Pièce 123 - Letter from Maria Germanova to Elizabeth Trevelyan

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4, Rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris 16. - Very kind of Mrs Trevelyan to have thought about Andrusha; she has sent her letter on to him, and is sure he will be 'happy to meet this interesting family'. They are following him in their 'thoughts and anxiety' in his new life as a student. She had hoped a friend would have him as a lodger in her house, but she does has moved away from Zurich and shut it up; however, the friend has kindly given him a room in her gardener's house, which has a little stove for heating and cooking, though he eats lunch at the student canteen. The house is a 'little far from the Politechnical School', but it is healthy being up on a hill overlooking the lake and they economise on rent; she worries about him spending his money on cinema tickets or 'other foolish things' and not food but it is good experience for him to 'regulate' his own life. Very touching how much he enjoys study; hopes he will make good friends.

Glad to have met [Bernard] Berenson and Miss [Nicky] Mariano; felt as if they have 'known each other already'; thanks Mr Trevelyan for making them acquainted. She does not 'play now' [is not acting?] unfortunately; has 'some work in view' but not until January, and not with Pitoeff's company, though a 'very interesting part as a mother'. She was offered the part of a Russian princess in a play written by a female French writer which involved threatening a servant with a 'knout'; this is 'all very ridiculous and very sad'; this 'myth' about the Russian is 'so unjust and unkind'. She has therefore sent back the part today and found 'some excuse' not to play it, as she would be unable to face her friends, including princesses and countesses, 'so courageous and distinguished in their misfortune of refugees'. [Hasan Shahid] Suhrawardy laughed a great deal when she read out her part to him and her husband; they have both supported her in renouncing the part. Suhrawardy has begun to work in preparation for his lectures in Calcutta; she is very happy for him. Reksushka [the dog] is 'such a dear'; he looks so sad when Andrusha goes away; he did however knock her over when she was walking him so that she hurt her knee and could not walk for two days.