Hotel Bristol
LUGANO

August 2

Fido dear,

I have a feeling that Ludi might like enclosed; the first
compared him unfavourably to Mann; just tell him it was a
controversy or something. Also- surely- you want this Edith ?
I will read and post your letters later. Lenclose from Ashby.
We are all wrecks. We had a sort of Chinese fire-festival. It
began at 10 P.M. and lasted 1¼ hours, non-stop. They had
set up float just outside here, beyond your warf. Then there
were two boats stationed beyond—and dozens of little
boats, all waiting for SOMETHING. I had observed the float-warf,
so expected ... but NOT a fire-festival with trees, mountains,
dragons, floating at ease, while we all gaped and gasped- I
mean, a thing like the star-of-the-east, a manifestation that
positively hovered at the end of a long snake-column of
Chinese-grey smoke. NEVER have I seen the like. The bands were

terrific. There were long fence-like arrangements on the
float, one caught fire- the next- the next- There was no speech.

People stood four deep in our street here, on the steps of the
funi. etc. etc., but absolutely silent. It was amazing. That
alone, should bring you here next time. There were the usual
fires, but they let them and the children's little flashes go on

until 10. It was very good to hear your voice- I always
hesitate, as I wait to hear what brings you to my room.

Always, such a delight... and to hear Marya going on and on. I told
her she must ring off. If still there, can you ask? Should I pay
the bill? She seemed to think I was around the corner- it was all
most quaint, I am so glad they were happy in Venice.

Bless you- I will get this right in the box. Please tell Bear
I did so miss him, last night.

Hotel Bristol

[1951]

August 3

LUGANO

Fido dear,

I am so happy about the pearls- please tell Elsie how glad I am. I have your note, re Rome. I have noted dates.

My calendar is a labyrinth. Do hope you have a happy time, all love to K; I can't think of anything I want. I enclose the two last letters, thank you. The heat is terrific- almost volcanic. I am glad, at the moment, that no one is here, en

visite. The fire-works were imported from Naples; the company sends its own men or comes itself, I shouldn't wonder, as Mr. Camizund(?) was rather disapproving, when I spoke of the Sunday night ones. They were from Campione, he said, and they did not show properly because of the smoke. The ones I saw ( a pre-view of our own) were ,as I wrote, breath-taking. Can Bear explain ? What a saga. They built the float themselves, I imagine it may be portable, in parts. This was done last year, here, for the first time, but Mr.C said

weather was not so good, they had to put it off and show a few
at a time. I wonder if K knows of these? It was so
absolutely I8c Venice. No one could attempt to send them off
from here- a great art, I agreed with Mr. C. They brought
them themselves, to watch shakings and possible damp. I have
been in a daze ever since, as it was pure occult Chinese screen
pictures, I mean, trees, fountains, the line and proportion and the
background of that Chinese soft-grey smoke! No special news
in, another beautiful card from R. A. from Arles. There
won't be time, hardly for another letter- but I won't feel
cut-off and won't say good-bye. I will let Bear know if I get in
any pickle and I hope he will realize I am here, if he wants
me, for anything. Bless you and bon-voyage

Two bowls of roses from the vnts, but garden-ones and one of the
badges, formally presented!

August 10

Hotel Bristol

Lugano

Fido dear,

The letters enclosed are mostly, your own. I had your
Roman letter of August 6. I was terribly upset, could
hardly sleep last night. I inquired how long from here; porter
said ten hours. I somehow, don't actually SEE you here
in Sept.; it was different when Bear thought of it. Somehow,
I feel, I better come back or even go south. But there is the
question of clothes and bags. Should I send most back to
Vaud ? To Paix ? I could even settle in at Paix, and then,
come over to Kenwin. I don't SEE myself in Kenwin with the
bags and no one to haul them up the stairs. Anyhow, you will
have Melitta still there. But I am thinking it all over.

