Letter to W. Robson from Francis Maughan

Now just sit down old man upon receiving this and let me know what your plans are to be and I will let you know mine. I am going off to the little village of Giverny with a nice dark eyed woman who has been sitting for her portrait and of which I send you a copy of the drawing in charcoal life size. Now I was just wondering whether that quiet sunny little spot would be anything in your line of course I may as well tell you it is the most delightful spot for the work you mostly enjoy, that I know, a couple of rivers flowing by and no end of variety in the different effects. However into the country I must go and away from all temptation in the way of shops. I am only just going to take my painting materials with me and bohemienise completely. I dare say Maughan will come down as well but I can not say for certain. I do not know what to do with the few bits of things that I have left as I shall not take the Villa on after this Spring, I don't think. The pity is in Capri one can not do the right sort of work out of doors at least to me it seems so, every thing looks so cold when you get it here and so hard. I went to see an exhibition of French early artists Dubigny etc. and they looked really stunning. I was quite infatuated with them so envelopped in air and mystery. Just let me know what your latest plans are old man. Speed called on me tht other day and we talked about you and Carmella. I am looking forward to seeing you old man again, and would like to be smoking my pipe along with you in the shade. We are going to have a lovely summer, I hope it will be together. Give my best love to Carmela and the little ones and the dear President who I suppose is in Rome.
Goodbye olde man,
Yours ever, Francis.