To Miranda.
We had a delightful day yesterday at Lady Pollock’s with a party from Southwark. We had refreshing drives in waggonettes, dinner and tea out of doors, uninterrupted sunshine, and the greatest kindness. At the station Hallam Tennyson came up and reintroduced himself; he was so kind and friendly, and invited me to luncheon there, saying that his father would be so very glad if I would go. I am to write to him to fix a day.
Larksfield,
September 4th, 1892.
To her Mother.
... I went to Tennyson’s on Monday. Mrs. Hunter sent me over. It was an exquisite drive over the spur of Blackdown, among the heather, and with the loveliest views on each side towards promontory of hill beyond hill descending to the plain. Then, through a long quiet lane arched with trees, reminding me somewhat of lanes in the Isle of Wight; then out again on to the open heath, and then into Tennyson’s grounds. The house ... is not interesting; it stands among terraces set with great evergreens standing rather like cypress at the Pitti; between them the blue distance of valley and hill. Lady Tennyson was very kind, and looked as spiritual and full of heart as ever. Lord Tennyson and I had some talk before luncheon, but nothing of any real interest; at lunch some Americans arrived, and the lady was next to him, and I on Hallam’s right, so I got no talk, and after luncheon he was tired. So far as he was concerned, it was disappointing. But they were all most kind, begged me to go again; and I felt as if I had got a real glimpse of the home. Young Mrs. Tennyson was charming, and I had a quite delightful afternoon with her. She showed me a set of large beautiful photographs of the characters in the “Foresters,” which has been acted in America. She has a large room, with a balcony, and a lovely view at the top of the house near her children.... Lady Sophia Palmer has asked me to go to them next Sunday to meet the Bishop of London and Mrs. Temple, and Jowett, but I am not going. The Hooles are coming here.
VISIT TO THE TENNYSONS
Dear Miranda is so sweet; we read Dante all three together, which is very interesting....
I am going to try to avoid going up to town next week. I seem to long for a little time of quiet; and ten days here would be so restful. We shall see.
December 7th, 1892.