July I

Dearest Fido,
Thanks enclosed and others, which I will read later. I will hold over letters for the moment. I am so excited that you can come. It was lovely to hear you, here in my room, and just the right moment. I usually go down for my letters at about 9.15, though no doubt, they would have put me through, down there, it would have been waste of precious time. You were so near, and as I say, just after 9 A.M. is a perfect moment. I saw the clerk at once and he dug out the manager, and said manager says O.K., but he may not be able to give you front lake-rooms. The side rooms are very nice, I have looked into them but they are on the road- not a noisy road- but tracks beyond. But you know those trains from Minerva. Anyhow, he may find you front rooms. I am really so excited. The drawing room is so enormous and there is a flat terrace at the side, but of course, I like the idea of your popping in and out of your own balcony. I do hope he has those rooms, these rooms- in any case, there is room. Bless you!

I enjoyed Kenneth's letter and all your news startles me about Montanoglia bus. Had card too, from R.A., saying he hoped the Lombardy storms had not upset things here. There was that terrific time just a week ago, on Sunday, practically an all day thunder storm and terrific, with floods, then wind. I suppose that is the one that made news. Dear Fido- this won't go till this afternoon but I had to scream my happiness. Thank you for suggestion, as to miniature. I am startled that V has two teeth! My very best and gruss to Bear

-

July 2

1951

Darling Fido,
No letter this morning- but prob. later, Monday. But this must
go noon-post. I enclose some letters. This plan of you and
Ursus excites me more than you can know. I am so happy.
I wrote the manager said there would be two single rooms, but he did
not know if they would be the front ones. But I will prod him again
and we must hope, as it does make such a difference, facing the
view. I saw Miss B yesterday for tea. She has given me some
mended gloves for you. I said I hoped you would be here, but I
will be a bit vague, also, with Silvia on Wed., as she might make it
an excuse to stay on. I won't say you are due yet. I gave
Miss B another set of choc-blocs, the third set of six. I
thought that better than getting a basket or some-such; it is a
joy to see her picking her six from the Wall of wonderful,
piled-up Vanini choc-blocs. I will see her once
more, provided it is not weather for trip. She goes to-day to
Locarno. I told her that I really much preferred to think of
her happy on a trip, on Tues.; she leaves, as you know Wed., but
I have Silvia then. Then, Thurs., I presume "my" usual train, you
arrive. Is it 5.30 here? Then is hotel bus. I will hope
to meet you; if I miss you, I will be waiting in the big
hall-room. Bless you, dear Fido!

This is just in haste; I was so glad NOT to telephone yesterday.
It is lovely this morning, I think it rained again in the night.
We have an owl, too; K is not the only one. A most wonderful,
almost trumpet-note, not like the ordinary wbl. I think it is the one
he has there, us being nominally Lombardy.

My very best to Ursus

CAT.

July 15

Dearest Fido,
I was so happy with you and Bear. It gives me more time, in
the UNK, to have finished the MSS and to have AVON, as a
sort of sign-post and tribute to Angleterre. Before that,
here
There is the WRITING ON THE WALL, I have no copy/but think much
of the Professor and how I wrote the appreciation, during
that autumn of 1944- all gratitude always, to you and Robert
and L. and L. for producing it. Then the three books
of poems and my thanks again, to you. I feel, with all
reticence, that my SWORD and ROSE are my MAGISTER LUDI
grand finale and I have the two MSS here, though have not
read them, since coming.

The Zinzendorf romance THE MYSTERY is just something that I have on hand to "use up" old notes and pages. That, I like NOT to write, but just keep it for occasional reference. So good, to feel you could use the machine and I was so glad, as I write so few letters- mostly, my type-writer is for writing Kenwin. Well- all this. I feel you and Bear so near. I washed out some bits and pieces and they are modestly draped over the lower chair where they do not flutter in the public breeze. Then, my coffee and that little tin tripod is part of my tapestry, as per Corfu and the famous, recorded wash-stand in WRITING. From the beginning- I can not thank you- Valentin himself, is your gift, for without your wisdom and foresight, dear old Pup might have got entangled in the drab, sad English picture. All my loyalties are there because of you and your care for us, your family and all that they did for Bunchy. But I am glad to feel the turn of the tide- Ludi, the Professor, the Bear, all of another world and inspiration. This is a diffident July 17 tribute. I will write again. I have looked at jokes in town, but did not feel that they were suitable, just my little trouvaille of Ludi's and love and I will go on looking for jokes.

