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"In the train". - They have left Rome, and hope to reach Bologna this evening; will remain there until Saturday. Sir George is well, though not completely recovered; he is anxious to get back to work. They have made a number of excursions and got to like the countryside around Rome. [Onorato] Carlandi has done many drawings of the Tiber from source to sea, which they found very interesting. Glad that Robert can work, and that Elizabeth has 'such a pleasant friend'; read a 'pretty story' by Mrs [Lina] Waterfield in the "Westminster [Review]". In Southern Italy 'the people are absolutely Pagan', a curious combination with the 'files of young priests & the infinite number of churches'. Rome is 'becoming much more of a capital', and much cleaner and more prosperous, but Tuscany is still much more civilised outside the cities. Charlie has been very 'good & generous about being left out', and they hope it will only be temporary, but it is still hard; lucky he is so happily married and Mary is so cheerful. They will be taking their new house before long. Dined with the Whites on Christmas day; they are 'the most hospitable of people, & great fun'. The Whites are 'much more amusing' than the British ambassador [Sir Edwin Egerton], who is 'very kind but dull'; his wife [Olga] is Russian, 'pleasant & talkative, but rather hard to understand'.

Continues the letter at Bologna; the weather is wet, but there is much to see; they will stay here tomorrow then travel to Lugano on Saturday; Sir George has ingeniously arranged different stopping points for the return journey. Hopes all is well at the Shiffolds; it must be a comfort to Elizabeth to have Mrs E[nticknap] is there. Expects to find 'election excitement in full swing' when they return. Notes in a postscript that Sir George's uncle William Trevelyan, 'Cousin Willie's' father, has died at the age of 93; he was a 'nice old thing' and married Sir George and Caroline, 'ages ago!'.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Sends a letter [12/52] and book from 'dear old Uncle William [Trevelyan], who is over ninety years old. The expedition to the Steepholme [sic: Steepholm] island he refers to was made by Sir George's father [Sir Charles Trevelyan] in 1825. Robert should write a few lines of thanks at once; gives Uncle William's address in Stony Stratford. Sends love to Elizabeth, and hopes the 'little Queen [of the Netherlands' is out of danger.

Thanks Sir George for his letter; in his 'very very old age' it is good to be 'so kindly thought of'. Sends "[Percy's Reliques of?] Ancient English Poetry" for Robert; hopes Sir George has the other volume containing "The Ballad of Chevy Chase"; this book was damaged in a boating expedition made by his brother Sir Charles, who was fond of it, many years ago. His wife [Maria] is well but not much younger than him, so they are glad to have 'a satisfactory lady' who reads to them. Sends best wishes to Sir George and his family. Includes in a postscript the news that his only grandson [Charles], John's son, has gained a scholarship at Wellington College and is doing well there.