
Sunday (day before yesterday) I went with Mrs Costelloe from London to
Hazelmere. I am confident they had not intended
asking me but for some reason they did. Mrs C. was very nice indeed and I like her
as much as ever, neither do I believe
that she has altered towards
you really, but for some reason
she is silent on the subject—she did not speak of you
at all though we were much together
and share of every thing else—I avoided the subject waiting to see if
she would begin upon it. Once she asked me what
I was doing in the British Museum—I said "Working at some
translation" She wanted to know what
translation. I told her something from the Danish for a book some of
us
were about to bring out.
"Well what was the book about?" I said "about Walt Whitman" She said "oh" and did not pursue the subject.
I spent yesterday morning
with Mr Smith—he did not speak of you except a very few words. I gave him your
message—he scarcely seemed to hear it.
Still I believe he is friendly to you in his heart. Mrs S. is not friendly she is the only one who said
anything actually unfriendly—she did not say much but it was significant. I did not call on Tennyson
as it was too late when I got to Hazelmere & too early when I left the next day but I am to spend Saturday after noon and Sunday
there and Mr Smith will take me to Tennyson's. I do not however expect to see T.
All goes well, I am hearty and having a good time but shall be glad to get back and see my American & Canadian friends again
Love to you always R M BuckeShow this to Horace RMB