I found your little note this morning, all staff encountered, seemed most affable; you are always so thoughtful and generous.

I have spread the new scarf over my bed-rail and the sea-horses, shells, fish, sea-weed remind me of Scilly and the Isles of Greece. It is all here- as Ludi says in Klingsor.

I am glad you took back the lovely picture, he showed me a peach-tree in the garden-walk, perhaps to remind me of that; also, the first year, I put a peach-tree poem of his into English, thinking it might amuse him, but he never mentioned it- afraid, I might expect him to write me, I suppose or speak in English. What fun, it all was. And I look forward to the next trip. I have been leaping over the Vielen Jahren, and the pictures grow on one and his exquisite writing.

The drawings, I6 and 64, are almost my favourites.

I did not bring the Avon translation with me; sometimes, I wish I had.

But I think, I will save all that for the winter. Please again, tell U. what this has meant. I explained to Madame Ninon that I thought the article you gave, was probably broad-cast- perhaps not. But she was very interested, O Fido- this is a meager list but you must understand what your help has meant, my alter ego always.

I feel in reading the Ludi poems, that my "disappointment" in poor Lawrence is rewarded- I mean for instance, page 94, Alle Tode. Lawrence preached a sort of death but without resurrection- except in that very last Man who Died. With Ludi, there is all the understanding of alle Tode, but always the flowers, the peach-branch, the Schmetterling to follow.

I must try to write him again, later. Dear Fido, you have given me Ludi's Regenbogenspiel, and all the luminous enchantment of Ceresio to add to Bryher and the other Isles.

I will think of you under the Verona arcades and along the chestnut Avenue of our little lake.

Now, I must really close this July 17 letter with blessings to you and Bear. But I will go on with it, and go on with it, D.V., im Zeit und Ewigkeit ...

forever ...

July 16

Dearest Fido,
I had on my list "skirt" and was actually going to look for a light skirt or suit as I have so many lovely white blouses; now, this box comes. I have slipped on the skirt and jacket, they are beautiful; the material is so strange and chinese-print, such a subtle shade and different from anything I have.

This upset me so much that I did not open the box till after lunch- I mean, it upset me that you should be sending me something else. I had been to town to post your little book-calendar and the porter handed me the box as I came back. I did not write before lunch as it was too late. If letters should come at THIS odd hour, you will know that I have been out in the morning. Since being with you, I find it a change to get out to Saipa for coffee.

I am really very upset as you gave me so much, anyhow. I am sending a card to Madame M; the dress is so beautifully made and I wonder where you got the idea of that perfect flannel skirt ? That lovely, lovely pattern, the leaf-spray- where did you get that absolutely unique shantung ? I have not seen such, in many years. Fido ... I am more than a little incoherent. I think of you especially today and wish I were not so shaken over the perfect gift.

I have the others, all treasures- now this! It is like cool woods - Ludi's bamboo ?

No, I am really over-come, Fido. I wanted to write you a long letter but I just can't utter. I will post this on the way down to tea, now in a few minutes. Bless you, for the talk last night. I do hope the weather is better there. Here, we had another thunderstorm, but just mist now and it is cool.

Love to you, dear Fido. The staff is all on its toes- quite embarrassing! I sit in the usual chair just to feel you bother there.

From a special friend

CAT.

