Pièce 5 - Letter from Henry Sidgwick to Mary "Minnie" Benson

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Blames his lack of letter-writing on 'professional engagements'. Remarks on the respect with which he is treated by his pupils. Comments on the swift passage of time, and states that he has got more work than he intended to take, but that he is enjoying it very much, and only regrets that he has not much time for his private reading. Reports that Arthur is happily installed in his [Henry's] old rooms, and is getting accustomed to Cambridge life. States that he is not strong, and will have to take care of himself.

Finds that he has left some letters in a table drawer of the room he was in in her house, and asks her to let him have them, since the Ghost story that his mother sent him was among them, and he wishes to have it with him. Reports that he has heard 'a couple of fresh ones' from an Irish friend of his, and remarks that 'Ireland appears to be a soil in which they flourish well...' States that one of his rooms is 'beautifully cosy', and he knows that it will break his heart to part with it.

Thanks her for her congratulations [on his election as a Fellow of Trinity]. Refers to '[p]oor Donne', who he met 'wandering...between the Station and the College' [a reference to Robert Donne, an unsuccessful candidate for the fellowship and master at Wellington College]; thinks that he is 'safe for the next time'. Sends his love to Edward, and reports that he read a letter of his in print the previous day. Asks her to give his love to his mother if she is there, and to tell her that he will write soon. Reports that Arthur fainted in chapel that day, but tells her not to tell their mother.