Showing 2564 results

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Writing to tell her 'what a dear Paul is'; did not see him when he was ill, but he is 'all brightness now'; Paul mistook George for 'his daddy' when he first went in to see him 'and the disappointment caused a scene', but he soon got quite fond of him; the trick is not to touch him too soon. Paul is very like Bob, 'with his curls and all', and they are now great friends. Wishes Bessie 'good luck' [probably as she is due to give birth].

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Hopes that the snow in Italy has melted. Spent one night and '2 busy days' in London; Sir George went up for the day yesterday. Spent that evening with Janet, since George was at a 'review meeting' [for the "Independent Review"?], who is very well and 'enjoys the situation to the full'; approves of her preparations [for the forthcoming birth]. Thinks Charles and Mary are staying at Cambo till the end of the month. Mary has 'thoroughly got up the subject of Taxation of Land Values' and has given several short speeches on it; she has also written a leaflet which Caroline hopes to get printed for the W.L.F. [Women's Liberal Federation]. Good that she can help Charles politically. Wants Elizabeth's advice about pianos: there ought to be one at Welcombe, and she would 'like to change the monster in London!'. Has a room at Welcombe to write in now, so Elizabeth can now have the drawing room to herself to practice in. Expects Meg Booth will arrive [in Italy] soon. Asks if Elizabeth is thinking of going to Taormina this year; hopes the Grandmonts are well. "The Times" is 'so hard up for an argument for the sugar tax that they say it is unhealthy and that people should not eat so much'. A party of neighbours came for lunch recently, and more will come. Has had a 'nice letter' from Mrs Enticknap.

British Museum. - Encloses Luzac's receipt, which she may give to her uncle. Spent yesterday afternoon at Highgate listening to [Thomas Sturge] Moore's new poetry, which was 'very refreshing'; Moore liked his bat ["The Lady's Bat"], though suggested some alterations; did not show him his play but hopes to do so soon. Has just seen [Laurence] Binyon has shown him a 'new ode of Tristram and Iseult' ["Tristram's End"] which is 'quite good but perhaps not first class'. Is taking Moore's play "Mariamne" to Dorking to read again and hopes to be 'in train' to do something himself. Will not order the beds until nearer the time he goes to Holland, but will talk to [Roger] Fry about the bedroom; she shall see and approve the colour before he distempers the walls. Tends to agree with her that they should economise on furnishing, to leave 'a good margin' for things such as foreign travel; he still also wants her to have a new violin. Is dining this evening with [Charles] Sanger, [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson and [Desmond] MacCarthy; Sanger is 'not at all well'; hopes his Greek journey will put him right. Copies out some lines from Binyon's Tristram poem. Very glad that Bessie's aunt was so much better on her return; wonders if the Luzacs have called; the Sickerts know a Hague painter called [Dirk] Jansen, whom they like but do not care much for his painting.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - News of Julian, who is well; hopes Elizabeth's journey home went well. Has been to the town [Stratford?] today; the 'decorations look very dusty'.

Thinks this [referring to an enclosure now not present?] is a 'really dear old letter'; he is 'human enough to prefer such 'thinking aloud' to 'propriety' though he would not have written it himself and hopes he will 'be spared a correspondence'. Very pleased that Elizabeth so likes his book ["Garibaldi and the Thousand"]; values her opinion 'highly'. She is 'quite right about the Sicilians'; if it were not for his considerable debt to 'individual Sicilians', he would have been 'more humorous at the expense of their absurd countrymen'. Comments on what a 'jolly time we have on the Fifth of November'. Is lunching with 'the Jans' [Jan Hubrecht and his wife] tomorrow at Cambridge. Notes in a postscript that he knows about Aunt Annie [Philips] and has heard from her.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - News of Julian, who is well despite not having a good night's sleep according to the nurse, who has just taken him off for a drive, 'he & old Maria [the maid?] looking equally delighted'; he is getting onto his feet more now. She herself will take him to the village this afternoon. Hopes Elizabeth found all well at home; was very good to have her for such a 'long quiet visit'; if only they had not had 'the sad little tragedy' [the death of George's son Theodore]. Has heard no more from George; hopes Geoffrey Young 'is helping to console him'. Enjoyed seeing Robert very much; hopes he can settle to work now. Mrs Catt says she has not had so much pain for the last few days.

