SEPTEMBER 1937

September begins on a light note, with a letter and photos from Magdalena in Deyá, reporting that everyone is well and in good spirits. Later in the month, Graves is optimistic that the political conflict in Spain will soon be resolved. Riding and Graves decide to stay in England for the time being, despite the income-tax issues; later in the month, after Alix returns from Germany, they discuss the possibility of taking a flat in Hampstead or Regent's Park for the winter. Graves gets a clean bill of health from the doctor; he is smug when told that he has low blood pressure, which likely accounts for his occasional spells of dizziness. He continues to lose weight over the month, walking in the countryside around Ewhurst despite a turn in the weather as the middle of the month brings rain. It does not stay overcast for long, but the days remain cool and the electric heaters are used for the first time in months.

Harry has been moody and silent for the past several weeks. His disposition worsens with Alix in Germany at the beginning of the month, and his frame of mind is a source of speculation for Riding and Graves. Graves has taken to writing his observations about Harry's mood in French, referring to Harry as M. Hache.

Karl and Marie, the maid, announce they are in love and plan to marry - although a few weeks later Marie declares she doesn't like Riding and Graves well enough to marry Karl. She abruptly gives her notice but, after a long talk with Riding, agrees to stay.

When the weather is fine, Graves practises archery (which Alix refers to as lechery). Alan Hodge returns, and Riding and Graves also welcome a visit from David Reeves. Graves is decidedly less welcoming of Ethel Herdman, whom he describes as the most tiring woman I know. Riding dubs her Ether Herdman, and Graves refers to her this way in his diary. Later in the month there is another trip to see the McCormacks, who are planning to travel to Yugoslavia.

In work, Graves and Riding continue with The Smuggler. Graves also writes several chapters of Belisarius and drafts two new poems: No More Ghosts and The Grudge.

Despite poor health and low energy, Riding manages to do further work on the Letter Book: this month she concentrates on the "Recommendations" (in Part V, The World and Ourselves). She also drafts two poems: So Far Moonlight (which becomes Doom in Bloom) and Seizure of the World. In addition, she begins to dictate the first few chapters of The Smuggler to Karl. She is disappointed by poor Seizin sales, but reads over Graves' poetry (Red Dog needs elaboration, she feels) and continues to work with Graves on The Swiss Ghost. She and Graves play with the idea of starting a school in Deyá.

The end of September sees renewed tension between Graves and his brother Charles. Jenny, it seems, has been playing on Charles' pity, and Charles accuses Graves of starving her. The end of the month brings sombre news: Alix's father has died in Germany.