Item 74 - Letter from E. M. Forster to Elizabeth Trevelyan

1 sheet

King's Coll., Cambridge. - Must write by return of post, and 'not delay until I compose that illusory 'real' letter which I am always intending to send'. Feels 'overtired and fidgeted', but 'alright in health', and has 'found much more comfort than I expected here, as well as the expected friendliness'. The 'young Wilkinsons' with whom he is lodging 'seem quite perfect'; thinks 'all that side of life will go on without jolts'.

His 'big room' at College is also starting to look right at last; now sits in it with 'my personal past and ancestral past stacked around me in comparative order, and quite a large coal fire inside my father's chimney-piece, reinforced by an electric fire'. Is 'exhausted mentally and intellectually, but the shock of being uprooted is bound to come out somehow', and he is glad that he can 'eat, sleep, and carry on socially'.

Called at Trinity recently, 'seeing the windows lit up [in the Master's Lodge] and thinking a reception in progress'. Found 'only the Master [G. M. Trevelyan] and his wife, and Robin Mayor and his wife', so they had 'a very nice old codgers' tea party'; Hilton Young and his wife appeared at the end, though Kathleen Kennet 'would scarcely relish being classed as a codger - or codgeress'.

Florence [Barger] has returned; her visit to America was 'a great success', and she has brought back her sister [Margaret?] with her. Sends love to Bob - his proof-correction must be interesting. Expects they will spend Christmas at the Shiffolds; hopes 'domestic arrangements keep all right'. Agnes' foot 'got very bad in the final pandemonium' and she went off to her niece's in Barnet in a car. Has been to see her; she 'seems happily placed', and her room is very nice.