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The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Thanks her for her letter, and for Aunt Annie's, which he returns; he and Bessie are glad Aunt Annie is 'enjoying herself so much' [in Italy]. Nurse Godwin left this morning, which they much regret, but the new nurse seems good and he expects will do well. Bessie is very well: she gets tired sometimes but that is to be expected. Paul is well, and has 'gained 9 oz every week so far'. The Frys are coming from Holmwood tomorrow morning and will see the baby: he and Bessie 'hope they will approve of him, aesthetically'. Thinks he thanked Caroline for the pheasants, which were very good.

Mrs Vaughan Williams came to see Bessie this afternoon as 'all fear of [influenza] infection is considered over'. Noel has not been yet, as 'the Judge has had the influenza very badly'; thinks he is recovering now. Is glad his father is well; will write to him soon. The weather today is 'very unpleasant', with fog, so neither Bessie nor Paul have been out; was much sunnier yesterday. Bessie was 'a little distressed' about the nurse leaving, but he thinks she has 'got over it now', as the new one is 'quite efficient and thoughtful'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Is 'distressed' that Elizabeth is 'laid up'; hopes she is feeling better; she must be careful about travelling but hopes she can get to the sea when the weather is better. Sir George had a chill last night but is better this morning. Finds Mary a good companion, and she can amuse herself; she has started a letter to Elizabeth and has a 'high opinion' of her nurse, who she says 'keeps Julian in very good order'. They have been reading "The Roman Journals of [Ferdinand] Gregorovius' which is 'interesting and amusing', and have just sent it back to the London Library; it would be good to read in bed. Asks if there is any chance of getting Nurse Godwin at once; sure Elizabeth needs someone to look after her and 'however good dear Bob is, he is not a nurse!'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Relieved to have good news of Elizabeth; asks if she 'fret[s]' much about the 'disappointment [her miscarriage]'; she and Robert 'have been sorely tried'. They were fortunate to be able to get Nurse Godwin; when she has to leave they must get Mrs Fry or someone else efficient; expects Elizabeth will take a long time to recover. She and Sir George have managed to escape colds. C[harles] and M[ary] are going to London tomorrow. Very sad that Julian is 'still alone in his nursery', but at least he is well and strong. Hopes Madame Grammont [Bramine Grandmont Hubrecht] will visit. Is sending a letter for Elizabeth to be given to her when Robert thinks best [10/139].

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Full of sympathy for Elizabeth and Robert in their 'disappointment [her miscarriage]'; knows Elizabeth is 'so brave' and will not let it affect her recovery. Fortunate that Nurse Godwin could come; wishes she were there but Elizabeth is better being 'quite quiet'.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Is sorry Elizabeth is so worried about the change of nurse; hopes the 'lady nurse' will suit, and thinks Elizabeth is wise having her to see her; she must try not to mind about 'Nannie' as it is not for long and J[ulian] will not come to harm in a few weeks; asks whether she could get Nurse Godwin back for a while. Julian would learn 'so much without real lessons, from anyone knowing modern methods'. Asks Elizabeth to let her know if she will be stopping in London on 5 November; they could spend all of Thursday together apart from the time of Caroline's appointment with Carter and a dressmaker. Sir George comes then, and they start on Sunday [for Italy]; would come to see Julian then but Sir George wants to start then. Does not like Elizabeth being alone this autumn; encourages her to get someone to stay with her, and not to 'fret' as Julian is 'very satisfactory' and it is good he does not mind losing his nurse. Asks if she should let Booa [Mary Prestwich] know about the nurse. Sends some old photographs of Bob which Annie [Philips] has sent her; asks if he is the 'practical element in the party of the 3 poets [Bob, Lascelles Abercrombie and Wilfrid Gibson]. Is 'trying to understand the Land policy': reading the Report and the speeches.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon - Annie [Philips] is staying with them and is well; she takes a 'good walk' with Sir George in the afternoon. Has news of Bob in London; hopes he will not catch Mary's cold; was glad to hear from Mary that she was deferring her daughters' returns as they would catch colds if they came to London in this weather. There is influenza in Stratford, and the town is full: over a thousand soldiers, plus refugees and wounded. They went to see the hospital, which is 'a curious sight'; 'really wonderful how everyone is working'. Sir George is fairly well, and 'enjoys talking to the officers'; they miss the children. Sure the Abercrombies will be sorry to leave the Shiffolds when the time comes; asks if David could stay a while longer, or if he would be 'an anxiety'. Hopes Miss Evans has come back better; asks if Nurse Godwin has gone. Sends love to Robert. Sir George has recently read her "The Old Curiosity Shop"; it is a 'child's book, but the characters are vivid, and dreadfully exaggerated'. They have just started "Middlemarch", which is very good to read aloud. Has little time for reading as she is doing the accounts and 'making all sorts of resolutions of economy'. Booa [Mary Prestwich] sends her love.

