Showing 40 results

Mill House, Westcott, Dorking. - He and Bessie went over to the house yesterday with Mr [F. A.?] Richards, the architect, and Miss [Helen Margaret?] Waterfield, a 'garden specialist', to get ideas about the garden; they will probably have to do some planting and digging next month 'to make a beginning'. Work on the house had 'got on very fast', and the roof will be begun in two or three weeks; they hope this will be 'before the rains come'. Bessie is telling Sir George about the payments, which will be due earlier than Richards had thought. Before they go abroad, they will have to 'make arrangements for selling what stock is necessary for the rest'.

The weather has been 'very fine for some time', but is more unsettled now. Neville Lytton, the painter, is coming over today from Horsham. Wishes his mother could have seen Lytton's exhibition in London this summer; he 'is certainly among the most promising young artists nowadays', and Robert thinks some of his watercolours especially good. Does not care as much for some of his oils, but there is 'always something interesting in them too'; perhaps some of Lytton's admirers 'praise his work too highly', but Robert is sure he will 'do very well in the end'. He is a 'great friend of Fry' who is older and has 'helped him a great deal' with advice. [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson is also coming to lunch today. Fry says he will come on the day of the Dolmetsch concert if he can; Mrs Fry, who 'has had scarlet fever very badly, is getting better, despite a severe attack of rheumatic fever'.

Bessie may well go abroad for about a week on the 29th, after the concert. They have not yet heard from her young friend Hylkia [Halbertsma] whether she can come abroad with them, but they hope she can: she 'would be a very good companion for Bessie, and she is a nice and clever girl'. They are looking forward to seeing Caroline next month in Dorking or London. Sends love to his father, and to G[eorge] and J[anet], whom he hears are at Wallington.

8 Grosvenor Crescent, S. W. [London] :- Thanks his parents for their last letter; they are in town again, as Bessie needs to go to rehearsals for her last concert [with Arnold Dolmetsch] on Wednesday. The concerts have 'gone of very well so far', though Robert was unable to attend the last one since it was on the 'evening of the [Apostles?] dinner'. Henry Jackson made a 'very nice speech', as did 'Judge Lushington, who was the oldest of those present'.

They lunched at North Street last week and thought Charles and Molly looked 'very happy, and their house very nice'. They went to Harrow last Saturday to see the [F. E.?] Marshalls and had a 'very pleasant time there'; they went to the 'Speech room' in the evening 'to hear the final reading for the reading prize' which was 'very amusing', though they 'did not think the standard very high'. 'Young [James?] Butler, who must be about 15 or 16, was promising' though did not yet have 'sufficient command of his voice'; he is said to be 'quite a good scholar, and looks a nice boy'. The winner read Joy for his chosen piece. The Lower School had to read the 'description of William at the Boyne [from Macaulay]; but they did not make much of it'. Also saw Sir Arthur Hort, who is 'mainly responsible for [the] first fifteen boys'; believes he is 'doing very well', and there have certainly been more scholarships awarded to Harrow boys over the last few years. Very sad they have 'thought it necessary to dry up the Grove pond'; supposes it was a 'great nuisance and expense'.

They hope to see Sir George before long, and also that Caroline will come to Dorking around the end of the month.

8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. [London] :- Thanks his parents for their letters. Came up this morning to go to the Dolmetsch concert. Bessie is well except for a 'slight cold', and says the rehearsals are going well 'though some of the players are rather weak, including the new Madame Dolmetsch'. Is sorry his father's rheumatism 'has been so troublesome', and hopes he will be all right at Zermatt. Has just seen her letter to Bessie, which came this morning.

Is going to see George this afternoon to 'go over the corrections of the first two chapters [of George's England under the Stuarts]; this is 'rather severe work', but he and George agree that these chapters need corrections more than the rest. George seems to like Robert's article [or the Independent Review], as do others, though 'they are not all convinced that Moore's poems are as good' as Robert thinks them. However, did not expect to persuade many people. Does not think either that George will persuade him to like Meredith's poetry 'in his coming article, though it will no doubt be very interesting'.

