Luvvies

I reported on 12th May acquiring the second half of Osbert Sitwell's four volumes of memoirs, from which I today share a snippet.

It turns out that he is a rather self-conscious relic of another age, the time just before the first world war when the life for the rich was good. Osbert used to see something of Sir Herbert and Lady Tree and offers an anecdote from each.

One day, Sir Herbert wanting a stamp went to the Post Office and asked for a penny stamp. He carefully inspected the one offered and asked if they had any others. A sheet of stamps was proffered, which he proceeded to inspect even more carefully. After just the right interval, he announced that he would have that one, pointing to one in the very middle of the sheet. Do I know anyone who could pull off such a stroke in the West Ewell Post Office?

And another day, the Trees were out to dinner and haddock was served for the fish course. There was a joyous exclamation from Lady Tree of 'Cry haddock and slip the dogs of war!' (see Julius Caesar, Act III, Scene I, Line 273. According to my copy, crying haddock was the especial prerogative of monarchs). Lady Tree was known, was invited even, for her inventive contributions to the conversation.

According to Wikipedia, amongst other exploits, Sir Hebert also founded both RADA and Oliver Reed. Also half brother to the Beerbohm of Zuleika fame (see 24th March 2013).