It is no further for you to Rome, than to come here, and we
have done that so often with Robert. I have been happy, the summer
has been wonderful- only, lately we had terrible storms,

trains blocked at one time; rain again and storm, but it is
clear enough for me to go out. I can not tell you what your
letter DID to me; we had a dame as exactly described by you,
here, dark blue or black very, very trim tailored and never wore
anything else, and talked hours over every meal, with the Maître.
I think I told you of some Italians who were here. I know the
type but a whole city of them! I am wondering about Susà
and all the rest. I will write more to-morrow; I finished up some
pages for Miss W. So interested in K and all.
You letter was a god-send; I missed not hearing. There is
a cold and tummy-germ about- we were told not to drink the
water after the worst storm. I have had a touch of it but am
better. No, I really think all would be better if we met
somewhere else- but we will go into that. Forgive choppy
note. I want to get out between cloud-bursts. Thank you again and
again for your letter.
So much love
J Italian memories
FROM DEVOTED
CAT.

C19517

August II

Hotel Bristöl

Lugano

Fido dear,

I had your second letter, this morning and I am HORRIFIED
at your idea of me being chaperoned by a German baroness or
having a maid or anything. If I am not stylish enough for
Kenneth, he will just have to drop me, like a hot brick. And
hot brick says it- no, I do not think, after all, that September
is indicated. I will leave you to work out the time and
place. I will stay on, happily, if you would like a change here.
On the other hand, I can easily come back or come back later.

I do think for M E, being my 65th, that I would like a complete
change of programme- not that I don't want to see you, but
I do want it rather understood that the IOth from now on, does
not really feature or register. See ? Its different for
you. I skipped the IOth, all my so-called "married life"!

Thank Bear again for ringing me yesterday. It
was such a comfort to hear his voice ...

You brought much back and heaven with it. I long to hear
of Susan-Bear rang me, at time of our tropic storm and said
she had been delayed, and no word, of course, of her, in your
letter. Now, it is sheer glittering-plain, the whole
place like a washed rain-bow.
I did so love your
letters; but Oh, Fido—that you should say I at 65, need a
chaperone — perhaps, a secretary-companion when I am 70, if
the Lord spare me, but not yet!
I am not re-reading your
letter, it is too exciting and strange, and needs so much
1890 reserve and delicate wit and nouances to cope
with.
Did you say 1890? I dare not refer back.
Fido, you are dreadful. And those hours off, when I am sure I
could not sleep — and no dinner till nine. But bless you. I
am so glad you went and will be in a trance of joy when you get
back to-morrow, all beaing as arranged. Bless and bless and BLESS
you,
and all love
CAT.

you and hope you come here, if indicated. I will wait for your own plans, before deciding anything- but NOT Rome, in early September. I couldn't stand the heat. Bless you for writing so generously. Gruss to all there

August 12, Sunday.

<table><tr><td>abbonatevi</td></tr><tr><td>alle nuove emissioni</td></tr><tr><td>di francobolli postali swisseri</td></tr></table>

POSTKARTE CARTE POSTALE CARTOLINA POSTALE

Madame W. Bryher

Villa Kenwin

Burier la Tour

Vaud

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

I hardly know what to do, till you are
back; I am thinking of you, all the time. I had
the third fantastically beautiful letter, from
you both from Antico!. I have just sent K
a card. I long to know more, but do not take off
precious time, to write. It is cool and
clear as crystal here now. I wonder of
Susan, greet her if or if-not there with you
now. I will write to-morrow, this just to fill
in the Sunday gap. I do long to see

August 13

Hotel Bristol

Lugano

Fido dear,

Thank you so much for ringing last night; it is so good to
be right in touch again. I will be thinking of the arrival
of the 3 Vs, you will give all messages and greet Susan
for me.

