Was at the Deuchars' [Tommy and Dulcie] house yesterday, and met an Australian painter called [Colin] Colahan who lived for some years in Paris and the last three in England; does not know what his painting is like; he seems to be a friend of [George] Bernard Shaw, and has painted him. Will have to register next September, but would like to get into Julian's 'line of business' [camouflage work], which Bob thinks he would be better suited for than the regular army or munitions. He seems to have applied for this some months ago, but has heard nothing since. Julian might advise him who to approach; whether he is a good painter or not, he is 'very intelligent, and has plenty of energy', and seems 'quite a good sort' from an hour's acquaintance. Gives his address at Ockley. Bessie is quite well; [Karl] Bluth has been very ill, though better the last time Bessie rang [his wife] Theo; it is his 'old duodenal trouble'. Has written a few poems, one 'an interpretation in blank verse of an ass's bray'. Hopes Julian and Ursula are well, and that Ursula is 'enlarging her Urceolarian knowledge with her potter friend [Michael Cardew]': urceolus is Latin for 'a little pitcher or water pot'.
Beam Cottage, Bampton. - Very kind of Trevelyan to remember them at Christmas and send his poems ["From the Shiffolds"], which she much enjoyed reading. They are still 'hunting about' for a house here, but houses are 'terribly hard to come by anywhere near Oxford'. Hope to see him next time they stay with Dulcy [Deuchar?].
Will be all right about the [Italian] lire: has heard from [Umberto] Morra, who says that he will have necessary money for the Deuchars; this letter crossed with one from Bob explaining that the Deuchars are not coming to Italy but that Julian is. Has asked Morra where he will be around 22-24 February; expects he will be at Rome. Bessie is not very well; it is not serious but will keep her from Roland [Vaughan Williams]'s funeral at Wooton tomorrow, but Bob must go.
Regarding Julian's plan to travel to Italy or Sicily, will try to arrange for [Umberto] Morra to supply him with sufficient lire; does not think he himself will be going, at least not until later in the year; Mrs [Dulcie] Deuchar is ill and, if she does go abroad, will take a 'rest-cure in the South of France' instead. Drummond's Bank say that it is possible to take 'quite a large sum of English money' to Italy with a doctor's certificate advising travel abroad; [Dr Karl] Bluth would probably be willing to do this. This would be much simpler than arranging with Morra, but is willing to do this if necessary; Bob would also like to contribute to Julian's expenses. They must lunch together again soon, not at Waterloo: if not at his club, then at a quiet restaurant like the one they went to near the National Gallery.
Has not yet heard from Bessie, but supposes they got seats on one of the trains. Is going to tea at Leith Hill Place [with Ralph and Iris Wedgwood?] then to lunch and to stay the night at Hurtwood House [with Joan Allen?]. Will listen to [Mozart's "Marriage of] Figaro" tonight on the [BBC] third program'. The [A.W?] Lawrences and 'Mrs Anderson (or Edwards)?' came to tea yesterday, which was 'very pleasant'; they look alder, but he enjoyed seeing them. Is well, but cannot work so will read Ben Jonson's "Alchemist'. Feels 'rather lonely' without Bessie. May go to the Deuchars and bathe on Monday if it is still fine. Ted Lloyd has gone to a conference in Switzerland. May visit Olive [Heseltine?] one day. Asks Bessie to let him know when she is coming back, and whether he should send her the "New Statesman" and 'those white trousers which Kitty said she would mend'.
Bessie must be 'very relieved' to have heard from Miss D[yson]. Got her postcard this morning, so will not send the trousers [for Kitty to mend]. Is waiting for Julian, who should arrive by car in time for lunch. Will probably go up to town with him tomorrow and stay at the National Liberal Club, then catch the train to Wool [to stay with Betty Muntz] next day. Continues the letter after Julian arrives; he seems 'quite all right'. Bob is feeling better today, and has 'even gone back to translating some Montaigne', but thinks it is good he is going away tomorrow. The workmen are coming to put in the new tanks today. Is feeling less depressed than the last few days, but is 'rather easily tired', perhaps because of the heat. Glad Kitty is back. Sends his love to everyone. Was meant to see Mrs Deuchar, but Tom Deuchar is ill and has to go to a nursing home in London.