Menaggio. - Glad that Elizabeth is better, and had 'a satisfactory interview with Mrs Scharlieb'; they were also interested in the Dorking meeting; parts of 'Mr G. M.'s letters' appeared in the newspapers; glad that Robert took a share in proceedings. It is lovely here, and they have spent a 'lazy day' sitting with Aunt Margaret in the garden and going with her and Lionel on the Lake [Como]; Margaret is much better. They are thinking of going to Baveno for a few days on Monday. Spent a day at St Moritz on the way, which she did not like much; it also rained heavily when going up there and down the Maloja [Pass], but they have otherwise had good weather. Mrs Humphry Ward has had to leave in answer to a telegraph about her brother [William Arnold], whom she thinks Elizabeth has met though she herself has never done so; fears there has been 'some fatal turn to his illness'. Sir George is well, and Booa thinks Italy is 'wonderful'; she agrees it is very beautiful, and 'even the great number of houses & villas on the banks cannot spoil it. Hopes that the building [of Robert and Elizabeth's new house] can now begin. Sends birthday wishes, though apologises for forgetting the exact date. Hopes the opera was good, and that 'the invalid at Cumberland Place' was better; Mary 'seemed so kind about her'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Was very glad that Robert went to the funeral; there is an 'immense gap' since [Sir George's sister] Margaret's 'vitality, and power of interest made one forget how long she had been very ill'. Charles and Mary went to Rounton [Grange] this morning; Janet, George, and their babies [Mary and Theodore]. A huge search-party was out for 'old Thompson', the farmer-shepherd at Harwood, who was nearly blind and got lost on 'Friday week, the first of the hot days'; Charles got fifty 'navvies from the water works' to join in; Harwood was eventually found drowned in Fallowlees Loch. It would not have been right to shoot Harwood moor, and the game were scattered over the county by the searchers; Sir George went shooting for the first time yesterday and did well; will shoot Catcherside next Monday. Has bought the twelve volumes of the "Yellow Book" in the original covers; asks if he has had a bargain. Glad that the Water Lane is being done to Robert and Elizabeth's satisfaction.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - She and Sir George are disappointed that Elizabeth is not coming, but she is right to go to her sister; hopes it will cheer Mien [after the death of her daughter Amanda], and sends her sympathy. Must arrange to meet on Elizabeth's return; she and Sir George go to London on 11 April, and go abroad in five weeks. Is planning an afternoon party for young people, both married and unmarried, and asks if Elizabeth could help with some music. Has had a letter from Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht], who does not think La Croix suited Elizabeth as well as Ravello; hopes she is well. Wonders where Robert and his friends [on G. E. Moore's reading party?] have gone; G[eorge] and J[anet] are walking in Cornwall until Tuesday; they then come to London and go at once abroad. Aunt Margaret has had influenza; Caroline and Sir George are pretty well.
8, Grosvenor Crescent. - Found C[harles] and M[ary] settled at North Street, a 'bright little house' which they have made pretty, furnishing it 'economically' and suitably for a small space; their [wedding] presents looked nice, and they have an excellent book collection. Mary looks very contented, and 'Charlie's hair is curling as it has not done for a long time!'. One of the two small drawing-rooms has two pianos in; if they play them together their neighbours will think it noisy, but 'they are humble folk, & the children who swam in Westminster will come & listen in the street!'. George looks as if he needs a holiday; Caroline is glad the wedding is not far away, on 17 March. Janet looks very happy and says she is busy with her trousseau. Dorothy has returned and said to be 'much better for her journey'. Saw the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons yesterday; they start for Sicily tomorrow; Caroline will ask Mrs Cacciola [Florence Trevelyan] to let them see her garden. Asks whether Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] would let them call on her; thinks she would like Dolly. Harry is telling people that Caroline and Sir George like their new daughters-in-law, but will not say 'either of them come up to Elizabeth in character or walking!'. Glad he has the right impression, though of course they will all have a 'separate place' in their hearts; Mary is good, sensible, and suits Charles, but 'needs a little polishing'.
