Pièce 232 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Caroline Trevelyan

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c/o Mrs Hall, Veronica, Silverdale, near Carnforth. - Bessie and Julian arrived yesterday; went with them from Silverdale to Arnside, though returned here later. She seems 'rather stronger than last week', and the 'tonic' appears to do her good; also, her tooth is no longer troubling her. A couple of weeks here may 'make a great difference'. Julian seems very well, and 'very pleased to be at the sea-side, and to be able to watch the trains on the Arnside viaduct'. Will see Bessie again today, when she comes to see the Bottomleys.

Miss Barthorp, despite her mother, 'has determined to stay [as Julian's governess] into July if necessary', to give them time to find someone else. However, Bessie seems to have found a 'temporary governess at Manchester, and engaged her to come in early July'; she will not do as a permanent governess, 'only until J[ulian] goes to the Arnside school. But she seems to be a quite a nice sort of person'. They are sorry for Miss Barthorp, who is 'really very unhappy at having to go'. They will have to find someone else for next year; fortunately, there will be plenty of time.

Has just finished the Swinburne Life [by Gosse]; thinks it 'very well done', but wishes there were 'more details and more letters'; thinks a 'longer book would have been quite legitimate'. Swinburne is 'not... exactly a favourite' of his, but he is interesting. Gosse 'published a fascinating account of him years ago, with [a] delightful story of his drowning adventure in Normandy', which he could well have included. Understands a book of Swinburne's letters will be published separately. Robert's father's 'Appendix is very jolly'.