July 18

Dearest Fido,
Enclosed from Lloyds; can you answer, if necessary? You
have signed sheets? I will send several more. Thank you for
Times and your letter with enclosures. I saw reference on
Hotson in Scholar A.; the book looks most readable. But
alas- I embarked on Faustus. Curiosity to see where, if and
how it resembled Ludi, led me on and on. Now, I feel I have a
full week of reading on that. I was surprised to find I
could read it- and really anxious to get at his core or
Ludi-kernel. I think I have some clues as to both these Ludis, but
I can not write them fully. He has a long account of the
Euphrata music; I find this most interesting as knew so little
really, of them. Also, some Beethoven anecdotes that are new
to me.
I am deep in it now- almost a fifth
through but have not skipped anything. Well- thank you again,
again. It was wonderful to hear your voice. I had the dress out, to
wear last night but felt a little shy, so went into my best
rose-silk you gave me. Thinking of you, drinking your
health and happiness.
I had lovely dream of your mother
last night, she was herself, but she was Queen Mary. We discussed
planting of geranium cuttings- I suppose the talk of the pearls
suggested Queen Mary and thoughts of you and yours, as
toward Bunch, as for the July dates. Well- I will run this down
at once, come back for my coffee and then plunge into this
Faustus. The trans. is not nearly so good as the Ludi Magister.
Love to all there-
an impossible operatic moon last night; I
thought of you and looked for me on his balcony.

Sun is warm on my back through the slutter-slats. Bless you-
I seem to feel you both still here. love you

I wrote Miss Müller a card and sent back Grieder box; what a
trouvaille, my bamboo forest is!

July 19

Dearest Fido,
I enclose two more signed sheets, in case of letter to bank or
Bureau. Thank you so much for magazine and your letter. Tell Bear
how sorry I am about tooth. Yesterday was almost
frighteningly enchanting, the lake a mirror and reflections out
of primitive Italian - you know legend that Leonardo copied
Maddona of Rock cave or grot, here? Anyhow, I had to
"get even" with it, so took the little Giro, it didn't dispell
the charm - rather other. I wish you and Bear were here. Much
gambling on balconies last night, by rather elegant crowd
from 5th Ave., mostly mothers and daughters dressed beautifully.
Odd, all this. The moon was later and I tried to dodge
dodge it, as was so spell-bound by the day. I must
put aside Faustus for the moment, will read a little before dinner, &
as is my habitude. I want to get back to my own bits-and-pieces and
this cosmic, philosophical, erudite music and magic cult
takes me out of my own modest circumference. But it is a
sort of Ludi opus and I wanted to get the feel of it. Thank you
so much, and I will take a chapter at a time, have about 1/4
finished.
The swallows are screaming and the sun is
blazing again. Thank you and Bear again for the beautiful time
you gave me. Let me have news of Elsie- and remember me to
Melitta. You will be off soon? But where?
I will follow you with little notes, as indicated.

CAT.

July 20

Dear Fido,
Thanks as to paper; but don't send more than you have already. I
don't want to burden you with it, but for some reason, I find it
easier to write on cheap type-paper, I am more in the "writing"
mood. But thank you, all the same. I have a great stack of the H.D.

Paix, but always felt somehow, happier when I used the new paper. I
and the H.D. and the plain sheets that go with the plum
have stacks and stacks and stacks of it, I only use it here for
the few air-mail letters and for signed bank statements and so

on. I have also several pads and lots of the blue
envelopes
paper; enough literally, for ten years, I should think, if D.V., the
Lord spare me. In the meantime, as I say, I am more "at home" with
the cheap type-paper, for daily letters.

I enclose, as from Bank Vaudoise.

I engaged the large double-room, yesterday, as for August
21, 22, 23. I will change it for 21, 22.

I hope things do march with M and all.

I enjoyed the article on pomegranate-tree so very much, did not
realize it was Granada, in the case of K of Anagon.

It is blazing, blazing hot.

I see it is 21 and 22; shall I change this at desk?

I engaged 22 and 23. I am so entirely confused by the letter,
though quite clear really. I mean, it is all such an astounding
idea, V being there with you. No, I do not worry at all about them here,
will be glad to see them and there is so much to do. I think I
will let them have short on long-short giro, the lake is the thing if
one is here only two days. They will have had much scenery on
trip down. I will re-arrange at the desk but not immediately; I mean,
later in the day.