If there are things at La Croix which would be suitable for a bazaar at Stratford, asks if Elizabeth could buy her two pounds worth; she can send them by post if she likes. Going today to see if they can find out about Aunt Margaret [Holland]'s health; fears it is her 'old trouble, clots'. Meta [Smith?] has reached Egypt; is said to be better. Very glad life at La Croix suits Robert's work. Caroline has found a cabinet at Stratford which she thinks will suit their new house; asks whether the work on that has begun yet.
8 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W. [London] :- Thanks his parents for their letters. Came up this morning to go to the Dolmetsch concert. Bessie is well except for a 'slight cold', and says the rehearsals are going well 'though some of the players are rather weak, including the new Madame Dolmetsch'. Is sorry his father's rheumatism 'has been so troublesome', and hopes he will be all right at Zermatt. Has just seen her letter to Bessie, which came this morning.
Is going to see George this afternoon to 'go over the corrections of the first two chapters [of George's England under the Stuarts]; this is 'rather severe work', but he and George agree that these chapters need corrections more than the rest. George seems to like Robert's article [or the Independent Review], as do others, though 'they are not all convinced that Moore's poems are as good' as Robert thinks them. However, did not expect to persuade many people. Does not think either that George will persuade him to like Meredith's poetry 'in his coming article, though it will no doubt be very interesting'.
He and Bessie have not yet heard anything about their building estimates; supposes these are 'in the hands of the builders', but that it will 'come all right now' although they may still have to wait a while. Is going to Seatoller to work for a few weeks in early July; Bessie may join him there for a while, when she leaves Mrs Salomonson. Hopes they might see Caroline at Dorking before then. Is glad Aunt Margaret is 'so well again'.
[In Bessie's handwriting] Wants to 'add a line' to say she is glad Caroline and Sir George are enjoying their trip, and that Sir George's rheumatism has gone. It is 'so very comfortable' being able to stay at Grosvenor Crescent, it is 'so quiet' and 'it makes such a difference not having to bustle about noisy hotels'. Maria looks after her 'like a mother!'. They are just going to lunch at the Moores' before another rehearsal and the concert tonight. Sends love from them both; asks if Caroline could visit them on the 26th or 27th, or the 2nd July, but she must do what is most convenient for her.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Robert gave lots of news about Elizabeth in his letter; interesting that she is translating again; asks whether she finished the novel she was working on last year. There must be a great deal of Dutch literature 'unknown to other nations' as the language is rarely learnt. The poem must be curious; asks whether the language differs much from modern Dutch; it dates from a 'great time in the countrie's [sic] history]. She and Sir George have been seeing neighbours and going into town she has been to London several times. There are great floods: 'the Avon is out all down the valley'. Hopes Elizabeth and Robert will continue to like La Croix [-Valmer?]. They are feeling happier about politics; Chamberlain is 'not gaining ground' and the Government 'make a most wretched show' in the House of Commons. They are expecting H[enry] James, Miss [Lily] Noble, Mrs [Alice Stopford] Green and Sir [Alfred] Lyall for a couple of days tomorrow, and go up to London on the 12th. North Street [Charles and Mary's London house] has been 'started', with 'no drawbacks', and she looks forward to seeing it; Cheyne Gardens [George and Janet's London house] is also progressing, and Janet is very pleased with it. The "Independent [Review]" for February is good, and much attention is being paid to it; hopes it is 'establishing itself'. Has subscribed again to Rolandi [the foreign language bookseller and library], so asks Elizabeth to let her know if she hears of any good French books. Notes that 'the modern world seems to find it necessary to have a millionaire for hero!'. Asks if Elizabeth has anyone to accompany her violin playing. Aunt Margaret [Holland] is still too ill for visitors, and does not even have letters read to her.
Mill House :- Thanks her for the letter and the tie, which he thinks 'a very pretty one'; wonders if he should wear it at [Charles and Mary's] wedding. He and Bessie have just been to visit the Waterfields at Sandwich for a couple of days. Their own 'plans for the house are getting on', and they are due to see the architects again next Monday; they hope the 'legal difficulties' are now 'practically over'. Encloses the 'Bryce Review' [of The American Revolution?] which his father sent him, with thanks; since Bryce is, Robert supposes. 'a scientific historian, his evident approval of the book is all the more valuable'. Hopes that, as Bryce says, his father will go on to include 'rather more... of the English Parliamentary history': what he has already said is good, but it is possible it will 'come more naturally in later volumes'.