He and Bessie have not yet heard anything about their building estimates; supposes these are 'in the hands of the builders', but that it will 'come all right now' although they may still have to wait a while. Is going to Seatoller to work for a few weeks in early July; Bessie may join him there for a while, when she leaves Mrs Salomonson. Hopes they might see Caroline at Dorking before then. Is glad Aunt Margaret is 'so well again'.

[In Bessie's handwriting] Wants to 'add a line' to say she is glad Caroline and Sir George are enjoying their trip, and that Sir George's rheumatism has gone. It is 'so very comfortable' being able to stay at Grosvenor Crescent, it is 'so quiet' and 'it makes such a difference not having to bustle about noisy hotels'. Maria looks after her 'like a mother!'. They are just going to lunch at the Moores' before another rehearsal and the concert tonight. Sends love from them both; asks if Caroline could visit them on the 26th or 27th, or the 2nd July, but she must do what is most convenient for her.

12 Pembroke Gardens, Kensington, W. - Saw Helen yesterday and today; took her Bob's book ["Mallow and Asphodel"], in which 'I forged yr. initials & her name in yr. handwriting', thinking this would make it 'more valuable to her'. Upset at first to find how ill she was, and 'how hopeless it seemed to arrive at her real self at all', but spent several hours with her; Edith Coombe [Helen's sister] was there throughout. Towards the end Helen woke up, asked questions about her friends and the harpsichord [which she is decorating for Dolmetsch] and seemed much pleased by the book, responding to Fry's prompts about Bob's reading to them at Taormina; also discussed a picture by Fry hanging in her room. This was all an improvement and 'quite astonished Dr Chambers'; she was quieter today but seemed easier with him; hopes he will be able to do her some good and will visit every day unless it excites her too much; very hard to 'keep up a one sided conversation for 3 hrs' and feels quite drained at the end. Asks Bob to help by writing to Helen, talking of 'simple things & yr. fondness for her - everything which gives her an idea of her own importance & helpfulness to others is good', and by giving Fry 'interesting & amusing things about people & books' to talk about with her. Is finding his writing very hard, since Helen 'seems all important' and he cannot bring himself to care 'a tuppenny damn' about 'the date of Bissolo's death', but it is a good distraction. Knows Bob will help.

Durbins. - Is glad Trevelyan has got work with the Friends [Friends War Victims Relief Committee]. Vildrac is in Italy with the army, he thinks behind the lines; Mme Vildrac is out of Paris as well so there is almost no one he knows there now. His new doctor has diagnosed gall bladder trouble; is following a new course of treatment. Sorry that Trevelyan's visit was 'complicated' by Dolmetsch's presence and his own business. Has had a letter from Jack Mc[Taggart] full of high spirits and 'idealism over the war'.

The Mill House, Westcott, Dorking, crossed through with London, 3 Hare Court written instead in red pencil. - Expects this is the last letter he will write her for a long time [as they are soon to be married]; very glad though also a little sorry that his 'correspondence with [his] intelligent young friend must come to an end at last'. Outlines his travel plans to the Hague. Went to the Dutch consul today to get his birth certificate authorised; will go with his father to the lawyers before leaving for Holland. Is writing a lot of letters to 'the clavichord people' [the friends who collectively bought Dolmetsch's clavichord, decorated by Helen Fry, as a wedding present]. Is going to [Wagner's] "Tannhauser" tonight with Smythe; unfortunately Tommy Phelps could not join them so he lunched with him in the City today 'hugely' and has scarcely recovered. Went to see [Eleonora] Duse in 'a bad play [La Gioconda] by that wretch D'Annunzio,' she 'was, of course, superb'. Will see [Milka] Ternina tonight, whom he admires as much in another way. Bought a 'swell topper [top hat]' today. Does not think it worth while to bring all his books over, as there will be little time to read at the Hague, but he may have an answer from her about this tomorrow. Wonders what she thinks now their marriage is so near; does not think she has 'any of that old fear of [him]' any more; knows she loves him deeply; she does not understand him 'altogether', though 'more than any other woman would in so short time'; he has much to understand in her also, but loves her very much and has complete faith in her. Will stop writing now as he wants to look at the libretto before going out to dine. Would be much nicer to have the [wedding] luncheon at home, and hopes her uncle will not insist on that point.