The Shiffolds. - Since writing this morning, the child has been 'going on quite well': the doctor seemed satisfied with him and Bessie when he called. Bessie is not able to feed him yet, and may never be able to; he hopes she will, but it is not too important. Bessie is doing well, 'though rather tired in the head'; is sure that will improve since there is 'practically no anxiety now'.

Wonders what his mother will think of their idea of naming the baby Julian Otto; this is not decided, and they would like her opinion. Robert suggested William, a family name; Molly likes Antony. Robert 'would not object' to John [also a family name], but prefers William and Julian; besides, he does not like either Jack or Johnny. Julian 'would suggest Julius Röntgen' [Bessie's brother-in-law]; the only other Julian he knows is Roger Fry's son who is much older 'so there would be no confusion'. Bessie would prefer it to the other suggestions, though does not object to any of them.

Is unsure now about sending a notice of the birth to the newspapers; it is not that he is really anxious any more, but everyone who should know will do so by now, and it would 'only mean more answering of letters', which he will have had enough of. Supposes they could send a notice later. Molly went this morning, but will return for lunch, probably with Charles. She could stay on after Monday, but this will probably not be necessary: they can 'always have Mrs Grandmont [Bessie's cousin] now'. His mother must do just what suits her about coming to see them: she knows they will 'always be glad to see [her]', but he is now sure that the 'child will... wait till it suits you to come'.

Hopes their 'first bad news' did not upset his parents too much: Dr Hutchison's opinion justified their anxiety, while allowing them to feel less anxious later; thinks the child's illness is now clearly 'ordinary jaundice'. Nurse Godwin has had more sleep and is now more cheerful; she 'became rather too nervous at one time, though she has done splendidly all through'.

Stocks Cottage, Tring. - Thanks Bessie for her letter; was afraid it 'might be so with Nurse Godwin' and is not surprised 'she doesn't want to take on other people's babies at 4 months old'. Is very grateful for Bessie's 'noble offer' to come and stay with Janet herself for part of the time, and would be 'delighted' to have her for as long as she can manage; can easily put up Bob too if he wants. Asks which part of the fortnight from 26 June - 10 July Bessie can come for; will know 'at any rate during those days my baby's bottles will be properly washed!'.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St Mary, Dorking. - Things have happened sooner than expected: fortunately Bessie is 'doing well, but there is a sad side to it, as the child when it was born was no longer alive'; expects Bessie will take longer than usual to recover, though Dr Cornish does 'not anticipate any further serious trouble, as the birth has relieved the pressure that caused the harm'. Seems a good thing this happened when it did, as if the pregnancy had continued it 'might soon have become dangerous'. Has not yet been up to see her and the doctor is still here, but expects he will have done so before the post goes. Dr Cornish brought nurse Godwin this morning, as she 'happened to be in Dorking'; she will stay a fortnight, then they will get nurse Shepherd. Supposes there is no need to keep nurse Fry, who 'did very well, though she was not a maternity nurse'; the doctor says that even if she had been, it would have made no difference. Hopes his parents 'will not allow this news to upset [them]. It is bad, but it might easily have been worse, and at least it is over'.

