Pièce 242 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Sir George Trevelyan

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F. W. V. R. C. [Friends War Victims Relief Committee], A. P. O., S. 5, B. E. F., France. - Hears from Bessie that she and Julian have returned safely from their 'very enjoyable visit to Welcombe'. Julian has 'just gone off to school, a little reluctantly, but quite ready to make the best of it'. No doubt Bessie will feel 'a little forlorn at first'. Has been very busy recently with the [Friends'] library, on a new list of books for a supplement to next month's Reconstruction; also has many parcels to send and letters to write, since he is the only member of his department. This does have its advantages, since 'one does not depend on any-one else'. The weather has recently been very cold, and he works 'in a great coat to save the mess and trouble of keeping up a fire' in his room. The Seine has returned to its 'normal limits'; thinks 'no great harm was done, but a slightly further rise would have been serious'.

His friend [Francis] Birrell has been away for a week at 'Verdun and elsewhere in the warzone', and should return tonight. He and Robert may go for a week's holiday to the South of France next month. Robert will probably come back to England towards the end of March, but is not yet sure exactly when.

Fears the text of Theocritus [see Sir George's letter, 12/300] is in a 'very bad state'; however, a recently discovered papyrus which contains a number of the Idylls is 'said to have some very interesting readings', which are presumably older than any previously known manuscript. Does not think it has been published yet; it was found at Meroë in Egypt. Likes some of the Theocritus epigrams a great deal; gives example, with quotation in Greek.

Sends love to his mother. A fragment of his Agamemnon translation will appear in next month's Reconstruction; will send it to his father.