21 Seymour Place, W. - Better for him if Jeal calls on Wednesday: can 'get everything ready' that day, and has to go out on Saturday. Can manage without the chairs, as he will have 'the stained ones... and one wicker armchair' left. Hopes she will not mind how dirty the things are; he does not have the means nor time to clean them. Advises her on how best to do so. Got his watch repaired and cleaned by Calippe & Detmer for five shillings; they have some Swiss watches in stock but can get more. Advises her on how to clean her brasses; she will 'find the polish exceedingly beautiful and very lasting'.

3, Hare Court, Inner Temple, London E.C. - Apologises for 'the fatness and grossness of [his] interminable epistles', written on English paper and thus costing her extra in postage; liked her pun on the 'value' of his letters. She has been more punctual in writing; warns her that if she delays writing, a 'poet may at any moment turn Satirist'; he knows enough about her to be 'dangerous' and could write about her 'behaviour in a thunderstorm perhaps'. She would have her revenge, as he is sure she has 'discovered far more follies and weak spots' in him; she always seems much wiser and sensible than him. Had tea and dinner today with the Frys; she is finishing 'a lovely clavichord' she has been painting for [Arnold] Dolmetsch; has not painted anything for two years, but this is as good if not better than anything she did before. Elodie Dolmetsch, whom they call 'Melodie', played them some Scarlatti and Purcell on the harpsichord; liked it much better than on the piano, and would have liked to see what Bessie thought. Does not necessarily prefer antique music and instruments to modern, as Fry seems to now; he is 'never happy untill [sic] he has got his orthodoxy'. Hopes that Bessie will play to the Frys; she should play Bibers [Biber] for them; they were worried that it might be too stormy to cross, but he does not think that is lightly. Does not matter that Bramine forgot to give him their letter. Glad Bessie thinks she will like "Citio" [the prospective new summer house at Doorn]; a good beginning, since he thinks she disliked Ede at the beginning, and in general takes a while to find out how much she likes something. Is still in London as his house is taking a while to be ready; a bore, since he wants to work and cannot here; the 'dreary' British Museum Library is always 'either too stuffy or too draughty'. Refreshed himself today with a Turkish bath which is 'bliss indeed'; if he were a millionaire, would spend no money on art, but would build 'magnificent baths' like those of Diocletian at Rome; Bramine and Mrs Fry would decorate the ladies' baths. Went to a music hall last night and saw a wonderful Spanish dancer. The account Bessie read of the Trafalgar Square meting was 'certainly exaggerated'. Discusses the [Second Boer] war; the 'Cape journalists and fire-eaters' got 'that idiot [Alfred] Milner into their hands' and between them have let the government into 'this awful mess'. Is going to say goodbye to Haslemere tomorrow.

Furzen Wood, Abinger Common, near Dorking. - Has been sent some money for Julian's furniture, which he has paid into the account at Drummond's. Elizabeth has had to put off her visit to the Netherlands because of her 'nose-bleeding', which is 'not serious but a nuisance'; expects she will be able to go in a week or two. Is 'fairly right again' now himself, though gets tired if he does too much. They went to London on Wednesday for Donald [Tovey]'s first concert with Adila [Fachiri], who played a Bach sonata with Donald's new Dolmetsch harpsichord - though this could not be heard at all, 'as Adila would not play softly, though she said she did', and the Wigmore Hall 'swallowed up the poor harpsichord's jangling in its unacoustic maw'. The rest of the concert went well. Sorry to hear that Shahid [Suhrawardy] is ill and hopes it is not serious; supposes this may prevent him going to India. Hopes [Aleksandr] Kalitinski is better. Is going to see his [translation of Sophocles'] "Antigone" 'performed, or misperformed, by Terence [Gray]' at Cambridge; has kept away from rehearsals so is 'not responsible'. Has begun work again on an epistle to [Arthur] Waley and 'plugging away at [translating] Lucretius'. Must write to [Hugh?] Sykes soon to see when he can come to talk about it. He and Bessie are 'both quite cheerful, in spite of noses and operations'; the Allens [Clifford and Joan] also seem all right, though they have to take [their daughter] Polly up to London every other day for eye exercises. Hopes Julian's 'frescoe [sic] project will flourish'; warns him not to fall off the scaffold 'like Barna [da Siena] at San Geminiano [San Gimignano]'. Asks to be remembered to [George] Reavey, and hopes he has recovered.

