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11 St Leonard's Terrace, Chelsea, S.W. - Thanks Trevy for sending him "[The Foolishness of] Solomon", which he is 'very glad' to have in print and re-read 'with pleasure'. Thinks it is 'real literature, which is a rare & precious thing just now'. Tells him to look him up if he comes to London: thinks he will need to stay here almost all summer. Has just read 'a wonderful book by a new writer - "Du Coté de chez Swann" by Proust', which is 'extraordinarily subtle & fine & profound': Trevy should read it.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Comments below the date that it is the 55th anniversary of his and Caroline's wedding. "[The Fall of] Prince Florestan [of Monaco]" was undoubtedly written by [Sir Charles Wentworth] Dilke; it is a 'delicious little piece'; has a presentation copy signed from their 'friend, Florestan'. Very interested by what Robert says about his [translation of] "Theocritus", and about [Sophocles's] "Antigone"; this was always a 'known play' and he saw a translation on stage in London as a little boy, though he remembers nothing about it 'except the beautiful white dresses. Has been re-reading Velleius Paterculus, which would 'almost bear publishing' with his notes and 'still more with Macaulay's". Sorry about Julian; hopes it will 'turn out as favourably' as Robert expects; Mary Caroline's attack of mumps is more serious, and involves 'isolation of the family, and upsetting of plans'; Sir George fears it will spoil 'dear Humphry's prize-getting' which everyone had been looking forward to. Asks Robert in a footnote whether he has read Proust's "Recherché...", and tells him to see last week's ["Times] Literary Supplement".

W[est] H[ackhurst]. - They are 'most concerned' to hear about Bessie's 'crisis' [seemingly regarding household servants], and keen for further news; his mother 'asserts that an old father is sure to be dirty', but Forster agrees with Bessie in 'considering him as an asset as a [?] pin'. Hopes that she will anyway 'send the Packs packing, and that they will encounter the discomforts which, by their vulgarity and their unkindness, they have done their damnedest to deserve'. If they had first given notice, so that they and Bessie could 'look about' at the same time, 'one would understand and sympathise, but this discreet preparation is unpardonable'.

Has not read his Where Angels [Fear to Tread] 'for a long time'. Is now reading Illusions Perdues, and 'liking it much better than other works by that master [Balzac]. It sometimes equals Proust in social atmospherics, and of course is his superior in dramatic bustle; also most amusing here and there'.

Florence [Barger] is staying with them for a few days and joins them 'in love and sympathy'; they trust Bessie will 'pull through the crisis'.

Their letters crossed; returns Sykes Davies' letter which 'is gay and charming, and doesn't suggest that much is wrong with him'.