Item 311 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Caroline Trevelyan

The Shiffolds. - Thanks his mother for her letter; they are very glad to hear that she is getting better from Aunt Annie. The 'mild weather' will make it easier for her when she starts getting out again. Julian is well, and 'finds plenty to do painting cards and almanacs, and building a theatre with his bricks'. He, Robert, and Emmy [Bessie's niece] are reading The Taming of the Shrew together. They are all going to London together for a few days after New Year; will take Julian to a dramatisation of [Thackeray's] The Rose and the Ring, which 'they say is very well done'. Very kind of his mother to say she will send a cheque towards the expenses of Julian's going to London, and they are 'very grateful'.

Bessie's niece Emmy has 'not yet had her letter from her young man at Hong Kong' [Frank van Leeuwen?], though it must arrive soon; she did however get a telegram with Christmas wishes yesterday, so she is 'quite happy'; the 'difficulty of communication is rather trying for her'. The Faggetters [a couple providing help in home and garden for the Trevelyans?] 'continue to be pleasant and effective'; this is a 'great relief for Bessie after the unspeakable Knights'.

Hopes his father has 'quite recovered from his cold'; sends love to him and to Aunt Annie.