Item 45 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to his sister Mary "Minnie" Benson

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[Referring to his honeymoon] states that the time has passed wonderfully, and reports that they have had 'several days of most appropriate weather, cloudless and balmiest air', and claims that Paris has looked as lovely as he always imagines it. Reports that Eleanor instructs him in the art of domestic decoration, and in return he is 'gradually preparing her to read the Methods [of Ethics]'. Refers to the hotel in which they are staying. Reports that friends have found them out, 'but not to any disagreeable extent', and that Eleanor has persuaded him to be photographed. Hopes that everything went off 'as well as could be expected on Tuesday, and that nobody was much bored, and that Edward's work was not seriously interfered with'. States that having Edward to perform the [marriage] service made even more difference than he expected.

Asks her to tell him about Andrew Clark and their mother, and whether anything came of Minnie's letter. Reports that their mother has written to him 'in good spirits' [see ADD.MS.c/101/135]. Announces that they intend to return to England on Tuesday 25 April, 'probably to C[arlton] Gardens for a few days', and that he has to go up to Cambridge on Friday 28 April on business. States that they 'shall not be generally supposed to be in Cambridge till Monday May 1st.' Refers to 'the Fortnight of Callers which will supervene after May 1st', after which 'the long years of serious work in Cambridge' spread out before him. Claims to feel 'equal to anything in the way of services to mankind now'. Reports that there is an article in the Quarterly Review by John Mozley on ethics in relation to Henry's book. Claims not to much like it as a criticism, but that it contains 'an interesting and well-written exposition of his own views.'