Before I forget - please let

me have Elsie's and Miss Butler's date. It is sunny,
luminous and fresh; I try to find details of the storm, but
all I get is, "the papers exaggerated." It was apparently
worst at Bellinzone with a bridge broken. So

worst at Bellinzone with a bridge broken. So
amusing to hear of K and Capri; I will be all a-gog for a
real gossip with you. I am taking this down before
collecting mail, and will add a line if anything of any
special interest turns up. Enclosed destroy. I will
send from R.A., when answered. Please greet Bear and thank him

August 15

Hotel Bristol
Lugano

Fido dear,

Thanks another Italian letter and two cards. Thanks papers and
one that Elsie forwarded, now thanks lot of letters, I enclose ;
how interesting from Marya! Poor Robert- please give
messages from me, when you write.

I will return other letters, later and some more of my own.

I leave everything in your hands.

I had card from the ship with English stamp- no doubt, you
had the same.

I inquired about telephone; they said it was all in order,
probably some storm-disturbance en route.

Forgive short note, Fido- I am trying to re-organize clothes,
Unk and ego. So VERY much love

August 16

Hotel Bristol

Lugano

Fido dear,

I am going down to desk to confirm again; the Schafs come
for two nights, 21 and 22; Susan comes for three nights,

21, 22 and 23.

I will of course, see

her off on the Friday.

I am a little worried that the

Schafs have not wired you but will hope all is in order

to-day.

I am a little disturbed about the

Sept. arrangement, as I am quite happy to come back and it

might be better if V is not alone there. Please do not

take this trip as for the 10th. I am sincere in wanting to slide

over the actual date. I am grieved about Robert. I am trying

to write some letters but have been so confused in the UNK

and EGO over this arrival, delay etc.

Bank was closed yesterday, Assumption. I have plenty of money,
I confirmed there a day or so [xgmax] ago,
have of the original Fr. 5,000, still over Fr. 2,900,
almost with what I have in hand, Fr. 3,000. Please do not
send any more. I have scribbled a line in the Bristol
folder, will you give to Susan and say I hope to write , later. I
want to get this to the noon-mail. It is dim and
misty, a rest after all the brilliant light. What about
Ashby ? I worry so, as she kept referring to trip and I told her
that I would probably be in Vaud, by mid-September but she may think
you are there. I have written Miss Butler as for
birthday- can you give me Elsie ? It is probably past.
Of course, nothing will get on my nerves; I am looking forward to
it all and Susan will help with the Schafs!

CAT.

Hotel Bristol
Lugano

August 17

Dearest Fido,

Thank you for everything; I will write Bank after lunch. I was so touched to hear dear Perdita's voice, will you tell her. I have a letter from Cole, will send, she is so excited and speaks of her darling Perdita. She adores V. Dear Fido, I am so happy about Susan, will you tell her as I want to get some last Zin. pages to Miss W.; thank you too, for the C booklet, all this is heaven and such a relief. Now, I will NOT plan Rome from here; I have not the clothes nor the "personality." I will come back with you, if I may. Of course, I shall be so happy to shop with Susan, of course, I know the shop. I am getting things in order so we can have the whole of the short time together.

I had a marvelous typed letter from you, last night, from Rome; it was 45 c. overdue, so I suppose, for that was late, but porter said Italian mail did often arrive very late.

I again talked to Mr. Camizund about rooms, he thinks he can give S, a front one at once; I said I hoped that she and Professor P would be over next summer and that my own daughter and son-in-law would come back, too. He is most affable and interested. I was so relieved to hear they were safe at Kenwin. We will go into the birthday dates, have letter; I so long to see you. Have had interesting contact with north Irish, a very charming old-world man and wife. He spotted me in lift, "what part of America do you come from?" His father had had business connections in Philadelphia. Greet Glovers and of course, tell Bear, I think so much of him and remember a lot of our lovely visits in those big chairs. Bless you for the C; I must re-fund! I keep thinking of things to show them, the new turtle-park, you did not see and the deer. Please tell them! Forgive this, darling Fido- so grateful that V is with you.

Oh- bless you for *Sword*; that better wait, too, till I see you.

