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Mrs Barlett [the matron at Wixenford] wants to know whether Robert should continue taking his medicine. There is a boy 'who is a landleager here called Hugo Montgomerie' [Hugh Montgomery]. He goes 'up the backboard' twice a day. The 'fourth class has been destroyed by measels [sic]'.'Gest' [Guest] is the head of the school, who is going to be a mid[shipman]; Borne is at the bottom. Asks her to ask 'Boar' ['Booa': Mary Prestwich] and Miss Martin for his seeds.

Had to 'go in to the liberary [sic]' on Saturday since it rained. They go butterfly-hunting between four and six on half-holidays. There are '7 hours work [at school]' and he does five; he goes to bed at seven and gets up at half seven in the morning. Everyone says his 'poison bottle [for butterflies] is very strong'; one boy said it 'almost knocked him down'; Archie borrowed it to 'poison a white'. Asks his mother to tell Miss Martin that the 'beautiful brimstone' broke in two when he was putting it in a 'relaxing pot'. Asks if he can have a 'breathing case for caterpillars'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon [crossed through]. - Her journey went well; on arrival, they were relieved about Sir George, who was 'very seriously ill on Sunday'. He did not send for her, and wrote a long letter which Hearn kept for her [12/166] showing that he did not want Caroline to leave Robert and Elizabeth. Thinks it was necessary as Miss Martin is also ill in bed and Booa [Mary Prestwich] felt the responsibility too much. They have a nurse and he is recovering, but the fever has not gone yet. Originally enclosing Uncle Harry's letter; Sir George is 'distressed' that he will not be well enough to be in town on the 14th [the day of Robert's election to the Athenaeum Club]; he is writing to Uncle Harry and others asking them to help. Caroline thinks it will be all right. Was upset to leave Robert and Elizabeth; hopes Nurse Catt came, and that Nurse Godwin is better.

Is not going to school until Thursday. Booa [Mary Prestwich] thought of taking them to the Zoo today, but the wind is too cold so they are not going. Went to the Baker Street Bazaar; Robert bought his mother a paper basket; Booa bought '6 unbreakable tumblers' and a mat for Sir George's room. Is doing lessons every day with Miss Martin. Mrs Stephenson invited him and Georgie to tea, and to play in the Horticultural Gardens afterwards, but they are not going.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - The invalids are recovering well: Miss Martin 'sitting up dressed' and Sir George up in Caroline's room for four hours, though he is not to go downstairs till Sunday. He is 'fairly patient, with occasional spurts of wilfulness'. Very sorry that Elizabeth is having to wait [for the baby to be born]; reassurance that it is only a week tomorrow from the expected date. Spending much of her time talking to the invalids. Glad that Nurse G. [Elizabeth's Nurse Godwin] is better. Sir George has decided he will not go to the seaside and will stay at Welcombe till recovered, when they can go to London. Everyone 'thinks Robert will come in on Monday triumphantly' [in his election to the Athenaeum Club]; Uncle Harry is obviously being 'most active'; thinks Robert will like it. Has read "L'Oiseau Bleu" [Maeterlinck's "The Blue Bird"?] and thinks it 'very pretty', though it might easily be spoiled by being put on stage; sure it is better in French than in English. C[harles] and M[ary] are going to London tomorrow. Sends love to Bob and regards to the 'ladies of Leith Hill'. A postscript written on 'Saturday morning' [21 Feb] notes that the invalids have both had good nights; they can meet this afternoon 'to talk over their woes & compare their symptoms'.

Is well and happy. A 'dedective' has given him a 'large caterpillar'. Georgie has set up a 'brick trap' but has not yet caught a bird; neither has Robert. Hopes Caroline will be 'quieter' when at Portrush. Miss Martin has arrived safely.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad [Nurse] Godwin is better; sure Mrs Catt is helpful to them all. Sir George and Miss Martin still have temperatures, but not much above 100 [degrees Fahrenheit]; Miss Martin is quiet but Sir George is 'most difficult to manage'. Had to find a new nurse yesterday to look after them at night, do washing, bedmaking and so on. Sir George is very upset at not being able to go to London on 14 January 'to look after Robert's election at the Athenaeum'; they have divided up a list of friends to write to, and Caroline has told C[harles] who will 'doubtless be able to send people to vote' if in town. The doctor is anxious that Sir George should not catch any chill, which might turn to pleurisy, but thinks they will avoid this; thinks she told Elizabeth that it was the doctor and Booa [Mary Prestwich] who sent for her as they were worried on Sunday. Was very sorry to leave.