Metelliano. - Has been unable to write to Trevelyan, who has been to Wallington, sooner due to travel and congresses. Was a pleasure to spend time at the Shiffolds with him and Bessie, and to find him better than expected; also enjoyed his time in Edinburgh and Holland, though nothing about his three days in Belgium pleased him. Was summoned home due to a sudden deterioration in Ebe's sight; is afraid she is going blind. Going to stay with B.B. [Berenson] at Vallombrosa, where he will see Kenneth Clark, then will go to Rome. Has read Gathorne Hardy's book on Logan [Pearsall Smith]; thought it interesting and probably truthful, but that Gathorne Hardy did not come across very well, and that there was 'something peevish and not quite crystalline' in his attitude.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Likes to think of Elizabeth in Ravello. Has been very busy since coming to Welcombe on 3 January; has been arranging a room for her own use in the mornings, which is 'quite comfortable' though has 'no view' and, currently, a 'hideous paper'. The Arthur Sidgwicks and their daughter [Ethel] came on Monday, Sidney Lee joined them. On Wednesday the library opened; has sent Elizabeth a Stratford paper with a report. The ceremony was 'nicely arranged' and went well; likes the building, which is in keeping with the surroundings. [Andrew] Carnegie gave the building and fittings, which are 'in good taste', then maintenance of the building will come from rates, and there is a subscription fund for buying books. Hopes it will 'do good': there is 'room for "sweetness & light" in Stratford'. Miss Corelli did not appear but 'must be very angry'; is sure she will 'do something malicious'. Mary Booth says in a letter that Charles will probably bring Meg to Elizabeth; gave a 'cheerful' account of the family. Is going to London on Monday, and will spend the evening with Janet. Pleased to hear Mrs Enticknap has had a little girl [named May]; has sent her a coat and hood. Has never read [Stendhal's] "Le Rouge et le Noir", but knows "La Chartreuse [de Parme]". Has Madame [Juliette] Adam's memoirs, and has been 'delighting in Burne-Jones life [by his wife]'. Hope Robert's work is going well; asks whether they are continuing their translation; whether the road is mended yet, and whether the Capucini Hotel at Amalfi goes on 'as before'. They are taking a trip to Rome next winter. Sir George is well; he took a week's break from his book, 'travelling & doing his speech', and now happily at work on it again. C[harles] and M[ary] are at Cambo; they celebrated their wedding anniversary by catching the train to Woodburn and walking back by Sweethope Lake, and enjoyed this 'immense expedition' very much.

Wotton Lodge Nursing Home, Gloucester. - The tumour in Catherine's breast (see 1/114) proved to be cancer, and she has undergone an extensive operation. She will have to have X-ray treatment for some time.

13a Hanover Terrace W11. - Would very much like to come next Saturday; asks whether he can be a paying guest. Wants to stay away from town until 2 July, when he will go to Cambridge. This week will stay with Forster.

Garden Corner, West Road, Cambridge. - Headed 'Private'. Encloses a letter from Aunt Annie [Philips: 13/229]. Suggests that if Bob does decide to write to their father as she suggests, he should begin by saying that he does not know whether their mother is 'really likely to leave us quite soon', but understands from Aunt Annie that this is a possibility, and that he is anxious that in that event their father should not hurry to leave Welcombe. Also thinks that Bob should say he and Bessie have 'no thought of moving into Welcombe' themselves.

Thinks the enclosed Epistle is self-explanatory; should 'deposit a sealed copy in the bank' to be 'delivered to Philip Erasmus [Julian and Ursula's son] when he reaches a philosophic age', but they should look at it now to be sure 'it contains no dangerous doctrine' or that 'the metrical license and irregularity is not likely to bewilder Philip's taste and corrupt his style'. Quotes an alternative reading which Bessie prefers, mentioning George Moore. Unsure whether the 'quasi-lyrical ending is in harmony with the rest', but does not want to add anything if he can help it; already afraid it is 'scarcely worthy of its theme'. Glad Julian's show has had such a deserved success.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Very sorry about Florence, who was 'a kind friend and relation'; sure Robert and Elizabeth will settle the business resulting from her death 'wisely'. Recommends that Robert bring the will up and open it with Mr Philipson, who is the 'responsible person'; he should of course write to Dr Cacciola.

The Mill House, Westcot [sic: Westcott], Dorking. - Apologises for not writing sooner; found [Goldsworthy Lowes] Dickinson with the Frys and brought him back to sleep as there was not room at their house; he left before lunch then Bob spent the afternoon with the Frys. They went for a walk; the country looks 'delicious' and they saw lots of lambs 'who had just come into the world and seemed very pleased to be there'. Will send her a copy of the "Speaker" with one of his poems in it; it is almost the first he ever wrote so she must be lenient; Fry and Dickinson 'seem to like it'; it does not record 'any personal experiences. Does not know whether they will print the translations he sent them.