[1951]

Saturday, August 18

Hotel Bristol

Lugano

Fido dear,

Let me know time they get in; of course, bus will be there; tell
them, it is usually the far end of the line, to their /left/right/

as they come in. If by any chance, we miss, I will be
in hall. But I will plan to take the bus from here, so as to

be sure of it, as I made the mistake when you came. I long
to see them and don't want to miss a moment. We will plan
just what they would most like, depending on the weather.

Give them all my love. The maid here keeps complaining
about mostik bite on her hand; she has had it all swathed
and I think most of my pot of Culpepper lemon-cream went
to it; the first time I have ever had cause for suspicion- and
do not resent this, only don't like the FEEL of something of
the sort, scraping my jars. This has never happened, and I am so

Sunday, August 19

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

Fido dear,

Enclosed Bank, also two signed sheets. Could you not post direct,
saying I had sent, as for your approval? Thank you for
all enclosed letters. Please tell me how Val will be looked
after, if everyone leaves ? This worries me, a little. The
Cento trains are so easy to miss. I will hope to be there, but
tell them, to come direct to hotel, is I am not. I don't think
bus meets Cento, in which case, they can take taxi. I have
read reviews of that sea-book- so glad you have it. I am leaving
discussion about Rome. I will be so glad to see you- only, wonder
about V and I don't think suitable for him here. I could
easily come back. I, of course, haven't even hinted at desk
about Bear being late or anything.

Mrs. W. Bryher
Villa Kenwin
Chemin du Vallon
Burier-La Tour

VAUD

I just send card, as no letter
this morning. I hear from
N and will send when
answered. I am so glad, all
round that S is coming.
Bless you and thank you
for the GIFT, it was not
necessary. Greet all,

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

August 20

I am so excited about to-morrow. Thank you
for ringing. You had not spoken of
nurse and I worried, lest you be left, I am
so happy that V loved the terrace. Oh- Fido,
I wish you were coming too. I will think of
you and live till September with hope of
your visit. Thanks for paper in, this morning.
I leave for the English-speaking, I often see
them picking over Time, Times, Listener.

August 22

Fido dear,

I regret terribly but I can't do much more than sign this.

If you think better for me to send, will you give me, with
cencil marks, as to entries. I am so afraid I may muddle
it.

They seem VERY happy here. The two gals are at hair-dresser and
John is at Bear's Barber of Seville. We hope to take small
Giro after lunch. Mercifully, the sun has come out. It is lovely
having them. I will see them off to-morrow and Susan, the day
after. Thank you so much for ringing yesterday. It was a comfort
to hear your voice. Oh- thank you so very much for everything.
I gave them love and Valentine news and greeting. Thank you
for little note this morning.

Infinite apologies I love

P.T.O.

Passport number is : C. 251439.

Valid until : 17 December 1956.

I don't know if you might need this.

The letter was sent to Paix and re-addressed here.

We have the three rooms in a row here, so very beautifully arranged and good of them to do it. Susan is mad about the shops. More later, darling Fido. I do miss you.

I think better not to mix the type ; Born Sept. 10, 1886, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.America.

August 23

Hotel Bristol,
Lugano

Fido dear,

Just a line. Susan will have brought all messages. This will reach you on your Sunday return. Everything was PERFECT. But I will be glad to rest and collect myself and put away a whole birthday-table full of presents from them, from N.Y. and Lugano. It was all very touching. John, like Bear, feel in love with his balcony - and having the tree rooms in a row was a great help. P got bitten on the hand but by a hornet, she thought, over fruit in the dining-room. She used some of your mostik stuff and it was all right, later, but I was upset at first. Susan is mad about the arcades, I brought her down from station to show her the Croce, that top and the slope down were all new- she bought a lovely basket in the old market. They liked Giro, loved it, but were happy just to prowl. All this is a general letter of thanks to YOU for the

house-party and the happiness. It was
a success fou, in spite of first rain, a rain early this
morning, but it cleared. P is getting J a blue-guide as
from me, for his birthday, they had only the German edition here.
He is charming and all too good about meals, they were usually
waiting for ME. I do long to see you and talk more. I have
loved all letters but could not write. Now, I will get back to
my little squirrel-routine, I hope. Now, I am taking S to
look at watches- just to LOOK. She bought her mother a lovely
blouse at the shop and the dame there wanted all news of you,
and looks forward to your September visit. I must get out now
as S is waiting. A thousand thanks, so much love and
gratitude.

