More War News and More Shopping

A very busy day beginning at 5.45. The little milliner came at 8.45 with shapes for me to wear – also samples of velvet. Chose a shape and ordered the best black velvet – all at cost of 30 francs for the hat. It was brought this evening and is very pretty. Then I went out and bought some bread and cake for tomorrow’s lunch. Naomi sent back Marion’s lace, beautifully done. Mrs. Zupponi came and went to the bank with me and I drew $50 and deposited $200.

Then I went to the Belle Arti* and saw Botticelli’s Spring and also a picture, a funny old panel which much amused me. It was “the Nativity of Jesus Christ” by [blank] and was numbered. Came back after seeing “The Boy and the Cock” by [blank] . I sent a picture of it to Duncan.

After lunch went to the Femminile and saw a lot of lovely things and brought some home to show Florence and then went into the silk shop and ended by buying 7 silk blankets so now I have eight. Came back and finished packing my trunk. The trunks were not ready until after five and Helen and I went to the station and sent the off. Then I went to the tailor’s and tried on my suit. It is very nice and is to be sent home tomorrow. Then we all went to the Femminile and I bought 57 lire of things and Florence bought some and so did Helen. Then drove to Settipasse’s, but he was closed. Said goodbye to all in the house. Settled accounts with Florence after dinner. I have spent more than I meant to but that is all right.

Mr. and Mrs. Bragg and Helen and I went to the Palazzo Vittorio Emmanuelle and had ice cream. We had a very pleasant time. Got home at eleven and Helen helped me to finish packing.

Almost midnight, time to go to bed. Canopic is in, brought two American Cardinals who are too late to help choose the Pope. England is said to have won a victory and the Russians are winning over the Austrians. I am so glad.

*Academia di Belle Arti

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.

War News, Conclave, Errands, Getting Ready,

The Conclave for electing the new Pope begins today – and the Re’d Italia sails for America. I slept very well but am tired from my walk of yesterday.

Florence B. H. is very weak from her illness and has nearly fainted several times – nevertheless, she did a lot of packing. Mme. Zupponi came to see her this morning. I went to Am. Consul’s and found both the Sant Anna and Oceana had cancelled sailing – the latter I was told because they asked too much. No one knew whether the Canopia would sail so I did not send cable.

Went to tailor’s and watched Helen and F. get fitted while I read two Eng. papers I had bought. Then we chose a blue serge for me. F.B.H. said I looked cross and ugly and as if I could eat her up. I guess I did. She got on my nerves – came back to lunch and then I went out again with Helen and sent cable to Margaret – William Morse, Amherst, Massachusetts.
Together, safe – sail Canopic Hincks – 8 words cost $2.50. Then changed F’s dictionary for a better one. Left M’s* lace to be cleaned. Went to Italian chemist and got a prescription filled for F.B.H. went to Settipassi about lava cameo that John** gave me – and came home. Lay down and slept a while before dinner. Little girl came and brought two waists that Pia made – sleeves too short.
Germans within 80 kilometers of Paris. This war is terrible.
Had a letter from Mrs. Oudesluys from Cortina. She seems to have no idea of the situation and I haven’t much myself.

*Maybe a gift for her daughter Margaret or sister Marion.
**Probably John Howard Hincks, her late husband.