Bessie is 'delighted' with Caroline's present of a handkerchief, and will soon write to thank her; it was very kind of Caroline to send something for the Enticknaps. Mary Fletcher, who has just returned from America, is staying with them today; they will all go up to London tomorrow 'to see architects, dentists, dress-makers etc'. They are all just about to call on Lord Farrer and 'the new Lady Farrer', whom Mary knows. He and Bessie hope C[harles] and G[eorge] have enjoyed their stay at Wallington. Have written to Aunt Margaret [Holland?] that they will dine there on the 5th, after going to the pantomine in the afternoon.
Hotel Biscione, Piazza Fontana, Milano. - Bessie will have received his letter apologising for not writing on his arrival. Has had a 'wonderful' day, seeing several churches, Leonardo's "Last Supper", then the castle which has only recently been opened and was new to [the Frys]; it is 'the most overwhelming building' in Italy, at least in size and often in beauty; much of it is by Bramante and there are fine sculptures and remnants of frescos to be seen; helps one see why Leonardo came to Milan, which otherwise seems 'rather a dull place'. They then went to a private collection of good pictures in 'splendid condition', cleaned by Cavenaghi; is now convinced he likes Italian art most of all, though he does like some Dutch painters; feels modern art 'scarcely exists at all'. Will see 'the more celebrated things' at the Brera tomorrow. Now feels that Luini is 'very third rate', and a 'watered down' Leonardo. Staying in Milan till the Frys go on Monday or Tuesday. She [Helen Fry] has not been well, except at Siena, but he has had a good time with them, and talked to them a lot about Bessie; if Bessie comes to England in the spring, as he hopes she will, the Frys want her to spend a few days at Dorking with them, from which she could see the Mill House. They will not be able to come to Holland on the way back; they have a fixed date to return by and 'she is not really well enough for visiting'. Confesses that he likes Italy more than northern countries, at least at this time of year. Will write to her aunt tomorrow. Has had a letter from his aunt [Viscountess] Knutsford and from [Frank?] Dugdale, which are pleasant but not worth quoting.
28, Queen Anne's Gate, S.W. - Does not want to 'force [Caroline's] confidence', but has heard from Mary Cropper [letter originally enclosed] and received a letter from Robert this morning announcing his engagement. Hopes Caroline and George approve; Miss van der Hoeven sounds very nice. Hopes it will be 'a good omen of rapprochement between the Dutch and us'; specially liked the people from the Hague whom she saw. The [Second Boer] war is 'almost overpowering'; imagines the anxiety of her cook, Mrs Greenslade, thinking about her husband fighting for ten hours 'without food & water'; seems 'almost too good to be true' if he escapes a third battle; seeing her constantly does bring it home. Margaret [Holland] seems 'almost overdone' with work for the Surrey branch of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Fund; Alice fears it is too much for her; often hears from her but has not seen her for some time. Notes in a postscript that she went to Charing Cross to see the Northamptons off for Egypt; she was the only one there; Lady Northampton is 'very helpless'.
Baveno - Glad to hear that Elizabeth is well, and that she and Robert are enjoying her friend's visit [Laetitia Ede, see 46/91]. He and Caroline have had hot weather, 'bearable' in large hotels; they have also spent 'three afternoons with Aunt Margaret [Holland], driving, boating' and taking tea at their hotel or in 'her lovely garden'. She is 'amazingly good company', especially given how long she has been ill. He is getting over a short bout of rheumatism; Booa [Mary Prestwich] is 'enjoying herself hugely'; Caroline having a 'real rest and change'. Sure Robert and Elizabeth are 'taking the right course' about the [new] house. Hears that [Gilbert] Murray's "Hippolytus" was 'very badly put on the stage [by Granville Barker] and acted'; thinks Murray should not have given up his position [his professorship at Glasgow], unless his health really did necessitate this. Is reading [Macaulay's?] "Frederic the Great", which has 'all that Dryasdust, as well as Clio, can give'. Has also just finished the first book of [Cicero's] "Tusculan Deputations" and has learned from it 'not to fear death'; will learn 'not to mind pain' from the next and wishes he had read it before he got the rheumatism.