P was so pleased for messages about Val!

August 25

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

Fido dear, I enclose two sheets, one signed, one not, in case of long letter at any time. I think better to send enclosed to you, in case of any further suggestion. I'm sorry that I can't cope with it. You will advise me? Or/and write direct?

I have two books, the Italian one and the other translation, which I had once tried to read a bit, in original. Thank you. I am leaving all books, the American ones as well, and simply WALLOWS IN G in the Italian Summer. I would like to send it to John, maybe, for Xmas.

I think of you in Zuri. Here, it is over-cast, a bit thundery.

I will enclose other letters later. I am glad of good news of Val.

I left my pocket-book at home yesterday, I NEVER remember having done that. I got Frs. 5, from Bank, they were very kind and sympathetic. It will take me a little time to

re-adjust, I long to talk it all over with you.

Did you book for Robert here ? Do you want me to alter ? I am so
drefully sorry- but had written about Mark and felt I couldn't
get in the right mood, with the family on the horizon. What is
there to say ? It is pitifully tragic.

This is just to get word to you, over week-end; it is
after tea, but this will get the five o'clock post.

Bless you and thank you,

Monday, August 27

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

N.B. Will you please tell me how to spell Linsley or
Lindslay or Linslay House, on the Thames at Chelsea, where
Elizabeth was at one time and near Thomas Moore ? It is the house
where the Zin.s were. I can't find my note to that effect.

Dearest Fido,

I had a ring from these Melliquists from Ascona. It gave me
such a turn, but he said they were off to-morrow, back to Lausanne,
so I was most affable and said we would meet there in Sept.;
I was apparently too affable, as ½ hour later, another ring,
he said they were coming over, would be with me an a hour.
I said, Oh-Oh- how dreadfully sorry I was as an old friend
frined from England was here; I had neglected her as me' daughter
etcetera, was so very sorry etcetera. He is writing or ringing
you, I said it would be better to write. I thought it might be
you- was so un-hinged by the second ring, such a narrow escape.
But I will try to see him on return. Sorry if I let you
in for anything.

Nothing at all/in, this morning. Thank you for Zuri
letter, I was so glad to hear. And before that, all good
news of Val; sorry he wakes you up. I rather look forward
to a peek-in at dawn. Charming, funny card
from Florence, Giotto's Tower ( of course ). So much
love, and looking forward to your coming, when I can let down
my back-hair.

Griss to you,
CAT.

August 28, Tues.

51

Hotel Bristol
Lugano

Dear Fido,

Thank you for letter of 27th. I want in particular, that the least possible fuss is made on 10th, as they had a table for me, in the best Beaven manner and I am still very shattered. I can't write Robert, as to this effect, but will you please tell him-no bundles and paper wrappings. I have a suit-case of them, already. If I can't be simple and Quiet on my 65th, I will have to plan a year ahead to go away somewhere, next year, if the Lord spare me. And I mean this. Please don't do anything, Fido. And if it seems better not to come or Bear needs you, just arrange your end, as best. I am still gaga over the visits - the Schafs were lovely-S was good too. But there was so much, so much VISTA. I had letter from K, I will post later.

August 29

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

Dearest Fido,

I am so frightened about Val getting stuck in that crib. Do you think I better come back for 10th? I am really so home-sick for you all. If Bear is to be late and Robert not coming, wouldn't it be better for me to return, if you can have me? I love to think of you here, but the season somehow draws to an end, lovely sun now, but several damp, humid, slightly depressing days, as I found happened toward fall. It is early, I know. I could come a few days after 10th. Do let me know how HE goes on, he will be walking and climbing, Heaven help us all, soon!