I was so glad to hear your voice yesterday morning. All blessings

July 21

Dearest Fido,

Thank you for letter and all the trouble you have taken and are
taking with the S. Africa and the Union Suisse. I will
look out for the card and return, at once. I have already that
whole book of Express checks, but thank you Fido. I do not think
I will go to Italy. I can not thank you enough for all this and
possible Booklet C. It is hot, hot, hot. I had a talk
with the governante last night, said she walked to the p.o. and
had to change ringing (wringing?) wet clothes. It is ahrnace.
I like it of course, hotel is delightfully cool but a tropic
blaze outside. So forgive this slightnote of deep
thanks for all. UNK, Fido- you say John retpuns
from London Sept. 16 and sails from Paris, Oct. 4th. But I work
or don't I? Is it my UNK ?
I am in a dither myself, nothem so much, but
lanterns are being strung along the little boat landings and
there are more lighted-boats and a general last week-end of
July before the actual week-end of the Aug. fête- you know.
Stands along the upper-park, beyond your boats. I suppose it is
just Aug. Ist, in the offing but it seems so early to begin and it
means now, that ( then) the summer is half over. I think
of you and bear- the old governante asked if I didn't feel
lonely without you. I said you were coming back and me'daughter
etc. etc. No, don't think I meant you to come with them. But
I will be glad to welcome you- you may believe, when you do turn
up. I just can't thank you- all repeat. I will try to use
the paper, it always seemed too GOOD for machine. Thank you
again. I have really become interested in the Mann saga,
because rather Ludi, but of course, quite other. I just read a little
before dinner now. Bless you, thank you - all inadequately
with love
CAT.

This is stupid of me, I just can't "get"
these dates ...

Sunday, July 22

Dearest Bryher,
I too, had card from Robert but do not send, as no
$doutr$ replica more or less, of yours. Now the "Living on
Yesterday" has come. Thank you so much but I am so deeply
excited by the Ludi Mann book and must take it slowly. But
this other will be a great comfort, later. Now, many mags
have come, New Yorker, then the last lot of three. I wrote
twice yesterday. And thank you for paper- I like it better this
length way. The envelopes are a little dusty and I am glad
now, to have it here. I always felt guilty using it for type,
as George so particularly said it was the most perfect
surface for INK. I used the H.D. plume at Xmas time and
have much of that, chez Paix. I addressed your envelope
yesterday, Burier-La Paix. I discovered it just in the nick!

I enclose some of the Bank papers, perhaps you will keep
with other statements. I sent almost a doz. signed papers
back, yesterday. But perhaps there is still something here ?
You will anyhow, advise me ? I can not thank you for the Fr.
5,000 and the dollars 250, because I can not take it in.
I am letting it all sink in, dear Fido.

I am glad you told me about Egypt. The place has gone
crazy with neon and floor-lit columns, and a fair on that
sandy point with circling lights, I suppose old Merry-go-round,
and great va et vient of many lighted boats, flags and
lanterns. I thought it pre-August I, but evidently it is this
high gall. Now, the governante has given me carnations,
not the usual garden-flowers . Why ? Fido, please be honest-
did you tip her and approx., what ? I want to do something

for her, as for the first, I think she would prefer a fr. 20
note, to stockings or sweets. Will you tell me, what is
appropriate. Perhaps the manager had the carnations sent in,
because of possible visitors. I have changed the Schals
to Aug. 21 and 22 now, as per Perdita's letter. It is
confusing. That is the Tues. and Wed., but I presume I could
shift again ... only that seems right. O- Fido deэр, I
could WEEP about that suasage-egg saga. HOW can it go on,
what with all you do, have done and will go on doing ?
The King of Egypt must feel at home here, what with
the heat - perhaps he thought he WAS, while he had that
fight. I do remember Kenneth's letter. So glad you told me - as
really the pavillion at Paradiso and other sudden aparitions
have been most startling!

Please greet M and much gruss to bear

23 - VII - '51.

Fido dear,
I had already posted card and as no news in, Monday
morning, decided to wait till after lunch. Now, I was so
rattled and un-nerved by the idea of that long visit, that
I thought best not to hurry note to you. Now, you must really
believe me, when I say, I want to help. It is heavy here- I
mean, for visitors; so much to do. Also, no house
cares. I do, do think it too much. I will wait your letters,
with exact details. We were having a terrific

storm, perhaps that made the voice more difficult; I
heard you clearly but not so "near" as usually. It is
always good to hear. We had literally furnace-heat yesterday;
I took lift both ways and had just coffee at Saipa. Last
night, after I was ready for bed, I thought I heard what was
radio, as if from next door, was rather annoyed and went to
close window- when, I saw to my shock and surprise, this

very slow drift-past, right under my balcony, of
Neptune, this lovely, lovely full master "light-ship,"
a star, then a basket and some odd small-fry. The lake was
full of little boats, all with brilliant lanterns and this
music was quite uncanny.