2 Seymour Place, W. - Very kind of her to send the cheque for four pounds for the clavichord and to trouble to recover the money. Will be glad to come to give her the tuning lesson [for the clavichord] later. Has just returned from Zürich, where he has been granted a divorce from his wife; it 'was a joint petition... Swiss laws are wise enough to separate people who cannot live together in peace'. The 'circumstances which have brought this about', added to his 'former troubles [bankruptcy] have been hard to bear'; glad it is all over. Has 'secured a very clever harpsichord player... and good singer' who is now ready to take part in his concerts [Kathleen Salmon]; is arranging concerts at Clifford's Inn for November.

10 Prinsegracht, the Hague. - Her uncle received Bob's letter with 'all the legal papers, settlement etc.' last night. Asks if Bob read through the settlement; she tried to last night but did not understand everything, nor did her uncle, so he has sent it to his lawyer to have it explained and they will return it as soon as possible. Her uncle was surprised not to find the marriage contract enclosed; thinks he expects Bob to write saying he approves and sending the contract back. Does not now feel 'bitter' about the earlier tensions as she loves and understands her uncle too much. [Sir Henry] Howard and his wife called yesterday and left cards, so the 'bridge' is formed. Is busy with packing and clearing; tonight she will look through an interesting old collection of papers relating to her mother's life and marriage with her uncle; she will certainly want to keep her mother's own letters. Tomorrow she is lunching with her 'only Dutch co-senior of St. Andrews, a girl from Rotterdam whose mother was an old friend of Bramine [Hubrecht]'s. Likes the clavichord present all the more as she thinks of it; thinks it very nice of Bob's friends; asks if Mrs [Helen] Fry [who decorated it] is pleased, and what 'poor Dolmetsch' will do without it. Teases Bob for having 'wedding presents from nice young lady friends [Lily Hodgkin] sent over from Dresden' and keeping it secret from her; she found out from Alice Jones. Tells him not to forget the parcel Booa will give him, nor the gold spectacles; he should also bring his play and any other poems he likes.

10 Prinsegracht, the Hague. - Was 'utterly & completely relieved' by Bob's letter this morning; her uncle has been 'wrong & absurd in many ways', perhaps in different ways than Bob thinks, but it does not matter and they can discuss it and settle things when he comes. Her uncle is at Amsterdam and Utrecht today, so she is alone with her aunt at home. Would have been very disappointed if Bob's father had not come; says this will be her last letter on the subject; she may have been wrong in not showing Bob's mother's letter to her uncle at once, but does not think her own letter to Bob's father was wrong. Will ask her uncle where papers are sent, and if Bob can sign them here if there is a delay; would like him to come on Monday or Tuesday but can be 'magnanimously generous' if he needs to come a few days later. Would like to have seen Bob ordering the beds; asks if he found them at once, and about the mattress and pillows. Did not realise the Apostles' dinner was in London; better as it is nearer, so they can stay in a hotel for a night and go on afterwards. Is very glad to have seen and liked the clavichord at Dolmetsch's; is glad Trevelyan is pleased with the present, and it will be a 'precious thing to have', though it is rather comical that neither of them can play it. Tells Bob to bring over a 'nice hat' and 'clean overcoat', as well as his evening suit. Explains her preference for travelling to England via Flushing [Vlissingen] rather than the Hook. Is reading "Pride and Prejudice": 'how good it is, & amusing!'.

