerned about the Booths' trouble [Tom Booth's ringworm; see 45/116], of which Mrs Arnold has just informed Mrs Trevelyan, and hopes they will soon have good news from Bobbie 'on that score'. Sends best wishes for the new year.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Is sure she will be sorry to hear that 'little Tom Booth' is 'suffering from "ringworm"', which will prevent his return to school this term. Mrs Arnold believes that Tom caught it during the holidays; however, since Dr. Sivering [?], who has been consulted, thinks that from 'the present state of the malady' it is possible that it before Tom left school at the end of last term. They cannot therefore 'feel happy' until they hear all the boys are 'safe & well', and 'feel particularly anxious about Bobbie', since he shares a bedroom with Tom. They have been told that this 'unpleasant malady' can go without discovery for some time, as it does not cause pain or discomfort and is 'often in the head & hidden by the hair'. They hope Mrs Trevelyan will be able to reassure them that Bobbie is safe and well, and that they will 'have the pleasure of welcoming him back' on the 13th. She and Mr Arnold send 'kind regards' to Mrs Trevelyan, and love to Bobbie.
Wixenford, Eversley. - Has just returned from abroad; thanks Mrs Trevelyan for her recent letter and that of 6 August saying that Mr Trevelyan had paid a cheque into Arnold's account. Glad to hear how Bobbie has got on; will 'thankfully receive suggestions' if Mr Trevelyan finds time to test Bobbie, and expects that if his term is not interrupted by illness he will make 'marked progress'. Did not expect Bobbie to complete all the work he suggested for him over the holiday. Will expect him on 20 September, and let Mrs Trevelyan know if she hears of anyone else coming from London that day. Hopes that her summer has been 'comparatively free from anxiety'; saw notices about the 'tour in Ireland' in the newspapers, and hopes she enjoyed this; she must be glad to see 'difficulties gradually disappearing' there and the results of her husband's work [as Secretary of State]. He and Mrs Arnold send their regards.
Wixenford, Eversley. - Asked Mrs Arnold to write yesterday with details of Bobbie's train home, as he was too busy to do so properly. Thinks they should be pleased with Bobbie's progress considering the 'long interruption to his work at the beginning of term'. Since his parents like him to do some work in the holiday, give some suggestions. Has done better in several examinations than in his class work, showing that he had 'understood and remembered the work better than anyone'; he tends to lose marks in class due to 'his slow manner and mumbling though not unintelligent way of reading'; gives an example of him understanding a grammar exercise better than older boys.
Lowestoft:- Thanks Mrs Trevelyan for her 'kind letter and good wishes', and for sending the cheque; is very glad that Bobbie is 'looking himself again', and hopes he will have a 'very refreshing holiday' and return ready for a 'good terms work'. Sends 'kind regards' and thanks to Mr Trevelyan, and 'our hearty New Years wishes' to all the Trevelyans' party, with a 'special message' to Bobbie. They [Arnold and his wife?] are 'much enjoying the rest and leisure to prepare for the coming term'; they spent a week in town before coming to Lowestoft, and hope to return home around the 10th.
Wixenford, Eversley. - They returned home last night after a 'delightful week at Niton' [on the Isle of Wight]. Has now unwrapped the paper-case and blotting book which are 'pretty' and useful, and which he will greatly value as Bobbie's gifts. Will hope to receive few lines from Bobbie at the end of his first fortnight [at Harrow]; thinks he will be placed 'without further exam[inatio]n in Lower Remove', where the work will not be easy, with some of it familiar, so he need only keep from making 'avoidable blunders'. Hopes Bobbie will show them he has 'some idea of Latin Prose'. Asks him to tell George he will keep the same bed-room: Arnold will try to find someone George will like to share it with. Expects that after Midsummer he will share it with Booth's brother, who will join the school then. Is returning [James?] Welldon's letter, which Bobbie's mother 'kindly' let him read; thanks her for writing; he will reply to her when he has news about George. Hopes Bobbie's elder brother [Charles] has recovered, and that he will not 'lose his promotion': it would be 'very hard lines' if it did. Adds a postscript to say he is reading [John Robert] Seeley's "Expansion of England", and thinks Bobbie would like it: it is certainly 'more interesting than the dry-as-dust' he read for the Bowen prize; he can probably find it in his House library.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Thanks her for her instructions about Bobbie's journey [home]. He 'looks much better now than he did and his work shows a corresponding improvement'. Bobbie is 'very industrious' and willing to learn 'grammar and the like'; he 'fails most in applying his knowledge' in translating, but Arnold expects this will improve in time. In general they have 'every reason to be well satisfied with him, and he deserves a most happy holiday'.
It has also snowed at Wixenford, though much more lightly than in the North. He and Mrs Arnold both send regards. Adds a postscript saying that 'Little Tom Booth is flourishing', and they hope to see his father and sister in 'our little crowd on the 12th'.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Luckily his time in London this holidays coincides with the Trevelyans' return: he will be able to come to the Admiralty on the 18th [April] and try to be there for 11 am. Miss Bartlett (the matron) will be glad to have instructions about health, and asks what infectious diseases Bobbie has had. Thinks he mentioned that the school will 'meet after Easter on April 21st'; a master will always travel on the 2.05 train from Wixenford to escort boys whose parents wish it, but expects she will be able to bring Bobbie herself this first time. His wife joins him in 'kind regards'.
