Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - [The death of Theodore Llewelyn Davies] is 'indeed the most tragic event', and his family, friends and country will all miss him; he was 'one of the ablest & most useful of men'. Can tell her nothing more than the 'scraps' appearing in the newspapers: that he 'went out on Tuesday & was found drowned in the stream on Friday'. [Ralph?] Wedgwood wrote to Janet saying that the funeral was on Friday; none of his friends could have been there as it was so soon. George feels it 'most terribly'; Caroline is sure Bob will also miss him, and he is a 'great loss to Charles, as he was of the greatest help to him'. Everyone is thinking of [his brother] Crompton. She and Sir George feel it very much: Theodore 'seemed in a way to belong to the family' and he had great hopes of what he would do when the Liberals came to government. Hoping Charles and Mary will come for a couple of nights while their servants settle at Cambo; Charles may see Crompton before he comes and hear more, but 'there is evidently nothing to be found out'. Janet and the baby leave today. Is trying to discover whether the Carr Bosanquets are in the north, and will invite them if possible.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad that the house is 'progressing'; will be good for Elizabeth to get away for a change when she goes to Annie [Philips] on 16 August; Annie leaves Wallington to receive her on that day, and they hope to see her on the 18th; hopes she will stay a fortnight. The Exhibition is on the 19th and the party on the 25th, and they expect to invite a few people. Asks if the Carr Bosanquets are at Rock; will invite them if this would suit. The weather continues to be fine, and their hay is in; rain is needed but when it begins expects they will have a 'bad time'. The view [from the new house] must be 'very fine'. Asks if [Roger] Fry is 'still in the running for the National Gallery [as Director]'; strange the appointment has taken so long. She and Sir George have been 'much excited over the political crisis' and Charles writes good letters on it. Postscript discusses whether Elizabeth will stay in London on the way to Manchester; the work at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent] is done so she could stay there, though Maria [Springett] will be on holiday and Ann in charge so it may be better to wait.