Boveney, near Windsor. - Melodie [his wife, Elodie] says that Mrs Trevelyan may lend her clavichord for the Turin exhibition; he should have given his answer on 2 December, but 'under the circumstances' has asked for a delay; still must let them know by Friday night. Asks her to let him know at once whether she is sending hers. This is a 'most important exhibition'; the request to send something is a 'great honour'. Melodie cannot come to Dorking on Friday, as she has some ''extremely important music to perform' at his next concert and 'all [emphasised] her time' is needed for Surrey. They both send regards to the Trevelyans.

King's College, Cambridge. - Is sorry he could not go to the Dolmetsch concert. Next Wednesday Roger and Helen [Fry], Wedd and Dickinson are going to row down the Thames, meeting at Oxford; invites Trevelyan to dine with them..

2 Seymour Place, Marble Arch, W. - Asks whether she will be in London around 18 December and able to play in his concert then. His 'troubles' are now over, and he has had his 'discharge... quite honourably' [from the Bankruptcy Court]. Notes in a postscript that he would like 'news of the clavichord and tuning'.

Boveney, nr Windsor. - Should have answered her 'kind letter' before, but has been very busy. Had the 'public examination' yesterday in the Bankruptcy Court, which went as well as possible; the trustee advised him to apply for his discharge at once saying he would not oppose it. He therefore hopes to be 'out of all this trouble' soon. Thinks her idea of having lessons on the clavichord 'excellent'; sure she would do well and 'become very fond of the instrument'; it would also be 'very convenient' for the Dolmetschs as the Frys also want to continue their lessons. His wife likes the idea and will write tomorrow suggesting a day. Has not yet made the clavichord key, but will do soon.

Chelsea. - Dated 'Sunday'. Apologises for not sending the books earlier; was very busy with the lectures and with arranging for his parents visiting to see Helen [Coombe]; Goldie [Lowes Dickinson] and 'a sister' have also been staying. Has filled the box up with clothes which Mrs Smith [their landlady] thought Bob 'ought to want'. Says 'I told you so' about Bob being in Italy: it is better than 'going Jonkopping in Sweden [visiting Jönköping?]' and he might get some work done; suggests going to Fiesole or Prato, though that might be too hot. Asks if Bob intends to stay till winter; if so they will arrange to meet. Everything now settled: he and Helen hope to marry early in November and come out to Italy. Has had 'rather an awful time with his parents': very sorry for his father and his disappointment in him and so 'made a huge effort to get through the misunderstanding' but only gave him and his mother pain. This has made him 'awfully depressed'; found it hard to 'pull himself together for the lectures' but thinks they were the best he has done; pleased that both Goldie and [Thomas Sturge?] Moore liked them. Has been bicycling with Goldie, who is 'getting more reconciled about Helen'; thinks he 'begins to see that it can't make any real difference between [them]'. They went to Woodbridge and tried but failed to find [Edward] Fitzgerald's grave, then to Dedham 'which is the only [piece of French country in England and explains Constable'. Helen's harpsichord [which she is decorating for Arnold Dolmetsch] is 'going to be a great success'; she is 'quite decided' that Bob must either come back for the wedding or meet them in Italy.

Boveney, nr Windsor. - Will be a pleasure to visit her, to 'do up the dear little clavichord', and give her a lesson about tuning. She should expect him in Dorking on Tuesday by the 11.27 train.

Roundhurst, Haslemere. - If Edward has "Aphrodite" [possibly the book by Pierre Louÿs?] he could bring it when he comes, or perhaps try and get it for Bob. Also asks if he could get him a little hand-bell, not too ugly; he only has an ugly one which does not make enough noise to reach his ''αιδοιη ταμιη [revered housekeeper, Homeric]"; so if Edward brings one which 'will speak out loud enough when shaken, [he] will get his lunch and dinner more speedily'. Has now got two subscriptions for Dolmetsch's concerts on 5 and 9 November, and 3 December; asks Edward to decide whether he will come to the one 'next Friday week, 5 Nov' so Bob can ask [Charles] Sanger or someone else if necessary; he need not yet worry about the later ones.

