DLA123-0245  Transcription

3, FITZ JOHN’S AVENUE, N.W.3.

Friday.

To Paul at Rugby / 18 December 1921 / Stephen / Henry [annotated in pencil in another hand]

My dearest Pauli.

Glad to get your letter dear ‘Rotty’! I have several important things to say – First, the nice day I spend with you at your confirmation – I was sorry it was a day of strain for you on account of the exams, & therefore your mind was much oc-cupied – But our thoughts for a time were running in the [same?] [illegible], thinking about the real, yet unseen things of life, in evidence of which Christ died, & of which every sacrifice in life is a new evidence – the life of the Kingdom of God –

I hope you have done well at the exam, altho it was a bit soon for you to go in for it? Give Stef[1] the

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enclosed tickets. ^+ I shall not expect to see him till the evening on the 20th

Now dear Pauli, I am so sad to have to tell you that, I cant be ready to go with you to the Army & Navy,[2] because I am going to Paris tomorrow to meet Daddy[3] & come home with him on the 20th in the evening. I am so sorry about not going with you – But! My Sec: Miſs Simmons, who is v. nice, will go with you to the A.&N. & she will give you her advice. I think you are sure to find what will suit you there.

You & Stef must both look smart to go to the Lady Evelyn Guinness’[4] party on the 21st  8–12 O’clock – Dont forget both of you to thank Lady Evelyn – She is small & fair –

I have given Henry[5] your note. He came home yesday & had gone to the Caledonian[6] this aft: with Miſs [illegible]

[On the side of page 2]

+ you will be dining with Bid on the 20th ! [illegible deletion]

[On the side of page 1]

Miſs Simmons will have the cheque to give you for your [suit?]

[Across the top of page 1]

Think of me tomorrow journeying to Paris to share in Dad’s success there![7]

V. much love from yr

Mum

Editorial Note:

Mrs Philip de László, née Lucy Madeleine Guinness (1870-1950), the artist’s wife; for biographical notes, see [11474].

HJ

29/05/2020

[1] Stephen Philip de Laszlo (1904-1939) [4375], second son of Philip and Lucy de László

[2] The Army and Navy Club, a private member’s club in Pall Mall, London

[3] Philip Alexius de László (1869-1937) [9724]

[4] Lady Evelyn Guinness, née Lady Evelyn Hilda Stuart Erskine (1882-1939) [5451]

[5] Henry Guinness de Laszlo (1901–1967) [11664], eldest of the five sons of Philip and Lucy de László

[6] The Caledonian Club, a private member’s club, then located in St James’s Square, London

[7] On 20 December 1921, Lucy wrote in her diary: “Paris, Hotel Majestic. I came here on Saturday, to see P. & his show of pictures, which was held at Guiches’ yesterday. Thundering success! 130 people about were there – The Guiches have been more than kind – […] Laczi had done too much work – yesday [sic] was so inwardly excited, I could see it in his face – […] So from Friday the 18th Nov: when P. arrived in Paris till yesday  morning the 19th Dec – P.  painted 8 pictures -!  Too Too much – 4 big canvases 2 Santamarinas [110552][110553], Mlle  Alvear [3434], Ctesse Liederkerke [4837] – People were greatly impressed by his work” (Lucy de László, 1921 diary, private collection, 20 December entry).