All the balconies were full and
I DID miss you and Bear. There was a grand finale of fire-works,
but rather noisy and I went back to bed. Then, the storm broke, but
I learn this morning, all boats large and small got home in time.
They may have had this sort of fête Menetienne before; I might
have missed the show, being at Minerva and Croce. It was
really most beautiful with this music from the large boats,
steaming slowly after.

I am anxious to get out.

It is cool now, no rain but still overcast. I will wait hourly
for news and be ready, at any time, if I can help. It is TOO
MUCH for you.

So much love & thanks you
for letting me know,
your faithful old
CAT.

24- VII- ' 5I.

Dearest Fido,

I like the paper now, so much and think it better to use this.

It really makes a new vibration; your inspirations always work out.

I do not understand why letters all came at once. I rush
down about 9 for post, come back and write you, as a rule,
then post at once, comeback for my coffee. I have had hardly
anything but your letters. I am really terribly touched
about your speaking of V, here. I must think it over. I am
so frightened, Fido, about Italian and Tessin, as to
autumn - you remember my 1929 phobia lingers. I would
feel safer if V were there, somehow. But it is wonderful of
you. Fido, there is so much, so much; I have copied down Susan
dates. I can't see further. I am pleased about your fan
M. Hunt; but no one could be more of a fan of yours than
"we" (editorial) are. I enclose from Norman. I see-
YOU would bring V! Well- Fido- it is too, too much. I can not

realize or get a picture. The heat was almost the worst-
yes, more than 1949, for a day or two; since, there have been
violent storms; now, it is clear, bright, normal very-hot but
not( I hope) actually blistering. I am sorry it seems
congested and E is sulky. I had letter, re same,
yesterday before dinner and then this, re V, this morning.
One of these huge, heavy roll-shutters feel out, next door. I
am glad it was not mine but I have been careful with mine, tell
Bear. I think its all right; I suppose terrible rain beating,
soaked in. Nice people- they vary; some very nice French Swiss
in lift just now, one of the young men almost set fire to
my sleeve with his cigarette, profuse apologies; I suppose it was
an UNK compliment. Food continues good, but int this
weather ... I will write again more
coherently. And I DO thank you for the paper. And V idea!

25- VII - '51

Fido dear,

Thank you for great bunch of letter, your letter and papers.

It was so good to hear your voice yesterday and my thoughts
are entirely with you. I do think Robert should be official
courier. And I have thought of V and how heavenly it would
be to have him- only, as I said, just now we are having
a blister-wave with storms to correspond. I take lift
both ways now; tell Bear I am using his ticket ; I still had a half
of my old one. These envelopes are wonderful but do not
be surprised if I address by hand; they are so thick, I am
always afraid of dislocating the catch. But I repeat, it
is a good thing to have this paper and I am pleased now at the
thought of the bundles of it and the blue, I have in Paix.

As I say, I have masses still too, of the official, as I call
it addressed Paix.

Letter from Robert is most

delightful and brings back out xxxxx 1919 visit there.

That, I will never forget ...

Living on Yesterday is so funny. I am trying to ration myself, so as to make it last. I found the Mann fascinating but a bit heavy-going in this wave. I will read the letters before lunch- and will later, post an interesting one from

R.A., or enclose rather. Thank you for telling me of tips. I have already collected fives and a few twenties, as for or near the first. Yes, I do miss you and

Dear but though the lake is ENCHANTING, I have not had a Giro lately, though was tempted yesterday. The hotel is beautifully shuttered and shaded as you know. I will

look over the Listener articles, thank you. Most odd to have Simond burst in from storm ... all news is so very welcome.