22 Lungarno Acciajuoli, Firenze. - Thanks Trevelyan for the trouble he has taken over Fry's book: though the book was badly published, he himself does not think Oldm[eadow] has acted guilefully. Describes a conversation he and Binyon had with Oldmeadow. The new edition is very good. This affair must not affect Trevelyan's friendship with Binyon. He and Helen have spent the afternoon in the Boboli [Gardens]; now must read Rumohr in German. Asks for news about the clavichord [made by Dolmetsch; decorated by Helen Fry]. Is glad Sidney Colvin thought well of his work.

Tells Trevelyan to write to P[ost] Restante Munich [Dresden written first then crossed through] between October 18-22, and after that to 22 Lungarno Acciajuoli, Firenze; they are going to Florence before Siena. Any news about the clavichord [by Dolmetsch, decorated by Helen Fry] will be welcome.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Encloses a reference for Nurse Haydon. Very sorry for Elizabeth's 'domestic troubles'; it is very difficult to get good young servants now; expects she will have to get a permanent one once they return from their travels as 'Mrs E[nticknap] will find, after once having tried it, that she cannot do without'. Asks when they expect to set off. Glad the Dolmetsches 'are started again, poor people'; wishes she could hear Elizabeth play the clavichord; would often be good if practising other instruments "was as silent to the rest of the house". Asks if she can play the violin again without discomfort. They have not yet read George's article ["The White Peril", "The Nineteenth century and after : a monthly review" Vol. 50, Iss. 298, (Dec 1901): 1043-1055]' but it seems to be interesting.

Welcombe, Statford on Avon. - Glad Elizabeth has arranged a time [to go up to London for medical treatment]. Suggests sending [Mary] Prestwich to stay at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent] so that she can visit Elizabeth every day, send news of her to Wallington, and take her home. Will return to Wallington on Thursday afternoon and arrange it then if Elizabeth would like it. The Mass [by Beethoven, at the Leeds Festival] was 'splendid'; hears Dr Joachim said it was 'overwhelming' and she 'felt it almost too much': the strain on the sopranos at the end almost distressed her. Nice for Elizabeth to have some clavichord lessons; 'such a good way to help them [the Dolmetsches?]' and hopes they are getting on better. Is going to Birmingham tomorrow for a committee in the afternoon, and will sleep at the hotel in Newcastle.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear the news of the 'Pinewood relations [the Knutsfords]; sure they are happy to have made it up with L[ionel?], though she does not understand quite 'how things stand about him'. Expects Dolmetsch is 'very interesting to talk to about music'; he has a 'touch of genius'; asks if his 'money difficulties' are settled. Sent some game on Thursday as it was the last grouse shooting on Wednesday and Sir George thought they should go; they should be eaten quite soon. Expecting the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons and R[obin] Mayor today; Charles leaves on Monday and G[eorge] on Tuesday. Glad Elizabeth has recovered; 'curious how hurtful fruit seems'. George read an extract from his history yesterday, which they 'all thought very good'. Hopes Robert is refreshed by his 'outing this week'.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Very glad Elizabeth likes the dress; sorry it is 'not quite right'; Pantlin will alter it when Elizabeth next comes to town. Will be glad to give her a bed on the 11th-12th. Very kind of her to play with Dolmetsch; perhaps it will 'be better only to do that'; would not have asked her [to play a solo piece?] if Dolmetsch had not suggested it; they must be careful it is 'his concert'. Sir George has had an attack of rheumatism; not too bad but he is 'feverish & uncomfortable & gets low spirited'. Mr Calvin is spending Sunday here, but he is 'fortunately a quiet person'. Ascot Week begins 17 June and 'the Waterloo line is so crowded' that Sir George says 'nothing will induce him' to go to Aunt Margaret [Holland]'s then; she has suggested visiting on the 13th instead but has not yet had a reply from Margaret; asks if they may come to visit Elizabeth and Robert on the 14th if she agrees. Sorry that Marie [Hubrecht] has been ill again.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Originally enclosing a note from Dolmetsch; hopes Elizabeth will agree to play with him; she 'can join him in the Purcell' and perhaps play something 'after his program is finished'. Asks her to write direct to him and say if she can 'undertake the Sonata'. Hopes she will have a good evening with the Daveys [sic: Llewelyn Davies family?]. Going to Welcombe on Thursday. Would like to visit for lunch if Elizabeth and Robert are at home in the week of 17 June; Sir George says he wants to very much, and they are visiting Aunt Margaret [Holland] at Witley then. Aunt Annie [Philips] was here yesterday, and discussed arranging a visit to her by Elizabeth and Robert. Caroline hopes they will spend a fortnight at Wallington; would be best if Robert could come for the shooting. Annie is coming on 15 August for a week, and has Aunt Meg [Price] staying with her until the 12th. Hopes there is good news from the Hague [of Elizabeth's uncle]. A postscript says Elizabeth may stay the night on the 12th.

8, Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. - Glad to hear good news about Elizabeth's uncle. Pantlin is ready for Elizabeth to try on the dress; she will have to come on Saturday rather than Monday if she wants it finished before they leave on Thursday. Has written to Dolmetsch about a concert but not yet received a reply; asks whether he is in London at Charlotte Street. Is going to see George at Cambridge today.

85 Charlotte St, W. [on printed notepaper for 7 Bayley St, Bedford Square, W.C.]. - She is correct that it is [Purcell's] "Golden Sonata", but she should not look at the Jensen edition, which is 'shocking'; will lend her a copy from the original, and it will give her no trouble. Asks her to let him know when she will come to London before 11 June, and he will arrange to accompany her here; a 'good practice' on the 11th then will be 'quite sufficient to play the piece successfully' [for a concert?]. It is very beautiful, and she must not judge it by Jensen's version; she will 'enjoy it very much' when they play it together.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad Jan Hubrecht is visiting England; hopes he will see Cambridge and enjoy his time with Elizabeth and Robert; will be good for him after his illness. Is sending the Christmas present directly to the Mill House as [Mary] Prestwich does not have room in the hamper; there is also a pair of slippers which she has made. Hopes Elizabeth will use the purse [?] at once, in London and the Hague. Glad she is trying new ways to do her hair, and that her cough has gone.

Expects Aunt Margaret [Holland] 'would be much amused by a "Dolmetsch"'; Caroline and Sir George are reading her book [Life and letters of Zachary Macaulay] with much interest; Zachary was 'rather boring ' but 'did a great work' and the life is well written and edited. Sir George is very glad Elizabeth likes Persuasion; he thinks 'the offer is the best in fiction'. Caroline is reading Mrs Humphry Ward's Eleanor, whose novels always interest her though she feels 'critical about them'; Sir George 'cannot abide them'.

Robert's sonnet is 'very pretty'; asks whether Elizabeth could get him to write one about the [Second Boer] war like William Watson, as he feels so strongly; thinks it would do good. Expects she has seen George's letter in the Westminster and Charlie's to the Times; Charlie has also making good speeches and getting his views known. Asks her to thank Robert for his letter about the portraits; there is no hurry as they will not be back till Easter, but thinks Sir George would sit if she urged him to. Glad Elizabeth's aunt is improving; her visit will cheer her.

Since Bridges cannot reply personally to all those who contributed to his 80th birthday present, he sends them a portrait photograph of himself with the clavichord, taken by Lady Ottoline Morrell and engraved by Emery Walker. Praises the 'beauty & excellence & great value' of Dolmetsch's instrument. Appreciates the recognition of his love for 17th century music and respect for his Poet Laureateship.