| Description | Letter from Amelia Nyasa Laws, 7 Via Venti Settembre, Rome, to her parents, regarding the mails and the desirability of sending a short letter now when things seem settled; Uncle is beginning to think that this might not be a good time to leave Rome; the north of Italy is to come under military law; people living further south are electing to stay at home; the Polkinghornes are not going to their Pisa property; Sir Rennell Rodd has offered the villa presented to the Embassy by Lord Rosebery for the use of the wounded from the Dardanelles; Malta is overcrowded with wounded and with Turkish prisoners; Dr. Brock is to go home with a message for the War Office but after that may well be appointed to help the sick in Rome; the villa in question is at Posilippo, within easy reach of Naples; if British soldiers are admitted, Uncle might be of use as a chaplain; he is lethargic; he was surprised at an elderly gentleman, Signor Grampini, telling him that he had volunteered to teach at the University, and asking what he was to do to help; the Anglo-American Home may be needed, but only for those fit to travel so far; if Uncle goes to Posilippo he must be careful not to offend Irving, even though he can be of assistance; Dr. Brock is still asking Amelia to nurse, but the Policlinico's training is not full and the atmosphere is not suitable, and Uncle and Aunt would forbid it; she is keen to stay in Rome; Aunt would go south with Uncle, but is afraid of having Italian soldiers billeted on them, more likely further north than in Rome; Fenisia is leaving as she misses the country and is no longer needed; she is lazy and hungry all the time; her absence will save a lot in food; description of her diet; the wonder of Fenisia's digestion and her table manners; Aunt is reluctant to chaperone her in Rome because it takes up time; accounts; singing and organ lessons; attempts to bake bread at home. |