So again with love and forgive rather short, disjointed note -

26- VII- '51

---

Fido dear,
A brief line. Thanks all news. I have put aside the
Lloyd's letter with passport etc. No- please not the
Walney, it does sound good but I have such a stack of papers
etc., mags and so on. If any change of plans, you
might come here instead of Italy for instance- let me know, as
to rooms. It is blazing but not blistering. I do
want to see V, you are an ANGEL to suggest it. More of
that, later. But I could come back. So glad you
are getting "work" done, ones real recreation and escape!
Bless you. Have been typing Zin notes for Woolford.
More next time- infinite thanks always and gruss to Bear

CAT.

I inquired- les visites park their cars here, on the grass or in
garage, under the oleander terrace, below the funicolare!

July 29

C1951]

Fido dear,

You know how I hate to bother you - but I can not cope.

Could you write 3 lines, if indicated, saying I hope to
write later- or something. I enclose the other letter, keep
this Reynolds , I suppose. I wrote once, he is friend, I think
of Francis Wolle.

How good you are about

of Francis Wolle.

Master V; it was climate I thought of when I hesitated
about Lugano, but, as you say, we can discuss this, later.

I think you are RIGHT about Susan. O- what a lot is being
put on Fido. You know I COULD come back, but then - what
about you here ? I must leave it all till after Ist, am always
a bit upset at that turn of the tide, giving tips etc. I will
get the gvnte a box of be-ribboned chocs at one or other
place. Hot.

You letters mean so much.

The Express tourists have gone; it seems more families, now,
over August 1st, I suppose; several groups with nice
infants; I observe carefully, none quite so small as
master V., but some xopoxx tots.

you see Kenneth, all greetings there.

Zürich professor xturnad was helpful.
many mistakes, partly, because one can not open shutters, with
blinding sun.

Bless you and forgive short, disjointed notes of late.

writing again, as per
usual. Best gruss to Bear -
I do miss you on these
occasions. Took a walk
in Parco but so very crowded,
little Giro quite impossible.
So much love from CAT.

Hotel Bristol
LUGANO

HELVETIA

POSTKARTE

CARTE POSTALE

CARTOLINA POSTALE

Mrs. W. Bryher

Villa Kenwin

Burier-La Tour

VAUD

July 30

Fido dear,
Terrific display of most beautiful
fire-works, last night. I suppose they save
Wed., for the mountains. Anyhow, I was most
impressed, though don't usually care for the
accompanying bangs. Whorls and circles of
white, gold and green stars, reflected - very
fete Venetienne again! No letters at all,
this morning, so this just to say, I will be

Hotel Bristol

LUGANO

July 31

Well, Fido, the last day of "our month". Bless you all there, for to-morrow. I got a pretty basket with handle, very Victorian and quaint and had it filled with Vaninni best, for the little gvnts.; she was delighted. I gave it to her yesterday, at once, as I was afraid the beautiful pas dur chochs might melt. She came again and thanked me before dinner where I was sitting in the cool, reading my dear, funny "Yesterday." I only have about two more rations of it. Now, I had letter last night and this one just now, with list of visites. I was amazed and appalled. My first thought was and is that it would be BLISS to have V here, but honestly the heat has been phenominal. I like it, as you know, but ... we will, as you say, wait and certainly, I must come back, wither to Comte or Kenwin. Possibly the hotel? We can go into all this. Please

greet all and sundry, as indicated, as they come and go.

I do my general all-round tipping, to-day. It will be rather fun-now I had the successfou with the basket. Please do greet all there. I don't know if you will get this letter to-morrow, but I will slip it in box at once, anyway. I will look out

for the article you speak of. I am so upset about the pearls. How COULD it have happened ? There is only the

Butler saga to hope on. There is an odd bloke here, next door, with pyramid of bags piled up neatly outside his door.

I see labels but I don't dare read. I have met him in life, rather heavy, rather Purvis-world, old-world. The maid complained one day that she could not do his room as he did not get up. Is he ill ? Or what ? Sometimes trays are dumped on the table outside his door. I wonder if my machine annoys him. I never hear him, that side. I think the rooms, well insulated. Bless you- so much love and memories of other first-s. Crowds, crowds, crowds- one can hardly stand, down by the docks!

Griin + to Elsie, for her fette, even with love C.A.T.J