Pinewood, Godalming. - Does not need to say how interested he and his wife were on hearing about Robert's engagement but does not like to be 'quite silent' on the occasion. From Robert's account of Elizabeth, which he recognises may not be 'very impartial'; she 'seems likely to make him very happy & to please [his parents]', which is all a mother can want; hopes they may indeed all be happy. Sends love to George.
Is sorry his mother is unwell; glad it is not serious. A boy called Weston wants to swap butterflies with him; asks if she thinks any would break if she brought his box from home when she comes. Is glad Charlie 'has got those eggs' [also a reference to butterfly collecting?]. The school began bathing on Thursday and the weather is 'beautifully fine'. Adds a postscript saying that he has not caught any butterflies yet, but has a 'Gold tail moth caterpillar'. Hopes his father, Aunt Margaret, and Georgie are well. Has got enough medicine, but Miss Bartlett said his mother might as well bring another 'bottle of Pancraticus, not the milky stuff'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Good that the little boy [Charles and Mary Trevelyan's son] 'arrived so promptly'; both he and Mary sound to be doing well. He is to be called George Lowthian. They are now concentrating their interest on 'the next event' [the birth of Elizabeth and Robert's child]. Plans to be with them by the 27 or 18 November, but Elizabeth must say if she wants her to come sooner, telegraphing if necessary. Glad Elizabeth's sister [Mien Röntgen] and the nurse are coming. Mary seems to have 'got through wonderfully well'. Sir George is 'hard at work again' after his visit to the Park [Annie Philip's house] and the shooting party. They have been arranging some Wedgwood china, which Aunt Margaret left to him, in the passage; she left Caroline 'a charming thimble in a box' and both thimble and china have 'family histories attached'.
10 Prinsegracht, The Hague. - Has received her letter this morning, and sent a telegraph to say he has already written to all [the friends and relations] she names, as well as to a few others, such as Mrs [Mary] Booth, since she had invited him to Gracedieu for New Year's Day. Wrote to [Charles] Sanger first, as he lives with him, who got the letter at Cambridge and told George there; had however written to George, and Charles, next day. Has also written to his aunts and Booa [Mary Prestwich]. Has been busy: Mr Hubrecht sent him to visit Bessie's sister Mrs Röntgen in Amsterdam on Saturday, on Sunday he received callers with the family, and on Monday he went to Ede with her and her sister-in-law [strictly, Elizabeth had no sister-in-law: Bramine Hubrecht meant?] to see about the furniture moving. Thinks his mother will have seen his and Hubrecht's letters to his father; hopes that 'little difficulty' is now resolved. Elizabeth is about five foot ten, has 'brownish yellow hair, of rather a light tint', and eyes of he thinks 'greenish grey'. Has not yet written her any poems, but 'must try in Italy'. Will try to get her a ring in Milan; [Roger] Fry may be able to help; leaves tomorrow afternoon, and will spend a few days there as he has much to discuss with Fry. Not sure when he will return: depends how his work goes. Hopes a visit by Bessie to England in the spring can be arranged.
Hôtel Timeo, Taormina:- Returned here on Sunday, and is expecting the Frys back from Palermo this evening; he himself did not want to stay there more than two or three days, so left them. They went to see Monreale, which is ‘even finer’ than he remembered, only to be compared with Ravenna. As far as he can tell, the Frys are ‘going along as well as any one could wish’, though they ‘seem to think… that they are very poor’ and are starting to cut down travelling expenses as much as possible. Expects ‘they will stay in Italy most of this year’, since they do not yet have a London house. The weather has been beautiful; today it is ‘quite perfect’. Is keeping well, and ‘getting along’ with his work; hopes to start back before long. Is glad Aunt Margaret [Holland?] is coming to Welcombe to ‘see the plays’; would also like to do so, ‘if it is convenient’. Wonders what she thinks of ‘the Cretan business’; does ‘not quite understand why we can’t let Greece have the place’ , but supposes it is ‘the emperor of the Scythian barbarians who seems to be chief man in Europe now. Napoleon said that in a hundred years Europe would either be Republican or Cossack’. Hopes his father is well.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Margaret [Holland] died yesterday. Sir George feels it very much. They intend to go to the funeral at Witley on Thursday, and plan to stay in a hotel as they cannot go to Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent]; hopes to get Sir George back on Friday. Seems 'so tragic for Uncle Harry at 81'. Interested to hear of Elizabeth and Robert's 'early expedition'; asks if they found any good furniture.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear that Elizabeth's shopping was so satisfactory; Mary was 'delighted with the scissors', and Caroline likes to think of them 'both cutting out little garments'. Sure Elizabeth will get a 'pretty cot & basket' from Smith; thinks 'their taste is better than in the larger shops'. They had fine weather on Saturday; the Ex[hibitio]n was successful and the sale of work 'really very nice', making fifty pounds with things still left over to sell. Thinks Elizabeth's "Independent" was left in the billiard room; will send it to her. They have got [Plato's?] "Symposium" and are reading it. Misses Elizabeth. News of Aunt Margaret [Holland] is 'very bad'. Fun for Elizabeth to have 'Mr Jan' [Hubrecht?]; wishes he could be at Wallington on Wednesday. Encloses five shillings with thanks.