Inverness. - Hopes Bobbie will get this before he leaves Whitby; asks if he will be 'very sorry' to leave. She and his father will be home on Saturday night, so they will see each other soon. Sends something for him to read on his journey to help him 'imagine prehistoric forests as well as the animals who lived in them'. Going to Oban tomorrow: Bobbie's father used to go there for reading parties when he was a young man. He and his friends would 'read and write all morning & go out shooting & boating in the afternoon'. Perhaps Bobbie will do the same one day. Sends 'love & kisses to Georgie'; she hopes to see his photographs soon. Hopes Bobbie has found some jet on the shore. Sends love to Miss Martin [their governess], and asks him to tell Booa [Mary Prestwich, their nurse], that Caroline will receive any letter she wrote about the money tomorrow night.

174 Adelaide Road, N.W. - Was surprised at the news of Robert's engagement, as she had always somehow thought it 'Charles's duty to take the first step in that direction'. Glad that Caroline approves of his choice, and to think of him being settled 'with a good wife to stir him up to make the best of himself and perhaps do some good work'. Caroline must be keen to see Miss van der Hoeven and judge what influence she is likely to have on him; thinks mothers must sometimes 'feel it rather hard to give up their boys to someone else'. Will write to Bob tomorrow, sending the letter to Wallington to be forwarded on. Has spent a recent fortnight in Lincolnshire; some friends she had not seen for a long time were invited to meet her as a surprise for her. Is well except for some neuralgia.

Verona. - Expects Bobbie and Georgie will be 'quite settled at home' when they get this letter, after a 'very nice stay at the Park' [their aunt Anna Maria Philips's house]. Hopes they will both settle to work at their lessons 'very steadily' after having had a 'famous holiday' and a lot of fun this summer. Sends her love to Miss Martin [their governess], with thanks for her letter; asks them to tell her that she thinks Charlie will be a while writing to her, as he has had to answer letters from 'all his relations'. He seemed 'cheerful' in his last letter. In an old town the other day they saw a high tower with a 'large cage' half-way up, in which 'naughty people used to be put'; asks if they should have one on the tower of the church in Ennismore Gardens. They also saw a large cart filled with grapes which six men were treading with their feet to turn into wine; asks whether they agree the process is 'Rather nasty'. They are going to Venice today; it is now much cooler, as there was a thunderstorm in the night. Hopes they found everyone well at home, and that 'Jemmy Cavendish is glad to be in his own nursery again'. Glad Bobbie has been writing to Charlie.

Il Frullino, San Domenico di Fiesole, Florence:- Is 'established here till the end of the month', when he expects to return to England; is 'looking forward to spending some time at Welcombe' and beginning his 'new plans', as he has done all he means to for his book except revisions. It is 'very pleasant' here; the only other people there are Mrs [Mary] Costelloe, Logan [Pearsall Smith], and 'Mr [Bernard] Berenson the critic, who is a delightful person'.

Is 'writing the libretto of an opera on Theseus and Ariadne [the germ of The Bride of Dionysus?] for Mrs C., who is going to get it set to music by a Hungarian friend of hers, a wealthy musician of some considerable reputation'. Thinks the musician is called 'Moore' [ie Emánuel Moór], and he will 'put it on the stage in London at his own expense and make a great success of it'. Mary Costelloe is 'providing the plot', with Robert only writing the words, as 'a grand opportunity for trying [his] hand at all possible lyric meters'; so far they seem pleased with what he has done, but he has 'only just begun'. Thinks they 'might have made a better plot, but that is none of [his] business'; he has however 'persuaded them to alter it in some particulars'.

Left the Frys [Helen and Roger] 'quite happy in Rome'; they will return to England in about April. This is for him 'a great opportunity of seeing Florence, as Berenson is probably the best critic of Italian pictures since Morelli' and has already 'made a great reputation by his books'. The house is between Florence and Fiesole, 'about a quarter of an hour's bicycle ride from the Duomo'.

Is glad his father is 'well again and able to work'; is sorry Miss Martin has been unwell. Will see Charles before he starts [for America] if he does not leave before the 23rd.

Perhaps written by George himself, or one of his brothers. Gives the name of his wet nurse as Mrs Hatcher, and his nurse at home while the other Trevelyans went to Malvern, Mrs Lake. Went with his family to Whitby, Malvern, Buxton, Burrows-lea and Falmouth. First began to talk in 1877. Went to Welcombe every Christmas. Description of his physical appearance. Started lessons with Miss [Henrietta] Martin, whom he called Marmie, at the age of four; called his nurse [Mary Prestwich] Booa. Used to 'invent illness... to finish his lessons sooner, or have easier ones'. Was much interested in the general election of 1880; was indignant when his father called him a Tory, and 'made very funny little speeches on politics'.

