Item 12 - Letter from Elizabeth des Amorie van der Hoeven to R. C. Trevelyan

1 item

10 Prinsegracht, The Hague. - Addresses Bob as 'Dearest'. Has been re-reading the Plato they read this morning and now understands it much more; wishes he were here to discuss it; seems very strange him not being here for dinner yet when he was here continually it seemed 'so unreal'. Hopes he will have a good time in Brussels. Has been out for a walk in the rain with her aunt, spent a 'tedious hour at the dressmaker'. Sets the letter aside for dinner, but returns to send Bob 'a most spiritual kiss', telling him to dream of her. Continues the letter the following day, saying she has forwarded a postcard to him, and looked for a 'suitable frame' for his portrait; the shopkeeper admired the portrait greatly, being 'particularly struck' by Bob's eyes. Has had her hair washed and it is now drying; soon 'the wonderful Lorelei' will sit on her rock (the little stool by the fire) and comb her hair, thinking of how just seven days ago she and Bob declared their love to each other. Teases him by saying that since he has gone to seek 'distractions in foreign countries... poor Loreley is left to pull out her hair in despair... [and] is approaching baldness'. Returns to finish the letter in the evening; asks if Bob has written to his mother or if he is waiting till he hears again. Her 'abilities as a housekeeper' would have impressed him if he had seen her folding the clean sheets with the new housemaid; this is one of the 'very few things' she can do in that line.