Finishes the next letter next day, before his breakfast of 'eggs and Van Hoōōten [sic: Van Houten] cocoa'. Expects to spend the morning organising his books, letters and papers. Dreamt they bought a 'cheap and good linen-cupboard at a sale'. Thinks he will write soon to Mrs Pepper at Borrowdale to ask if they are likely to have the house [Seatoller] to themselves in June, which would not commit them to going there. Thinks she would like that best of all the places he knows in England and Scotland.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Booa [Mary Prestwich] got Elizabeth's letter this morning; Caroline is upset that her chilblains are still so bad. Booa will try to get something which will help her; thinks the cold has been too much for her in 'that Italian-built house'. Wishes she were here so that she and Booa could nurse her; it is very cold in the passages here but the rooms are 'comfortable enough'. Asks whether an upstairs room would be better; Sir George had the room Elizabeth is staying in and Caroline was struck by its chilliness. Hopes Meg Booth will arrive soon and cheer Elizabeth and Robert up. Asks if Robert is getting his walks on the hills. Sir George has given her the Brownings' letters this morning, they are 'very interesting & delightful' though she is not sure whether they should have been published.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Has received Florence's will and her letter to Robert from May 1906, which show good will and feeling towards the family. Sees a large payment will soon be liable; has written to Mr Philipson to ask for a valuation of Florence's personal property which will come to Robert after Cacciola's death; Robert and Elizabeth need not worry about the money in the meantime [implying that he and Caroline will pay any outstanding sum?]. Presumes Cacciola is the executor.

Wotton Lodge Nursing Home, Gloucester. - Thanks the Trevelyans for their letters following Catherine's operation [see 1/113 and 1/114]. She seems to be recovering well. The children are well and being cared for by grandmother or aunt. It is very good of the Trevelyans to offer a home for David, and please thank Lady Trevelyan for her kindness.

Kings Coll Camb. - Sends an enclosure, which is his only copy so he asks Bessie to be careful with it. Expects he will never be able to do anything with it, but would like to have her views: so far she is the only woman who has seen it. Is feeling 'rather useless and depressed', but hopes it is the weather rather than old age.

Rapallo. - He and Janet are very glad to hear that Julian has put on eight ounces. They are having good weather and walks here by themselves, before 'going on south to join the Hammonds' [John and Barbara]. Thanks Bessie for sending 'Madame Scocco's letter' [sic: Irene Zocco]; fears he will not be able to go to Palermo again; would have called on her last month if he had known she was there.

Garden Corner, West Road, Cambridge. - Originally enclosing a letter from Charles, which 'induces' him to send a cheque for £182.2.6. He and Mary had a 'delightful as well as useful time at Welcombe'; thanks Bob and Bessie for their 'hospitality and kindness'.

Apologises for not replying sooner, due to flu. Hopes that Trevelyan is recovering well after his operation, and that 'excellent friends', as well as his wife' are helping time pass pleasantly. Hopes to go to Rome after Easter. [John] Walker is coming, with Alda and Cecil. Hopes to come to England. Has sent word to Florence that Trevelyan's subscription to "Pègaso" should be paid. The Berensons left in uncertain weather and had a bad journey, but they seem to be much enjoying Tunis. Encourages Trevelyan to write an epistle to his doctor.

11 Greenhill Terrace, Edinburgh. - She, Mollie Grierson, and Donald [Tovey]'s doctor are seeking help in getting Donald 'out of a very precarious situation which she cannot describe now; hopes that Bessie is at the Shiffolds and might be able to see her next week when she will be at Englefield Green again; asks her to telegraph. Donald 'practically well, and could have been convalescent and on his feet before June was out'; they are not anxious about his health.

The Mill House, Westcot [sic: Westcott], Dorking. - Is writing in the 'little room' he hopes will be hers; the fire burns well and it is warm and looks 'quite nice' now he has sent the Insley furniture to the spare room. Thinks he has thought of a way to improve his play and is happier about it now. Is reading Mériméee's "Les Cosaques D'Autrefois ", which is 'stunning'. Will write to the Insleys about their furniture; there is plenty of room for her books. Has not seen the Frys since Sunday; he [Roger Fry] understood about distempering the bedroom since they do not like the paper, though he probably thinks they are making a mistake. Has nearly finished "Arne" [by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson?]; discusses why he does not 'take to it altogether'. Encloses a letter from his Aunt Meg [Price]; he knows nothing about pianos so she should tell him what to say. Someone suggested by [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen might help them choose; does not know whether his aunt's 'professional friend' is to be trusted. One day they will have room for a big piano, but expects this would have to be an upright.

Finishes the letter next morning. Is sorry her aunt is not as much stronger as she first thought; hopes that the finer weather will help. Expects it is right for her to sell the land; she would know better than he where to put the money. Very glad her uncle and aunt think Whitsuntide will do [for the wedding]; someone like [Abraham?] Bredius would probably be best as the witness; her uncle once suggested the consul at Rotterdam, if he were Dutch. Doubts if any of his friends will come; thinks he will not ask. Was stupid to leave Luzac's bill in London; has asked it to be sent to him.