Has now seen the doctor again, who thinks everything is 'going on very well' and will come again tomorrow morning; meanwhile they have two nurses (has wired to stop nurse Shepherd coming this afternoon), so she need not be anxious about Bessie. Will tell his mother at once if anything is wrong. Dr Cornish did not give any indication that 'the state of things was so serious, in fact he does not seem to have expected what happened, though no doubt he knew it was possible', or Robert would have let his parents know. She seemed 'rather less well' over the last couple of days, but there was 'nothing to cause any apprehension'. But the 'beginning of the trouble (about 3 ocl. last night) turns out to have been an absolute necessity to prevent worse'. Everything was over by 10.30 this morning. Does not think she 'suffered much more pain than usual'. Hopes his mother will not mind him not telegraphing: there would not have been any point, since his parents were not expecting any news. She 'must not think of coming here'; does not think there would be any point in anyone coming at the moment.

Has not yet written to anyone, but will do to Charles and George. Bessie has not seen his father's 'kind letter to her with the enclosure [11/160]', meanwhile, Robert thanks him 'in her stead'. A letter from Molly says that Charles is 'a little better', as is her arm; hopes they will get away to London. Julian is well, and 'does not seem to mind the cold weather'. Will write together after the doctor has been, and will also send a line by the morning post to say how things are. His mother must not bother about 'those addresses [for a circulation list: see 46/184]': the book does not come out till Easter. She must not think of coming here for a fortnight or so; Mrs Grandmont is probably coming, and until then Bessie 'will have to be quite quiet'. Has not time to write more, as he must write to George and Charles. Would be 'very kind' if his mother would let Aunt Annie, and anyone else she thinks should be told, know.

Adds a postscript saying that he does not mean to suggest Dr Cornish 'should have taken a more serious view of the symptoms': he treated Bessie 'very carefully', but probably did not think it right to alarm Robert 'by talking of possibilities that might be groundless'; believes the doctor and nurses did 'everything that could be done'.

The Shiffolds. - A short note to say that Bessie is doing 'quite well': Nurse Godwin says she was 'rather restless' last night, but that is to be expected, especially as she 'slept a good deal yesterday'. She is not at all feverish, and Nurse Godwin seems satisfied. Will write again this afternoon when the doctor has been. Has written to Charles and George, but no-one else. The weather seems to be changing, as it is misty and the snow is all gone.

Adds a postscript to say he has sent his father's cheque to Drummonds to be paid into Bessie's account.

The Shiffolds. - The doctor has been and 'seems quite satisfied'; of course Bessie's recovery will be 'slower than usual' [after her premature birth of a dead child] but there is 'no need for anxiety any more'. She 'seems quite cheerful this morning''; thinks she is very glad nurse Godwin is there. Still, they will keep nurse Fry for now, and perhaps she will stay when nurse Godwin has to go, or they may get nurse Shepherd. The weather is much warmer, which is good.

Is very glad Charles and Mary are better and can return to London. Has many letters to write, so perhaps will stop now, but will 'send a line tomorrow morning'.

The Shiffolds. -- Bessie seems to be doing well still; the doctor is not visiting today, so he may not write this afternoon. Aunt Annie is coming to lunch, and perhaps George. Is 'very sorry to hear about [Gussie] Enticknap': has written to Keith [the head gardener at Wallington] asking him to 'write at once, if he has not done so already, to tell the Enticknaps the reason for giving [their son Gussie] notice', and also to write to Robert himself. Of course his parents should hear directly from Keith, and Robert can say nothing to them until then, especially as he does not know what Gussie has done. [Alfred] Enticknap will doubtless try to find his son work somewhere else as soon as he can, though he will have to stay here until then. Hopes very much he will 'turn over a new leaf'. Nurse Godwin and Robert thought it 'best to tell Bessie, since she is getting on so well' and would soon have to hear about it anyway; she 'says she will not worry about it.

