September 2

Dearest Fido,

Again, all happiness for this coming year!

Thank you for card, just in, so glad that you and Doris had some
good days together.
I want you to
arrange as for yourself, the trip down to Rome. You did say,
you would rather fly via Zurich. If you can change sleepers,
and want to go that way, please do not consider the 10th.

That can look after itself and I am happy here and trying to
finish the sequence for Norman. I can not go down on the
15th. If it were absolutely indicated, I could take the day
train, later. I have asked porter for details. I will of course,
re-fund my sleeper-costs. I do want you to realize that
I want YOUR happiness, and that all that really matters, is
that you have a serene, peaceful time at the villa and in the
garden. I assure you, that that is ALL that matters. I will
go, as indicated, if indicated to Venice, in time to see Harold.

Perdita could meet me there or here. Heydt is very
uncertain, in any case and worried as Boss did not want him
(for some reason) to be away until he, Boss, had his own
holiday. I expect there are snags, and an analysis is the last
thing, I want to interfere with. Heydt did say he would come
down, any time, just for the DAY but that seems such a
fatigue ... and perhaps, we can arrange for him to come here during
his real time off- even I could go to Venice, a second

time. He thought, but was not sure that he could get
to Venice, as from 25th for about five days. But I won't plan,
as for that. I know Venice and so dearly love it and have been
reading some of the old books you sent me, all the memories. Rome
was never very near to me, and I haven't the happiest memories of
it. I say, yes, I am very sorry, if this upsets your plans- but
why should it ? I am writing in a hurry, just to met you

know, so that you can arrange differently. I won't write

September 4

Fido dear,
Don't ring or make any fuss, in any way, please, but I do NOT
WANT to plan Venice, or anything else. I didn't quite SEE
it, in any case. Let Perdita stay a few more days in Rome, where it
is gay and where she can see the two. She can then, come here
and even, if it was indicated, as a last-minute joke, we could
take the bus down, as a sort of "excursion" only. I am not
anxious to go and stay. Heydt's plans were, as I wrote you,
very vague- and I think, anyway, he would be just as
happy to have a long week-end here. I will try to write him, to
that effect, so if he rings, re Bear, PLEASE do not, in any
way insist on this trip to Venice. We could, in any case, perhaps,
go later, when he really has his holiday and knows where he stands.
I went in to ask or trains; there is direct from here,
at 10.50 Lugano, 6.03 Venice. There is no dining-car but
train waits one whole hour at Milan, as from 12.80; the price
single, second, is frs. 26.80. The bus is frs. 40, from
7 A.M. to 5.30 P.M. But it stops Verona, Padua and
so on. Globus. Now please do not think I am giving
up anything, as really, I have tried to visualize this and really
could not; not just now. I would be more at peace to have P here
quietly, she could perhaps go back Zurich with you. In any case,
Heydt would prob. come down for long week-end and we could all
be together. No, Venice is too far for 4-5 days;
It takes really from Z, a whole day there and back. I did not
inquire about right-travel, but anyhow, I would not be very
happy, feeling he was so rushed.

I asked Express, re rooms; they say after about 22nd, the
crowd thinks out, it is the big film-festival that takes all
places, everywhere. In any case, I am, please, just letting this
DRIFT ... I too, would be so very tired, and not able to feel that
I could give Perdita all that strength, and you know, she should have
a good time. Here, really, she is always so happy and independent, and

Sept. 20

Dearest Fido,

Thank you for garden-letter and sketch and all news, and also,
for ringing. I think of you now, about to flit off. I had
such a happy time with Agnes Latham, she was so interested
in all here, came back with me and sat in the boudoir; she
was going off in the evening to J. Caesar in Italian, she
had seen the English version. Thank you for all
enclosures; the Greek notes are very interesting. Rohoes and
the butterflies, especially! Forgive my so-dull letters, of
late. That noise still goes on but I am making it a sort of
"guide", so that at a given moment, I am FORCED to leave my
chair and go out. I am prone to laze here and there was a nast
nasty germ about; I speak of it only now, as it is OVER, I
only pray it will be all right for you and Perdita. I
have some good stiff tablets and just loafed around but I
have been unable to concentrate on anything. People have
stopped sneezing up and down the hall; it's this change over
toward October, it always seems to happen here. Now, it is
convert and pleasant; I note the usual nebulosa round Zurich.
I think Latham rather tempted to stay on but she has some
ideas, too, of Constance and wants to look at Zurich.
I am so glad that Bear is better; it has been a very trying time
for you; now just FORGET it all and stay as long as you
can there. I am sure I will not be wanted, but I myself could
always dash to Z, if you wanted more news. Please do greet
the family- my very best love to you and dear Perdita.
I will hope to write K and Islay too, again, some time.
I will write perhaps, once more to Anticoli- or else wait
directions. Anyhow, in any case, this is with all, all love
and so looking forward to your coming- and my blessings and
welcome again to dear Pup,

Sept. 22

Dearest, dearest Fido,
I have written Robert, Doris, Voules and am writing Norman.
Erich rang me this morning and I feel very weak in
the knees, but do, do think it is for the very best. Bear was
so frustrated and suffering at time, physically, I am sure and
Erich said he seemed cheerful, the last time he saw him,
yesterday and apparently went peacefully this morning, about four.
But you will know all this.

Erich says he did not take off today and he says he will
bring you down here, in a few days. Now, this is the place for
you, Fido and I think it will be wonderful to be together. I
don't know what Perdita will be doing, but I was expecting
her, in any case, the week-end.

I am writing Melitta and am now sending Elsie a line.

Please let me know of anything I can do. Erich said he did not
think I was needed there, though I could have rushed up - and
can, later, if you want. But he was very certain that you
should get away and is arranging to bring you. I will be
so happy to have you here, now and always.

I will write again, this to go out at once, to say that we
are expecting you here. The porter and head-waiter both
were so kind and send sympathy, "such a nice man gone."

CAT.