Emily Hale to T. S. Eliot
Thank you for your last volume of Essays1 – which was a happy surprise to receive. Your critical writing has always been my especial pleasure and admiration and I am delighted to see how many ‘favorite’ essays are included.
ItEliot, Marion Cushing (TSE's sister);i2 is a very long time since we have been in touch with each other, tho’ I have heard rather sketchily of Valerie and you thro’ the Cambridge News Bureau. YourEliot, Theresa Garrett (TSE's sister-in-law);h5 sister I have not seen, butHinkley, Eleanor Holmes (TSE's first cousin);f5 have been in touch with Theresa and E.H.H.2
SinceHale, Emilyreturns, briefly to Chipping Campden;u2 I am writing you, I shall give you my news as briefly as possible, the climax coming to you, I know, as a great surprise. I spent most of the summer in Andover clearing and packing, preparatory to my departure from 35, I got along very comfortably, if at times unbelievably and sadly, for in August, a distant cousin who stayed at 35, and her congenial friend, who stayed at the Inn, took over the housekeeping entirely, giving me excellent meals and keeping the house, my clothing, etc. in immaculate condition. In fact I was almost worn out by Efficiency.
HavingWhiting, IsabelEH stays with;a8 at last finished all Removals, I went the first two weeks to New Hampshire, divided between Esther Jackson and a few days with Isabel – then to New Bedford briefly and last week Wednesday to a very kind friend of my aunt’s – Miss Loring – who has overwhelmed me with consideration & generous hospitality, as her guest in a very comfortable suite at this otherwise much changed hotel. Fromtravels, trips and plansEH's 1957 visit to England;j2TSE and EVE invited to Campden;a1 here I have accomplished final details for my next chapter which is to sail on this Friday ‘S.S. Carinthia[’] from Montreal to Liverpool – from thence to Campden where I am renting a tiny cottage belonging to the Miss Heatons, daughters [of] one Mrs H. who lived there when we were all there before the war. Nothing seems natural these days – but if you care for me to meet Valerie and continue a long friendship normally, I think the moment has come perhaps.
P.S. MrsPerkins, Edith (EH's aunt)deteriorating;p4 Perkins’ condition remains unchanged except for a slow further deterioration of mind and body. Those closest concerned feel – as I do – that there is nothing to be done by my staying in this country – since in a way I am still paying for all expenses. My health has kept remarkably good, I am grateful to say.
1.Marian/MarionEliot, Marion Cushing (TSE's sister) Cushing Eliot (1877–1964), fourth child of Henry Ware Eliot and Charlotte Eliot: see Biographical Register.
5.EleanorHinkley, Eleanor Holmes (TSE's first cousin) Holmes Hinkley (1891–1971), playwright; TSE’s first cousin; daughter of Susan Heywood Stearns – TSE’s maternal aunt – and Holmes Hinkley: see Biographical Register.
1.AnWhiting, Isabel old, close friend of EH’s, Isabel Whiting lived for some years at 11 Mason Street, Cambridge, MA; later at 9 Phillips Place, Cambridge, MA.