The Shiffolds. -- The doctor was 'so satisfied today' with Bessie's progress that he will not call tomorrow, but come again on Friday; he says 'in some ways he has never seen so quick a recovery, at least after so serious a confinement'. Aunt Annie is coming in a motor to lunch tomorrow, which Robert is very glad of, and George may come as well.

It was the 'luckiest thing that nurse Godwin could come [after Bessie went unexpectedly into labour, the child being born dead] still nurse Fry did wonderfully well when she was alone', under trying circumstances. They will probably keep her until nurse Shepherd can come (they will probably hear about this today). Is glad the weather is warmer, though it is 'horrid today'. Hopes his parents will not catch colds.

Asks if she has the Rev. Stopford Brooke's address, or whether he is 'too old now to be worth sending a circular [for Robert's latest book] to'; also that of the Rev. W. Trevelyan [William Bouverie Trevelyan?] 'You see I am angling for the clerical public'.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is 'going on very well'; Dr C[ornish] came today and 'seemed quite satisfied'. Molly should be here in about an hour. Nurse Godwin is leaving tomorrow, and Nurse Shepherd arriving.

Asks her to thank his father for his letter [12/189] and the enclosure, the 'old Harrovian's letter'. Bessie has met him: he called here a 'year or two ago' when Robert was out, and had his book with him. Bessie says he was 'a rather mild seedy-looking sort of man, probably a little mad, though excitable'; his letters seem to Robert 'quite mad'. Bessie wishes she had looked at the book more carefully, but it 'seemed to be poor stuff'. Robert thinks the 'poor wretch was probably tramping the country', visiting the Old Harrovians whose addresses he could find 'to try and make them buy a copy'; he sent a letter to them afterwards which was similar to the one to Robert's father, and 'seemed quite mad'. Will write soon to his father and return the enclosure. The old Harrovian was 'much older' than Robert, and 'certainly not at the Grove in Bowen's time'.

The Enticknaps have generally taken things [the dismissal of their son Gussie from the gardens at Wallington] 'more sensibly' than Robert expected. They are angry with Keith, which 'cannot be helped, as they cannot be told the real reasons [for Gussie's dismissal] so naturally they thought he should have written earlier to warn them'. They are though 'anxious to do the right thing with Gussie now; Robert and Bessie think they are right in 'wanting to apprentice him as a carpenter, or possibly a smith, and having him to live with them'. The Enticknaps see that this would mean leaving the Shiffolds and are ready to do this; Robert thinks they are 'right on the whole', and they have been 'perfectly nice' about it. It will of course be difficult to replace them, but with luck Robert and Bessie may be able to find a childless married couple. Meanwhile, perhaps a cottage could be found for the Enticknaps nearby, so that Enticknap could come for the day. In some ways Robert and Bessie are sorry to lose the Enticknaps, as they had 'great merits' and 'in important things were thoroughly trustworthy', but they also sometimes gave them 'a good deal of trouble', and in the long term their leaving is probably for the best. Since the change cannot take place at once, Gussie will need to be here for a while, but Robert thinks he will 'be on his best behaviour'. Bessie has talked everything over with Mrs Enticknap and is not at all worried. They have had a 'reference about a married couple', but expect they will have found a place by now'.

The Shiffolds. - Bessie is doing quite well; Nurse Shepherd is here now instead of Nurse Godwin, and Nurse Fry leaves today. Bramine Grandmont has just come; George and Janet are visiting for the day tomorrow. Has already told her that the Enticknaps will probably leave soon, and so they are looking for replacements; they have heard of a promising-sounding couple but fear they will already have a place, still, they are enquiring about them.