Wixenford, Eversley, Winchfield:- Looking forward to re-assembling on 21 April, and hopes that they will see 'little Calverley' [at school]; they will do their 'best to understand him and help him and make him happy'. Is likely to be 'passing through town' during the holidays; will let her know the exact dates when they are confirmed, and will be 'most glad' to call at home 'or wherever it is most convenient for Mr Trevelyan'.
Is happy that, since Mr Trevelyan wrote to him, they have 'succeeded admirably' with one boy at Harrow the 'son of Mr Tomlin of 40 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park", who 'took Lower Remove' when he went to Harrow last September, and by the end of the term was first; according to Dr Butler he beat 'two very able entrance scholars' to do so. Knows that Mr Trevelyan was keen to know that Wixenford really do their 'utmost to get a boy on to the best place that his powers might admit of, without over-pressuring him. Arnold's friend, and predecessor as head, Mr Powles, examined all the boys last term and 'gave a very good report of them'; trusts that the teaching at Wixenford will continue to improve. William Egerton, Mordaunt Lawson and Hugh Walford (6 Cromwell Gardens, Queen's Gate), all go to Harrow at the end of this term, but he regrets none of them can expect to be placed highly, as they are 'not even if our little first class here'. They hope one boy will 'take a high place at Eton after Easter', and that 'Mr Arthur Guest's son will pass well into the Britannia next term'.
Apologises for writing so much about his 'little people', but expects that the Trevelyans know some of them and will also be interested for the sake of their 'own little boy'. Encloses a paper with a list of the clothes and other things which boys usually bring, and one about Exeats [included, see 110/3].
Mrs Arnold sends her regards, and hopes that when summer comes Mrs Trevelyan will be able to visit Robert at school. Arnold adds a postscript thanking Mrs Trevelyan for her 'kind concern at our scarlatina trouble'; they have certainly had an 'anxious time', but all the invalids have returned and are doing well.
The enclosed printed letter headed 'EXEATS' is dated July 1881; it states that on the request of parents children may be permitted to leave school once per term, from 11.30 am on Saturday till 1.30 pm the following Monday, or from 11.20 on Wednesday till 1.30 the following day. Mr Arnold is keen that exits be kept to a minimum, as 'they have often a very unsettling effect on the boy', and may also introduce 'infectious illness' into the school.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Sorry the 'pretty girl' [Hylkia Halbertsma, see 46/100] cannot stay with Elizabeth; wonders if she will have more success elsewhere; wonders whether, when Robert is settled with Madame Palumbo, Elizabeth could visit the Grandmonts at Taormina. Wishes she could have heard the concert [organised by Dolmetsch, see 46/100]; asks whether it was an artistic and financial success. Asks how she got on with the Arnolds; he [Ernest Penrose Arnold] 'had his faults' but both Robert and George owe much to him and his school [Wixenford]. The Arthur Severns have been visiting; she was Ruskin's niece [actually second cousin], and they live at Brantwood. Sir Courtenay Ilbert has also been; his daughters [Olive and Jessie] stayed with C[harles] and M[ary], as did F[rancis Dyke-] Acland and H[ilton] Young. George and Janet return to London on Monday; they want Robert and Elizabeth to dine with them and Caroline on 19 October, with a 'little party afterwards'; they could go to the theatre the night before. Amused by the idea of Elizabeth teaching a class; they are lucky to get her. Hopes [Helen] Fry is recovering; 'wretched for her' to be away from home as well.
Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - Thanks his father for his letter [12/77] and for sending the second five hundred pounds: his and Caroline's 'kindness will have been of great importance', as without it he and Elizabeth would 'not at all have been able to build the house as [they] wanted'. The weather remains good, which is favourable 'as the roof ought to be begun in a week or two'.
They are going to spend tonight with Mr [Ernest Penrose] Arnold, who has lately retired to Godalming; has not seen him 'for years' except very briefly this year, and will be glad to see him and his wife again. Bessie is 'playing the viol d'amore in two pieces at a Dolmetsch concert here next Wednesday'. She is not going abroad at the end of the week: she did not think it worthwhile, since 'the Grandmonts are leaving Holland on the first of October'. They are disappointed that Bessie's friend Miss Halbertsma cannot come abroad with them this winter; maybe it will be possible another time, as she would have liked to if she had been able.
Has just received his mother's letter; sends thanks. Is glad 'little Cacciola [presumably a relative of Salvatore Cacciola, husband of Florence Trevelyan; perhaps Cesare Acrosso?] enjoyed his visit at Wallington'; they 'like him better than his uncle, though no doubt he is not such a character'. The eruption of Vesuvius seems 'very bad': if the cone falls in, as is feared, there 'may be some great catastrophe, as it will block up the crater, and have to be blown out again somehow or other, and nobody knows what might happen then'.
Hears his parents had a 'large dinner party' recently; is 'sorry to have missed [Herbert] Craig', whom he used to know 'quite well'; hopes he will win his seat, which he thinks is Sir George's old one, as he 'ought to be a very good Member of Parliament'. Supposes George's book [England under the Stuarts] will be out soon; looks forward to reading the 'last half'. Sends love to his mother, and will write to her soon.