Item 86 - Letter from E. M. Forster to R. C. and Elizabeth Trevelyan

129 Wendell Road, W.12. - Writes to 'Dear dear Bob' and 'Dear dear Bessie' since 'a little bird whose name... begins with a J [Julian Trevelyan' has told him about their [golden wedding] anniversary'; has 'praised the bird highly and thanked it for enabling me to participate'.

Supposes the 'chief feeling' which comes to him on such occasions is 'a selfish one: memory of all the kindness and helpfulness that you have both shown me through so many years'; this letter conveys 'much gratitude', and also 'many good wishes and very much love''. Hopes they will 'spend this day, and many others, happily'. They must realise 'how much you have done for others' happiness', among them his own.

Adds postscript: Florence [Barger] visited yesterday, and he was 'tempted to pass on the news', knowing she would have liked to write. Thought however that he should not be 'officious'; knows they do not want 'anything of a celebration, or even of a snowball'.