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The Shiffolds, Holmbury, St. Mary, Dorking. - Hopes his parents have a good journey to Welcombe. The 'summer seems scarcely over here, and the oaks have most of their leaves still'. Bessie went to London yesterday, and Robert will join her this afternoon for a few days while their 'cesspool is cleaned out, which is a considerable operation'. Is going to tea with Lady Russell [Elizabeth von Arnim], who 'has just written a very clever but disagreeable book, Vera, based upon her recent marriage experience'; this union was 'bound to be a failure, for Earl Russell, though a clever man, is an impossible egotist'. Hopes her next book will have a 'more pleasant subject, for she has a great talent for novel-writing'.

Has been reading Beaumont and Fletcher's The Maid's Tragedy, as there will be a performance this month with Sybil Thorndike, whom he believes to be 'our finest English actress', as Evadne; had forgotten what a 'wonderful play' it was. A 'pity that Fletcher did not die young, rather than Fletcher' as Beaumont seems to have been 'far the greatest of the two'. Sends love to his mother, and thanks for her letter.

Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Bessie's letter with the six poems came this morning; will see John [Dower] again tomorrow and show him some, though John 'chiefly wishes to show [Bob] some new ones of his own'. John 'talked a good deal' yesterday, but was 'rather breathless'; seems he 'still tries to believe that he can get well'. Is in the room with George L[owthian Trevelyan]'s furniture in which used to be his father's room; the bed is 'very comfortable', though there is 'no washing apparatus'. Besides Kitty and her family there are several children, but he 'can't make out who they all are'; they spend all day outside, and are 'quite quiet as a rule'. There is also 'a Mrs [Esther?] Bicknell' and a friend of Kitty's whose name he has forgotten; and a daughter of Sybil Thorndike [Ann or Mary Casson] who sings 'chiefly folk-songs - not very interesting, but quite nice'. Len and Geoffrey [Winthrop Young] are coming just as he leaves, but Bessie will see them. Charles and George have gone out shooting; saw George at breakfast, and expects he will visit him [at Hallington] before he leaves on Tuesday. Expects Bessie will soon hear from Miss Dyson; asks whether 'that really is a certainty now'. Asks to be remembered to Miss Cook. Forgot to give Bessie a 'note Ursula Wood made about nurse-housekeepers', which he thinks might be worthwhile Gordon B[ottomley] trying; sends it now to send on if he thinks it worthwhile. Sends love to Bessie; is sorry he will not be at Wallington with her, but at least will see her on 27 August.