THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates, Dorking

[9 May 1947]

Dear Mr Newman
My wife asks me to report that M^rs Smith came to us last August and left by her own wish at the end of six weeks – I understand from your letter that you are not employing M^r Smith – He is a good chauffeur and mechanic and a useful handyman. The reason they gave for leaving us was that they could not get on with my wife’s personal maid who though an excellent servant is I admit rather difficult. M^rs Smith is a good cook & manager & as far as our experience went completely honest – She is intelligent but rather resents any criticism. As to her musical qualifications I can only say that she did once endure 5 minutes of my London Symphony – that this is in her favour or the opposite it is not for me to decide.
Yours sincerely
R Vaughan Williams