He and Bessie had hoped 'the Vaughan William[s]es of Leith Hill Place' would have let the Enticknaps have one of their cottages, so that Enticknap could stay on as their gardener; they could then have employed a cook, and Gussie could have 'got carpentering work in Forest Green, and been under his parents' eye'. However, since the Vaughan Williamses do not want to let the cottage permanently, this seems impossible; there are 'no other cottages near enough'. It is a 'comfort' that the Enticknaps are 'friendly and considerate', though no doubt have a grievance against Keith [head gardener at Wallington]; this cannot be helped, as 'they can't be told the whole truth [about why Gussie was dismissed]. Fears it will be 'very difficult' to find a married couple who fulfil all conditions, but they may be lucky. The Enticknaps would not insist on leaving immediately, so they can 'make a shift for the next month or two'. Robert and Bessie think Mrs Enticknap is 'perfectly right in wanting to leave', since the work is 'very trying for her, and her health is not very good'; she would do well with a 'quieter life', and would 'look after May and Gussie better'. They are 'most sorry to lose' Enticknap: he 'has his faults, but is 'in many ways quite invaluable'.

Julian is very well. Hopes his parents will 'keep well in London'.

Trevelyan has filled in the sections printed on the front: 'Written by' with 'R.C.T'; 'Commenced' with 27 August 1923 [looks like 8]; 'School' with 'Ἡ ΓΗ' ['The Earth' in Ancient Greek]. Notes in his first entry that he has been reading Ponsonby's book ["English Diaries" by Arthur Ponsonby] which has inspired him to start this diary.

Mentions of Mabel [Godwin?], Marian [?], Alice, Bert and Bobbie Elms; Bessie and Julian; his parents; Miles Malleson and his wife [Joan] and uncle [Philip Malleson]; O[liver] Simon at the "Fleuron" (who asks him to translate the "Acts of the Apostles", to be illustrated by Paul Nash); Miss Ewing [later wife of Walter Rea], Nicky Mariano; Bernard and Mary Berenson; Frances and Arthur Dakyns (visiting the Ponsonbys at Fernhurst); his brother George (who has written to the "Times" saying the matter between Greece and Italy should be referred to the Powers not the League of Nations); Margaret and Ralph Vaughan Williams and their mother; Mrs [Jane] Russell Rea; Irene [Cooper Willis or Noel-Baker]; 'Miss [blank left], with whom Rennier had an affair. She is now private secretary to [Henry?] Hamilton Fyfe'; Francis Birrell; Clifford and Joan Allen; 'an Italian-French lady' whom Trevelyan had met at I Tatti; Barbara Strachey; [Simon] Bussy [paintings by]; John Rodker 'and his child [Joan] by Sonia [Cohen]'; a 'nice rather muddle-headed young man.. Labour candidate for Petersfield' [Dudley Aman]; Bertrand Russell.

Works on: translations of Theocritus; his 'Flood poem' ["The Deluge"]; possible continuation of "Pterodamozels"; review of books on metre by Lascelles Abercrombie and E[gerton Smith] (Smith is the first person he has 'attacked' in a review; wonders if Desmond MacCarthy will think his comments 'too strong); review of Sturge Morre's "Judas" for Leonard Woolf at the "Nation"; his 'Pandora play'.

Reads (as well as Ponsonby, and sometimes with Julian): the "Manchester Guardian", Spenser's "Mother Hubbard ['s Tale]", Epicharmus, "Henry IV pt 1", Phaedrus, Macaulay, Aristophanes, the 'Summer number' of Julian's "Hurtenham Magazine", Lucian, the "Mikado"; Ssuma Ch'ien [Sima Qian]; Hastings' "Dictionary of the Bible" [at the London Library]; a "Classical Review" with Duff and Bailey on Lucretius; Molly MacCarthy's autobiography ["A Nineteenth-Century Childhood", 'Very charming']