Thanks his mother for her letter and the book [Henty's True to the Old Flag, see 45/48?] which he has given to Archie; in return he got one called Jack Archer [also by Henry], about the Crimean War; has 'read a good deal of it and it is very interesting'. Sends love to all, and hopes everyone is 'very well'. The next match, with Mortimer, is on the 6th. Hopes Aunt Margaret [Holland] is 'quite well'. Is sending the [school] paper; it contains poetry by 'a lady called Miss Sterling who came to visit Mr Arnold a few days ago'.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Glad to hear that Robert and Elizabeth are having fine weather; it is awful here. Caroline had a 'sharp attack of influenza' but has been careful since. Aunt Margaret [Holland] spent a few days here which did her good after Aunt Alice [Dugdale]'s illness and death. Sir George Young also came for a Sunday, read some of his 'very powerful translations' of Victor Hugo, and told them much about Hugo himself; Sir George is a 'sad, very powerful personage... rather difficult with most people' but they are very old friends. Quite a large party today: Charles; Herbert Paul; Meta [Smith] and her daughter Margaret. They are charmed with [Stratford] and its associations, which form 'a contrast to the dirt and humbug' being printed about Shakespeare in the papers [that he was not the author of the plays]. Mrs Charles Flower said it should be 'seriously argued' as so many people thought 'there was something in it'; he replied that there could not be 'something', only 'everything or nothing'.
Dated in Latin: 'Ante Diem octavum Kalendas Julias [25 May], A[b] U[rbe] C[ondita] 2441 [year since the founding of Rome, but Robert has miscalculated as this is a 17th century date]. First part of the letter is also in Latin: if his mother and Georgie are well, he and Charles are well [a typical beginning for a Roman letter]; he sends love to all. They will begin to bathe next week, or perhaps this week. The half-holidays are Wednesday and Saturday; it doesn't matter much when she visits, but it would be 'nicer' if she chose one of those days. Is sorry Aunt Margaret is unwell. Asks about Spider and Twopenny. Adds a postscript saying that there will be a match soon, then rounds off the letter with 'finis, τέλος, la fin, the end'.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - She and Sir George very sorry not to have Elizabeth and Robert next week, but understand that the journey is too long for a short stay. Most important that they get the house [at Leith Hill] 'well started'; Sir George also thinks it is wise not to travel in the cold weather if she has a cold. Hopes they will stay for [Charles and Mary's] wedding; they must stop if they are not leaving until January, and she wants to see them before they go. She and Sir George plan to travel to London on 29 December, but they are going on a visit from 1 - 4 January. Cannot ask them to stay at Gr[osvenor] Cr[escent] for the wedding, as Aunt Annie is coming, but they could take all their meals there. They are having a lunch party on the 6th before the wedding and would take them to the church and so on. Encourages them to come to town and leave for their travels the day after the wedding. The elections are 'very interesting' but she does not feel hopeful. A postscript saying that Aunt Margaret invites them all to dine with her on 5 January. Sir George sent a brace of pheasants yesterday, after a little shoot with Willoughby.
