Elisina Tyler to Robert Woods Bliss, October 14, 1925

Antigny-le-Château
par Arnay-le-Duc
(Côte d’Or)
October 14th 1925Wednesday.

My dear Robert.

Thank you so much for your very kind letter. Of course I did not expect an answer, knowing how very busy you must be after your prolonged absence,Robert Woods Bliss was in the United States, mostly in California, between June and August 1925. but it was a great pleasure to hear from you. Royall wrote for us both, to tell you how grateful we both were for your and Mildred’s kindness,A deposit of money into the Tyler account, probably for repairs at Antigny-le-Château. and for the wording of your telegram to me.See cable of August 18, 1925. I have been waiting from day to day to get out of the “Monuments Historiques”The Service des monuments historiques of France had classified the chapel and round tower at Antigny as historical monuments. See letter of September 5, 1923. some interesting statement that I might send you. But that branch of French Administration is not more energetic than any other.

It was a pleasure to have here the Chief Inspector of the monuments of the Côte d’Or, who said he looked upon Antigny with especial interest, as he knew of no other “château à motte”“Castle mound.” of the XIIth that had retained part of its keep, and of the outer shell, as this old ruin had—I send you a few photographs taken by my new son-in-law when he was here this summer. I have so often thought lately of that sunny morning in 1916, when dear Mildred took us to see Antigny on a motor-tour with her.See letter of October 22, 1916. I should love you both to come here, when the season is more clement. Perhaps next Spring when Royall is here too?

I expect to be in Paris from the 21st to the end of the month, and it is a very great joy to think of seeing Mildred. I am glad her Mother has recovered sufficiently from the terrible shock of this summerOn June 29, 1925, the Santa Barbara, California, area was struck by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Mildred Barnes Bliss’s Parisian secretary, Thérèse Malye, informed Elisina Tyler on July 5 that Robert Woods Bliss, who was in California at the time, and their parents, Anna and William Henry Bliss, were unhurt, but that their home, Casa Dorinda, had partly collapsed. See also letter of July 7, 1925. to stand the journey to Sweden, and I am very glad she is with Mildred.

Mr. Sachs of the Fogg Museum has just sent Royall a very fine collection of photographs of the Romanesque capitals at Harvard from Moustier St. Jean and Saint Pons.Capitals of pilasters from Moutiers-Saint-Jean, ca. 1125–1130, Harvard Art Museums, Fogg Museum, 1922.16–27; and capitals from Saint-Pons-de-Thomières, Hérault, twelfth century, Harvard Art Museums, Fogg Museum, 1922.64–67. They are perfectly splendid. When you come to Antigny you will see our attempt at a library for study. No belles-lettres, only history and archaeology, geography and art-books. There is a dump-file, of books intended to be cast-out, though, and the other day one of the younger curators of the S. Kensington who was staying here, on being let loose in the library came back with a prize: “Oscar Wilde and Myself” by Lord Alfred Douglas. It is one of the very nastiest books the world has ever seen.Lord Alfred Bruce Douglas (1870–1945) is best known as the intimate friend and lover of the Irish writer and poet Oscar Wilde (1854–1900). Douglas wrote Oscar Wilde and Myself in 1914.

The Bourguignon went back to Harrow on the 20th of September, and had a very trying crossing, wedged in between a darkie lady and a boy with a canary on his lap and a rabbit under his arm,—all suffering from the weather. William stood his ground firmly while sea-water poured down his neck and on his chest. Since then he has scored 112/120 shots with out a break, so I conclude that the cure was effective!

I am looking forward very much to joining Royall, more especially at this time he may be less busy than heretofore. Hungary has many resources, but they are well hidden away, and the discouragement that seized the Hungarians when their affairs went wrong makes them view everything with a deprecatory eye. But their museums are full of splendid things. Their barbaric jewels are a powerful and splendid collection.

I have chattered too long, dear Robert, and taken up too much of your time. Please tell Mildred I will telephone as soon as I am in Paris, and I want very badly to see her before I leave.

My very kindest messages and love to you both.

Yours always,
Elisina.