Money Found, Shopping and Helping Starving Artist

Mrs. Zupponi came this morning and said she knew where my money was, that it was in the Credito Italiano – that she had been there the day before and they admitted it was there, but would do nothing till they had seen me. That it had been sent to Milano thinking I was there and it was not to be returned to Florence before I could get it or I could have it sent back to America. From there I went to Bargello and took a guide who explained everything to me and I spent 1 ¾ hours there most usefully and pleasantly.

After lunch lay down awhile and tried to find the store where my night gowns were made at 10 Via de’ Benci. They had not reopened. Then we went over to the Fallon’s and had my suit tried on – it fits well. Florence came in to have her clothes tried on and Helen and I left. We were going to the Femminile to try to get lace cuffs to match collar – went into store to see about dictionary when I ran into Mr. Smith, the artist who lived at Mrs. Grassini’s. He was looking pale and thin and said he was going to Rome. I told him Florence knew a nice pension which was cheap and we started out to Carelia’s the tailor’s to find her. She had left and we chased her to the library. She invited him to dinner, but had to go back to the tailor’s, so I took him along with me. He is having a hard time. His money has not come and he has not paid at Fiesole for 4 weeks. They do not give them enough to eat, so he is always buying some extra to eat. He owned up he only had a lira in his pocket book. It seemed that the doctor* had a check of more than enough to pay the board – so that could be cancelled.

We went into the showrooms of the Signa factory and wandered through them admiring everything. Then we came home and Mr. Smith played on the piano while I smoothed my hair re. When Florence came, I consulted her about lending him some money. It was decided to do it, but he wouldn’t take it. We had a jolly dinner with the Braggs and C. Then we were going to the Piazza Emmanuelle to see the crowds, but we got talking downstairs. We forced 150 francs on him and made him promise to come to the Crocini to live. He is coming Sunday and we are to wait for him. He left about 10. I hope he will come for I feel worried about him.

The war news is terrible. Germany seems to be winning on every side.

*Dr. Sterling Barrows. Mrs. Addison’s cousin.

Shopping and Searching for Money

Something I ate disagreed with me and I have felt badly all day. The dressmaker came and tried on my dress. It is very pretty and I like it very much. Gave her the stuff to make a cover for my rug. F.B.H. thought she had left her keys at the Montebello so she went there – later found them under her bed. Mrs. Zupponi came and we went to French, Lemon & Co. Could get no satisfaction about my check – they said they knew nothing about it. No news at the Consul’s. Then met F.B.H. at Cook’s and went to bank Credito Italiano where it was arranged to pay tailor and Dr. Giglioli and the balance sent to North America later on. Then we went through the showrooms of the Signa terracotta.* It is wonderful what they can do. We went to Banca d’Italia and Florence drew out 500 lire – her money from Washington – but no trace of my money. Mrs. Zupponi is coming here tomorrow to take tea.

Florence fortunately remembered the name of the manager of French Lemon and Co. – a Mr. Ayres. She used to know him as he and his wife were friends of Rose Clark. I went to F.L. & Co. but Mr. A. was out, so went home and came again at 3. He said he knew nothing about it and could find no trace of it – said it was safe and the money would be returned to Percy where he mailed it. It is in Italy but they had no word from any bank. Came back at 5. F.B.H. And I went to tailor’s to have suits tried on. They were all right – went around to see about a waist for Florence to go with her new suit. Then to Settipasse’s where I am to have my lava head set for $7 – then on to Pia’s house where they tried on my two waists and can alter them all right. Then home. Florence found she had left her purse at Pia’s with 17 francs in it. I had toast and milk for lunch – soup and toast for supper – felt better.

The Germans are not in Paris yet. They are acting like savages.

*Manifattura Di Signa produced copies of antiquities and renaissance models in terracotta from the late 19th Century. The company had outlets in Florence, Rome and Turin and catered for wealthy patrons doing the Grand Tour of Italy.