Trinity [on college notepaper]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Charles left this morning 'like a giant refreshed with Cambridge', having stayed three nights. Robert 'sent back the Scotch paper' before receiving her leave to keep it, but had 'first learnt the quotation by heart'; can get it back later if she still has it. Will not be coming up to London for a while, as 'there is no [law?] term going on at present - not till March'. Has been 'losing other parts of [his] body besides [his] moustache', as he had two teeth out last Wednesday and another will have to follow by the end of the year; 'these operations will be final'.
He and Charles lunched with Aunt Margaret [Holland] last Wednesday, who seemed 'quite well, and just the same as ever'. Has no news to tell her from Cambridge. Is sorry about 'the fall of the beech': they will have to 'do a lot of planting in the interests of our descendants once the wood is cleared away'; supposes the wall has not yet been rebuilt.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes Elizabeth is enjoying her time with Madame Grandmont; wonders whether Robert came home last week. They had a beautiful walk on the moors on Saturday. Very glad to get Elizabeth's news of Aunt Margaret [Holland] 'as it is never easy to understand from men about illness'; very sad to think of her condition. Sir George sends his love and thanks for the letter; he has gone to fish this morning. In the afternoon they will attend a meeting of the managers of Cambo school. Elizabeth must tell her what she decides about the violin, and about the house. Is sorry to hear from Mr [Roger] Fry that one of their children [Pamela?] has been ill; supposes they do not see much of the Frys now. Sends regards to Madame Grandmont; wishes they had been in London during her stay. A postscript says that if Elizabeth wants tea in London she is welcome to take it at No. 8 [Grosvenor Crescent]; the housemaid's name is Maria Springett.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to get Elizabeth's long letters; she and Sir George are very interested about the house, and Elizabeth seems 'to have a good hold over all the plans and details'; hopes a satisfactory arrangement can be made. Much will depend on the length of lease [the Vaughan Williamses] are prepared to grant; thinks there would be more freedom and less complication if Elizabeth and Robert have it built themselves, but she and Sir George think Elizabeth is the best judge; Sir George will look over the final plans if she likes and say if he thinks them 'wise & safe'. Delightful that Madame Grandmont [Bramine Hubrecht] can come to visit Elizabeth. They have just heard from Uncle Harry [Viscount Knutsford] and are very sorry that Aunt M[argaret] is still so ill; asks for news about her; wants to know if Meta [Smith] has reached Norway; must be 'very depressing for them'. Hopes the weather is better tomorrow when Mr Milnes Gaskell and his daughter come. They 'walked across Shafto' yesterday; Sir George has had two days fishing and shoots a few rabbits in the garden every day; lots got in 'when they varnished the gate' and needed to be exterminated. Hope that G[? George?, or Grandmont?] will bring the violin and that Elizabeth will 'like it and get it'; is sure it will be a joy to her. Charlie spoke at a 'great liberal meeting at Welcombe on Saturday', which seems to have been a success. Asks for the names of any interesting books Aunt Margaret has been reading; wants to get a parcel from the library before guests come. Glad Robert is all right and hopes he will stay as long as it suits him [in the Lakes] now Elizabeth has company; lucky she did not come to Wallington or go to The Park [to stay with Annie Philips]. Says in a postscript that it is a good idea for Elizabeth to send her girl [maid] to the dressmaker as it would be useful if she could do some altering and mending.
Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Glad to have 'so cheerful and hopeful an account of Julian' [from school]; sure Robert and Elizabeth will be most interested. They have much enjoyed a six day visit from Iris [Abel Smith] who has been working for three years as a nurse at the convalescent hospital set up by Meta [Abel Smith] at her house, Goldings; she is a charming good girl 'with her grandmother [Sir George's sister Margaret]'s height and beautiful, expressive eyes', and reminded him very much of Margaret 'as an unmarried pet of her uncle [Macaulay?], which was the way to [his own] heart'. Has instructed Drummond's to pay fifty pounds into Robert's account as usual. Some 'very hopeful and at all events resigned' news about Geoffrey [Winthrop Young] and [?] Sessions; does not know if the latter is a friend of Roberts.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Expects that Elizabeth has returned home and that the weather is 'cooler & pleasanter'; it was fine yesterday for the school treat. Sir George has been out fishing twice, which is very good for him. Does not think there will be fine weather in the North for some time, so perhaps Robert will not stay so long; thinks September will be better than August this year and is glad Elizabeth is coming then. They are alone at the moment, but expect Mr Milnes Gaskell and his daughter on Tuesday. Hopes Janet [Ward] will be able to visit Elizabeth; she and George have taken a house in Chelsea and are very happy; their prolonged engagement obviously suits them. Is reading [Elliot's] "Daniel Deronda"; thinks it is 'much too long, and rather tedious', though some minor episodes such as Klesmer's 'talk about art' are very good; also has 'the last new Vol. of Le Gorce [?]' and the newspapers; Sir George is reading Meredith's "Egoist" aloud, which she thinks better every time she reads it. Hopes the negotiations [about the land and house at Leith Hill] are going well; asks whether Elizabeth and Robert intend to build themselves, or whether the V[aughan] W[illiamses] will build and let it to them. Sad that Aunt Margaret [Holland] is laid up for so long and unable to write. Asks how 'the little maid' is getting on, and Gussy [Enticknap]'s violin lessons.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Thanks Elizabeth for her letters; it is a great pleasure to Caroline and Sir George to help her and Robert settle themselves 'really comfortably'; hopes the V[aughan] Williams proposal [to lease them land at Leith Hill on which to build a house] comes to pass. Is very sorry that Elizabeth has been 'worried & upset'; quite understands that Robert is 'trying' when he is upset, as 'All Trevelyans are inclined to be so sometimes, & "get on the nerves" of their women-kind'. Does not like to think of her being alone, and hopes her Dutch friend came yesterday and that she will go to stay with Aunt Annie [Philips] for a night. Aunt Margaret [Holland] has been 'laid up' for more than a fortnight 'with clots'; she has one in her hand and so cannot write; thinks she will tell her Elizabeth could come over and see her. Also suggests that Elizabeth could come to Wallington for a while, and Robert come to join her; they could then go home together and return on 1 September with George and Janet. Does not want Robert before 20 July, but Elizabeth could come earlier. Asks if she is getting any music; must find someone to accompany her at Wallington. Has been 'too cool for a cotton dress' here, though she hears dreadful things from a lady in London who 'nearly died' from the heat when she had to spend two days at the cricket with young people. Booa [Mary Prestwich] is very busy, as Grace has taken a holiday.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear things 'are comfortable at Pinewood'; they hope to go there for a day in November [to see the Knutsfords] as they will probably be in London for a while to give Sir George 'a little change'. Very amused by Elizabeth's account of the church, which must have been the Irvingite [Catholic Apostolic] Church at Albury, for the sect founded by Edward Irving; describes this; Elizabeth should read Carlyle's life of Irving in his '"Reminiscences " and "Miscellanies" if she is interested; Mrs Oliphant also wrote a 'very readable life' of him. The Duke of Northumberland of the day 'was a great Irvingite'; believes 'the present family also belong to the Church'. Asks if Elizabeth saw the 'Silent Pool' at Albury, which is very pretty. Tells her they should not be in a hurry to move. Thinks it a good idea to be revaccinated if there is smallpox about. Asks what she thinks of doing about Mrs Scharlieb; good that she is stronger, but this does not mean she should not 'have the weakness put right'; Mrs Scharlieb might advise her by letter what she should do. Will be in London for a few days around 4 November; asks her to remind Robert to reply to his father's letter if he has not 'as it seems rather indifferent'; a postscript says that a reply has just arrived.
Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to hear the news of the 'Pinewood relations [the Knutsfords]; sure they are happy to have made it up with L[ionel?], though she does not understand quite 'how things stand about him'. Expects Dolmetsch is 'very interesting to talk to about music'; he has a 'touch of genius'; asks if his 'money difficulties' are settled. Sent some game on Thursday as it was the last grouse shooting on Wednesday and Sir George thought they should go; they should be eaten quite soon. Expecting the H[enry] Y[ates] Thompsons and R[obin] Mayor today; Charles leaves on Monday and G[eorge] on Tuesday. Glad Elizabeth has recovered; 'curious how hurtful fruit seems'. George read an extract from his history yesterday, which they 'all thought very good'. Hopes Robert is refreshed by his 'outing this week'.