The Grove, Harrow. - Had a pleasant week at Wallington; spent the night with Aunt Annie [Philips] on Tuesday, and saw Miss Martin before he came back. Found Sophie [Wicksteed?] 'much more cheerful and talkative' than expected. Gives results of a battle between his and Robert's toy soldiers. Lady Frederick Cavendish will be at Wallington by now. Few people have left school this term, though of those several are from Grove House. Clive has failed his Sandhurst exam and returned: a 'pleasant surprise'. The 'finds' [room sharing] have been arranged 'very satisfactorily': he, Tregoning and Farquhar are in Tregoning's room - the library -in the morning, and he and Farquhar in his own room for tea. Has to read prayers now. Complains [in capital letters] about the changes initiated because of Welldon's 'terrible funk of the influenza' until the weather improved: no 'first school', only one half holiday a week, and they all have to wear sweaters to go 'down to footer in'; hopes they 'all get the influenza and die of it to pay Welldon out'. Pencil annotation at top of letter, perhaps by Robert Trevelyan, says that 'Spider and Spot' are alright; took Spider back to Mrs Webster; Webster is recovering slowly after a relapse.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear about Elizabeth; will be glad when she can get home; good of Miss Martin to come. Caroline thanks Robert for getting her the watercolour. Sorry there are delays about Robert's book ["Polyphemus and other poems"] but it will soon be out. Agrees that George seems full of 'just and wise ideas'. Caroline comments that since Miss MacCracken brought back and started reading "The Dutch Republic" ["The Rise of the Dutch Republic", by John Lothrop Motley?], 'we have been suppressing two Dutch republics'. Amused by Robert's account of [James?] Welldon and of the Master [of Trinity, Henry Montagu Butler]; encloses a note which Robert can burn which bears out his comments on the Master's 'vivacity'. Has sent something towards a subscription for Mrs Farmer [widow of John Farmer?]. Has almost finished reading Lucan and is now getting on quite easily with the Latin.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon [on headed notepaper]:- Has arranged for a copy of the Pageant to be sent to her: thinks it will arrive before his parents leave Rome, though he forgot to have it sent 'till rather late'. Would have written before, but was waiting to receive her letter to answer it. They are 'all at Welcombe now': Miss Martin [his old governess] has just left, and [Maurice?] Amos arrives today. He himself came on Saturday and leaves on Friday. Crompton Ll[ewelyn] Davies and his sister [Margaret] have been; now staying are [G. L.] Dickinson, [G. E.] Moore and 'Gr Wallace [Graham Wallas?]'. They have had two fine warm days, but wintry weather is now returning; there is a 'fire in the drawing room, and Moore and Dickinson play the piano or sing'. The piano is a 'marvel[l]ously beautiful one'. There is currently general conversation about 'Bobbie Philimore's sudden marriage': wonders if his mother knows Philimore's new wife, 'who was Miss Fitz-Patrick, alias Sister Lucy'; it is 'a regular Shelley business, though in this case the parents have been brought round to approve'.

Intends to go abroad immediately after Welcombe, as he has a cold which he 'can't quite get rid of, and which would probably become bad in a frost'. Thought of going to the South of France, though 'Several friends have strongly advised Tangiers' for the greater likelihood of warmth and cheapness, though he does not think it much matters; wants only 'to be warm, and alone so that [he] may write'.

Had a few days at Failand 'keeping Xmas in the bosom of the Fry family': they 'read Hamlet aloud in the evening, each taking the Prince for an act. George [Trevelyan] makes a most excellent garrulous Polonius, while [Robert? - 'I?' supplied in pencil] shine as ghost and the ranting player'. They all concluded that 'Hamlet's character has no mystery', except for doubting 'how far, if at all, he loved Ophelia'.

The company at Welcombe are 'just off to Chalcote [Charlecote], to walk off a New Year's day plum pudding and Turkey'.