Describes finding, while out composing poetry in his 'quarry', a 'cavern... hollowed out into the side of the glen' [perhaps by Julian?] with a 'sharp spear projecting through a small window' and some 'fragments of paper' on the floor. Says he know Julian is not one of these 'unwashed, ungartered savages', and neither is Robert Henry Elms, who currently has the room which used to be Julian's. He went out for his first walk today, 'in nurse Mabel Godwin's arms', and is 'quite a pretty child'. A shame that Julian has to 'pronounce Latin in the English way' [at school]. Originally enclosing a photograph from the "Manchester Guardian" showing a 'young relative' of Julian's who seems to be 'of a somewhat gluttonous disposition during the banana season'; also a photograph of a print by Utamaro 'who did the print in Mummy's bedroom here'. Went to see "Henry IV Part 1", which he and Julian read together, last week at the Old Vic; the Falstaff was quite good, but Prince Hal 'not up to much'. He and Elizabeth play "three hands of prawn-eye" (a card game) in the evenings now.

The Shiffolds, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking. - He and Bessie went up to London on Monday 'to see Julian off [to school]. He quite enjoyed his extra days at home', but Robert thinks this was needed, as 'he had been quite seedy'; thinks he was 'fairly all right again' when he went back. Robert's lumbago 'still linger, owing to this villainous damp weather', but there is not much left now, and Bessie is well. Had a 'glimpse of Charles in town'. Sad that Booa [Mary Prestwich] has been ill again; will write to her soon.

Nurse Godwin is here, and they are waiting for the arrival of Alice [Elms]' baby; 'She herself seems very well'. Robert found [Gordon] Bottomley 'in fairly good health, considering the horrid weather'. Robert 'arranged for the printing of... Aeschylus [his translation of the Oresteia] at Liverpool; hopes it will be out before Christmas.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Elizabeth's news [that she is pregnant] 'very important'; hopes that all will go well; she should see the doctor about taking precautions against the trouble she had last time; perhaps she should see Dr Phillips again. She should have a good nurse in the house well in advance, not Nurse Godwin who is 'not first rate'; hopes Nurse Shepherd is. Tells Elizabeth to let her know what Dr Cornish thinks. If the operation has to be this autumn, thinks it would be good for Elizabeth to be at Welcombe; does not like the idea of her 'having the anxiety of it now'. She and Booa [Mary Prestwich] will make plans for her stay. Janet went on Monday; will tell Molly, but she sees her rarely and always in a crowd.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - She and Sir George quite taken up with the elections; glad Charlie's is over [at Elland] and that though his majority was reduced it is still very good; expects 'a body of Socialists' voted against him though they could not run their own candidate. Wishes Charles would rest now, but thinks he will help other candidates. The poll at Stratford is as good as could be expected. Is recovering gradually; goes for a short walk every day; will be well enough to visit Elizabeth on 1 February. Glad Elizabeth thoroughly like[s] Nurse Catt; asks if Nurse Godwin comes on the 28th. Very interested in the results of the election for Elizabeth and Robert's constituency [Reigate]; fears it will be a 'hard fight'. Hopes Madame Grandmont is better. Asks whether she should come via Reading or through London.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Afraid there is 'no chance for Mr Brodie' [in the Reigate election]; Robert did 'nobly' [canvassing for him]. Thinks this election will 'open people's eyes to the necessity of a Reform bill, & an amendment to the corrupt practices bill', which have been 'so foolishly put off'. There will be a Liberal majority. Is not recovering as quickly as she would like, but is still 'better every day' and thinks a change of air will do her good and that she will be able to come and visit. Glad that Elizabeth is well, and that Nurse Godwin will soon be with her. Will get her a book from the library.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Fears Elizabeth will have been 'terribly vexed' by the result of the election in their seat [Reigate]; is convincing many people that there must be a Reform Bill and a limit to the [House of] Lords' veto; Sir George has always urged this, with little effect. Is definitely recovering now and sure she will be able to visit on Tuesday; thinks the London route will be best. Very glad Nurse Godwin is coming today; Elizabeth should not have much longer to wait [before the birth of her baby]. Hopes Robert did not catch a cold with his 'nocturnal rambles'. There was skating on the pond behind the house yesterday, but a complete thaw today. Mary has been 'laid up at Rounton', but hopes to get home today.

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.

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'.

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.