Shantiniketan, Bolpur. - Particularly grateful for Trevelyan's letter of appreciation for "The Gardener" as it has had little praise from critics; was warned to expect 'a great deal of acrimonious criticisms this time,' which has indeed come about. Trevelyan will know by now that he has received the Nobel prize for literature this year, which is 'a great honour to me and to my country'; thanks Trevelyan and his other 'friends in England, whose kind encouragement has been of such a great help'. Sends his 'kindest remembrances' to Mrs Trevelyan.

Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - News of Julian, who is well and does not seem to be too much disturbed by teething. He is always very excited when he sees Hearn [the butler] and 'insists on his lifting him up to look at the pictures'. Took him for a drive to the village yesterday, and now he has gone for his 'last poney [sic] cart drive'. Elizabeth's dinner on Monday will be very amusing; hopes she will not get tired out with her busy fortnight. Annie [Philips] is coming from Monday till Thursday; expects she will be in an 'over-energetic mood'; she must have helped the two young men [her Price nephews] very much as they have been making inventories. Has had no more letters from George, but C[harles] says he is quieter [after the death of his son Theodore]. Sends love and a "Times Literary Supplement" for Bob.

Bessie has reminded him it is Julian's birthday, so is writing a 'hasty' letter without really knowing what to say except good wishes for him and his family; supposes he ought to write in verse too, but does not 'see [his] way to that'. Has a sort of lumbago so 'can't get about much these days'; hopes it will soon pass.

Savoy-Hotel, Ouchy-Lausanne. - Sent a card from Paris, which was hot and unpleasant; the heat continued till they reached the Jura and arrived in a thunderstorm. Today the weather is beautiful and the hotel is charming; they go to Les Avants tomorrow, and she hopes they will stay a few days. Sir George is 'very energetic' and needs to be held back or they would 'be round Switzerland in a fortnight'. They are taking tea with Hilda Trevelyan, who is staying in a nearby hotel. Is anxious to hear whether Elizabeth 'engaged the nice looking nurse'; would be very sorry if Nurse Catt had to leave altogether; hopes Julian has not been disturbed by the hot weather and that his 'little "freak" tooth has done no harm'. Lausanne very large now, with much new building going on. They have got a new music box. Glad Elizabeth got a good cart for Julian; hopes she received the money orders as Caroline 'ought to be responsible for his locomotion!'. Sends love to Robert; they have a new edition of Stevenson's letters which are 'delightful reading'.

The Mill House. - Describes a dream in which he thought Bessie, 'his St Andrews friend' was in his bedroom. The servants have told him the butcher's wife says that the four 'single gentlemen' she has known who took this house were all married within a year; pretends to be scared of this prospect. Encloses Luzac's bill. His mother was also confused by his sonnet [printed in the "Speaker"], which he explains at length; refers in passing to Bessie's belief that 'cigarettes are really exceptionally detrimental to health'. Has done some work over the last couple of days, and is getting on quite well. Finishes the letter next morning. Is glad she is going to Eldering; hopes she likes his teaching. Thinks her and [her cousin] Louise's plan to send her aunt away to get well is good, but it will be difficult to persuade them. Mien [Rontgen's] present sounds 'delightful'; 'just like her' to take so much trouble. Mr Kattendijke's present sounds good as well. Expects the Vondel exhibition will not be open when he comes; jokes that things should have been arranged better.

Farringford, Freshwater, I[sle of] W[ight]. - Does not know Trevelyan's current address, but so is sending this via Cole. Wants to ask Trevelyan about a bookcase he 'left as a fixture at Roundhurst Farm', which according to Cole Trevelyan discovered Mr Blaydes had taken away and insisted upon his returning it. Regrets the day Blaydes ever became the Tennysons' tenant: they have had 'no end of bother with him & lawyers' and he has taken the bookcase away again. Asks Trevelyan to let her know as soon as possible whether he 'sanctioned Mr Blaydes to take it'. They have been spending a month at Aldworth; was very 'refreshing to see neither little Roundhurst nor any of its neighbourhood altered'. Hears from the Enticknaps that Trevelyan is building himself a house and has found a wife - '"and she is a nice lady"'. Hallam [her husband] sends remembrances.

20 Marmion Rd, Liverpool. - Hopes to be able to tell Bessie about his visit to Holland [a lecture tour in the Netherlands] soon. Is sorry he was not able to call on her friends in Amsterdam. He must take up his appointment in Leeds after Christmas.