I am posting two little things, because I want to FEEL they are on the way. You will see they are birthday and keep for 2nd, as you wish. Please keep my things, if any, there. Darling Fido, don't please over-burden yourself if you DO come. I am sending

some of the books too, soon, as my packing will be so
complicated. I always did send books. Thank you for letter.
I am so glad I dodged the Ascona people-I feared they were
perhaps close friends of Gregories. I am glad
Melitta keeps Val Guessing. I am so afraid Val will get stuck-
PLEASE xxxxxx sew canvas round the cracks! But you all
know best. Oh- what a turn you have given me!

Love to all
from

CAT.

---

August 30, Thursday

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

Of course you are to have front room; surely, that was
understood. But I am taking letter down, thank you for writing,
when I pay my bill at noon. I have for you, Frs. 370, as
from the 600 you sent. They charged the Schafs each 25 and
Susan, 26. I will try to arrange as to price, 24
usually;
for front, as I suppose for those few days and having had the
best rooms kept, one would expect to pay a little more. I am
sorry about Robert, but that is settled now, anyway. Thank
you for papers, please do not send any more books or papers,
unless special, as I must begin now to sort and even pack. I
can't give my full time to you if I am packing and sorting
after 7th. Of course, I will come to meet you.

I sent off two little things yesterday and the other is now

Thanks for your kind letter, Lindsay!

going but will reach you a day later. I am sorry but GLAD.
They won't take up any room and I couldn't have your
"birthday", slight as it is, jumbled up with my end-summer
sorting and packing. You know my heart comes with the little
rememberances and all my love.

Should I return before you and Bear? I feel so home-sick for Val.
But of course, it would be pleasanter to travel with you.

Anyhow ... the point is, I am so very glad you are coming. We
had a real summer-sun yesterday, it has been a little damp
and not much wind. You know the hot sun, brings the cool wind, here.
It really seems so. I walked up to station p.o. to post your
two things, and was tempted to look in at Minerva. Maybe, later.
Bless you, bless you. Yes- I am so happy about 7th.

AM LOVE

from
CAT.

August 31 57

Hotel Bristol, Lugano

Dearest Fido,

I arranged last night, as for Bear, the 10th. I, of course,
stressed front-rooms, he said it would be all right. The first
time, I asked for same price but I will leave that; he may
charge as he did for the others, a few francs extra. I will leave
it all now, looking forward to your coming- and so glad that
Bear will follow so soon after.

Yes, I paid about that, to Mr Baylis, last year. Will you speak to him, I don't feel I can write. Please give me a W O R D about Val when you write. I expect you send reports to Perdita and that seems enough. I got so dreadfully home-sick but feel better now, much better, now you are due- and your ring and direct news of Val. Thank you, as to letters, I will later, begin sorting them; it will be a great help.

Can I pay Miss Christians after work is done- should it be before?
I am staggered as I asked Miss Voules to inquire about type,
re Zin. MSS, thinking I might get it for Xmas. Miss V writes
two or three weeks. I will anyway, write
that C will do it in about
Voules, as to this, she can ask Christian; Voules seems pleased
to have the MSS to take in for me. I will send letters later.
The Camizund seemed impressed with your letter and said,
"may I keep it ? " I said, "but it is for you." I think he
likes all our family, they have been very, very kind. I just felt
the least bit lost after P and J went. But I think
it was better, just the short visit and visits. We did do a lot-
Susan and I. More of this, later.

Endless, endless LOVE to Fido for 2nd. I went up to Minerva
to have a look. No one about- they have painted out that
lovely painted ceiling in the front room. Palms and pines
looked magnificent. I will go again, make the excuse that I am
asking news of former Minervas. It was quite lovely, up there. I
was surprised to find it so very green and fresh at the back (or
front) of the house. I thought of our two summers- and all, all
MEMORIES, with again birthday love and gruss. Tell Bear
How happy I am.
Blessings for September 2nd
from
the long-devoted CAT.