Item 268 - Letter from R. C. Trevelyan to Sir George Trevelyan

Casa Boccaccio, Settignano, Firenze. - Thanks his father for his letter, which reached him more quickly than his own got to his father. Is spending his 'last few days at Florence', unless he hears from Charles that 'the Lake Hunt is put off because of the strike' which might lead him to stay a while longer. The weather is 'now delightful... the wild flowers are wonderful, and the nightingales sing by day and night'. The country around Florence in April and May is 'as lovely as anything [he knows]'. The 'only disadvantage' is that he knows 'almost too many people in or near Florence', so that 'social engagements interrupt one's working time a little too much'; still, he has got some work done.

Is glad Bessie was able to go with Julian to Broadstairs; they 'seem to be enjoying themselves'. Bessie has recently read David Copperfield to Julian, who is therefore 'much interested in Betsey Trotwood's house'.

Hopes that by now there might be 'some valid hope of a settlement [to end the coal-miners' strike]. One can gather little news from the Italian papers'.