1: card with coloured illustration of man fishing and title 'Oh reward my patience'. Inscribed on back 'to Bobbie from Georgie'. After 16 February 1876.
2: valentine, with printed verse, "Think of Me", paper lace and scraps.
3: valentine, with central silk [?] panel printed with message 'Believe me, this fond heart shall ne'er deceive thee', paper lace and scraps. Inscribed on back, 'Bobbie with Annie [Philip ?]'s love'.
4: valentine, with coloured embossed flowers and message 'With love's greetings'. Inscribed on back 'From Georgie' [in hand of George Macaulay Trevelyan]. After c. 1880.
5: school exercise by [Robert?] Trevelyan on the 'Conversion of Northhumbria [sic], with comment 'You take no pains!' and mark in pencil [perhaps by the Trevelyans' governess Henrietta Martin?].
6: rough account [perhaps for a Latin exercise?] of the siege of Tripoli [in the Levant] during the Crusades according to Novairi [Al-Nuwayri]. In pencil, 2 pages.
7: rough notes on botany. In pencil, 4 pages.
8: 'History of hyde ch I 1763 to 1742 BC'. Imaginary account of the history of Hide, 'an island' next to the island of Kensington, its first people and rulers. 2 pages, in pencil. Labelled 'Bobbie' in another hand at the top. [Robert Trevelyan's family lived until 1886 at 40, Ennismore Gardens, south of Hyde Park].
9: Elementary Certificate issued by the Tonic Sol-Fa College, awarded to Robert Trevelyan, 3 Apr 1884. Printed certificate, filled in by hand and signed by Robert Griffiths, Secretary and Leonard C. Venables, Examiner.
10: Intermediate Certificate issued by the Tonic Sol-Fa College, awarded to Robert Trevelyan, 17 Dec 1884. Printed certificate, filled in by hand and signed by Robert Griffiths, Secretary and Leonard C. Venables, Examiner.

On headed notepaper for Herris Dean, Falmouth, crossed through in pencil:- Tells his mother that he dreamed he had a lot of things on his birthday, 'Miss Martin saw two guy Fawkeses', and she also brought her dog and Georgie touched it. They are going to see the Lord Mayor's show with 'Grandpapa' [Trevelyan or Philips?]

On headed notepaper for the Harrow Philathletic Club, with 'The Grove' added in Robert Trevelyan's hand:- Thanks her for her letter; 'quite agree[s]... about Georgie's remove', and does not see why he was passed over since he was 'left top last term'. Does not think it will do Georgie 'much harm, as this is a short term, and he will not lose any places eventually, if he comes out top'.

Is 'very glad about Hartlepool' [a Liberal by-election gain], and hopes 'things will go well in the house'. They have 'had some skating' here, but Robert did 'not care for it very much'; they have 'begun footer now, and there will be three matches'. Robert has got the new flannels, and thinks they are good enough, but 'fear[s] they will be another long bill'. He gave Jane 1.10 to buy 'umbrellas and braces and a few other things, as it will come to the same thing', so he will need money sooner than he thought, but not yet. Mrs Dimgate [?] has arranged his 'room during the holidays very satisfactorily.

Has 'very little news', since not much is going on. Asks whether Sophie is 'better, or out of bed yet?'. Had a 'very pleasant time with Miss Martin', and went to the National Gallery; there are 'two new pictures'.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Is sending the nine nightgowns she promised, since 'Theo has now been promoted to flannel ones' and his happy to pass them on to his cousin Paul [not yet born]. Hopes that Bessie is still 'quite well & jolly'; she herself feels very proud going out with her 'huge double pram full of babies', getting new clothes, and enjoying life again; feels 'so superior' to Molly, Bessie, and Eleanor Acland who are 'lagging so far behind'. Hears that Caroline is going to stay with Bessie for the birth, and that 'the faithful Miss Martin' will go to Wallington; hopes that the baby will not keep Bessie waiting, as Mary did Janet. Sorry that she will not be able to visit until she is 'free of Theodore', about the end of January; encourages Bessie to arrange to come to Welcome at the same time as she and George goes, about 7 January; they have not 'stayed with the parents together' since the time at Wallington after Janet's engagement.

[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]: - Is sorry she 'had so rough a passage'. Got his 'grub all right'. Glad to hear that '[Frank] Holl's picture of Papa is such a success' and would very much like to see it. Charlie 'seems all right now' [after his illness]; Robert 'went a walk with him instead of footer' last Thursday, towards Pinner. [Henry Morton?] Stanley gave a lecture last Wednesday evening; he was 'very interesting' and Robert thinks it was a 'great success'. 'Bozy [Bosworth Smith?] brought in a king and queen from somewhere about Sierra Leone, which caused great amusement'. He 'went into chapel the next morning... in a cap rather like a Bozyite fez'.

Went down [to London] with Charlie to see the Old Harrovians' match against the Old Westminster boys; both played well but Harrow lost [in the first round of the F.A. Cup?]. Lionel Holland came down amongst 'the old boys from Vanity's house'; Robert didn't see him for long. Mr [J. W.?] Cunningham has had Robert and Charlie to tea this evening; they sometimes see the Stevens, whom Miss Martin used to teach, there. He and Charlie are both 'getting on very well'.