Item 333 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Sir George Trevelyan

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Was 'very much interested' in the correspondence his father sent him [about Sir Charles Dilke's refusal to go to Ireland as Cief Secretary, see 12/396] , which Bessie returned with her letter. Wonders what the 'real motives of Dilke's "gran rifiuto"' were; seems 'hardly credible that it was mere lack of physical courage'; supposes that 'in some way it did not fit with his personal ambitions. But it was not a moment for calculations of that kind'.

Is reading George's History [of England], 'slowly, but with the greatest interest. It is very quietly and soberly told, but with great art'; thinks George 'was right to resist the temptation of putting in brilliant passages, as he could easily have done'. Bessie finished reading Pride and Prejudice aloud to Robert and Julian this evening, and began Great Expectations: a 'greater contrast between two first-rate books would be hard to find. The scene with the convict, and the Christmas dinner that follows, make as fine a beginning of a novel as any' he knows. Fortunately for Julian, he 'seems to be able to enjoy both kinds'. Sends thanks to his mother for her letter; will write to her soon. Hopes his father's hand has got better by now, or 'at least is no more troublesome'.