Item 79 - Letter from Paul François Hubrecht to Sir George Trevelyan

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Prinsegracht 10, 's Gravenhage:- Hubrecht 'beg[s] leave to consider' Sir George's letter of yesterday to Robert, which has been shown to him as per Sir George's wishes, as addressed equally to himself. Notes that 'these two beloved children' ought to have discussed their 'intentions' with Robert's parents and himself and his wife, Elizabeth's guardians; now all they can do is hope for their future happiness. Sir George's 'very kind lines' show 'how near young Robert is living to [his] heart', which Hubrecht has no doubt he deserves; will not conceal their gratitude for the arrangements Sir George has made for Robert's 'matrimonial living and care for his wife and children in case of his decease'. Elizabeth, who has lived with them from her seventh year, has 'not ceased to be a bliss for us and all our children', and they are sure she will 'prove the same' to Robert, his parents, and family.

Hopes that the 'distance which makes it impossible to shake hands' with Sir George and talk over details will be soon be reduced by their 'meeting on the continent', when he has no doubt he and his wife 'will be the winning party' in making Sir George's acquaintance; they hope the same will be true for 'your Robert and our Elizabeth both may be and remain for life by his proposal and her acceptance'.