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Tells him that he may tell anyone he wishes to tell, as he supposes the information 'will come quite out in a day or two.' Tells him to count on him 'for the 4th', and presumes that he has made arrangements at Newcastle. States that Dakyns, with whom he is staying, 'would like to come to about half a dozen seances', and asks if he shall be let in. Declares that he is a sympathetic person, and would be good.

Had been hoping to see her. Does not think that he shall be able to come until the end of term. Announces that he has written to William to say that he should be glad to stay with him at Oxford from 17 to 23 [December], when his mother is expected to be there. Intends to go to Rugby then for about a fortnight, from 23 December to 5 January. Asks if he may ask Graham Dakyns to stay with them then. Reports that he is pretty fully employed in Cambridge and is enjoying his work, but begins to 'feel the need of taking a little care of digestion etc.' Announces that he has discovered 'what to take for Lunch!', which he heralds as 'a great discovery'; a pot of Liebig's Entractum Carnis. Admits to be 'a little sad' at the way the elections there turned out. Encourages her to read Greater Britain by Dilke. Claims to read hardly any new books now. Reports that his new rooms are 'almost decent'. Asks her to tell Arthur that he consented 'in deference to people who ought to be wiser than [himself], not to bring forward [their] motions again this year: and therefore did not write for his signature'.

Harnham, Monument Green, Weybridge. - Has been visiting the Dakyns family and is 'so sorry to hear about [Bob's son] Paul'; hopes that he will get well soon at Broadstairs. Has been meaning to write for a long time to say 'how good' he thinks "Sisyphus", and how much it made him laugh; liked Hypnos's appearance best; thought his remarks 'seemed so true' that those of Thanatos - [annotation above, perhaps in Trevelyan's hand, 'Time?']- which were 'presumably meant to be more true... did seem deal and second hand mahogany in comparison'. Calls Aphrodite and Artemis 'two dears'; the chorus made him 'faint with joy'. They are returning the 'Italy book', which his mother 'could scarcely bear to part with', and 'have put "Don't forward"'.

Thanks her for the pleasant visit he had to Newnham. Remarks on the rapport that exists 'in the spiritual atmosphere of Cambridge'. Reports that he is staying with F.C. Hodgson [in Twickenham], and that the Dakynses are also there; the [J.B?.] Mayors and Tawney came to lunch the previous day. There was much conversation about Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, and refers to some of the comments made about it. States that none of them had seen the review of the book in the previous week's Academy. [Graham] Dakyns spoke to him about 'McTaggart's book, which he had read with great pleasure.' Reports that he was very busy up to the previous Tuesday evening 'preparing a lecture on the emperor Justinian'.

Presumes that Edward [Benson], whom he saw at Cambridge, will have given her an account of him. Claims to have regretted leaving there for London, where he has been working and pursuing his enquiries into Spiritualism. With the latter he claims to be disappointed, as he claims to hear extraordinary stories, but yet fail to see any proof himself. Reports that he has seen Roche Dakyns once or twice, and that the latter 'has with much unassuming self-devotion given up his one month of holidays to be with his parents.' Refers to Dakyns' father's illness. Reports that he has also seen Graham Dakyns, who had not seen Arthur, 'but had heard of him'.

Asks about her and Arthur's return to Rugby. Declares that he may pay a visit there on 3 October, and asks whether she will be there at that time. Presumes that she will stay with Mary as long as she can be of service. Refers to Edward's view that Mary 'was somewhat slow in recovering.' Announces that he expects the book to which he has contributed to be out in about a month. Reports that he has just heard from Symonds, 'who says that Arthur is with him, looking "robust fresh and happy".' Declares that he is glad to hear such news, as he himself thought he looked 'jaded when he passed thro' London.' Sends his love to Edward and Mary.

Refers to Henry's letter to Katharine, which induced her to write to Nora and Henry, 'just to feel in touch with [them] both.' Declares that she loves them both dearly, and thinks about them constantly. Reports that three days previously H.F. Brown sent her Henry's letter 'to him, dictated to Graham Dakyns...' Wishes that they both could have come out to Switzerland again, 'just as in the old days!' Recounts her memories of the Sidgwicks' last visit there, when the latter were 'just fresh from [their] [Hyères] visit', and the wonders of their latest mediums, '[not yet proved fraudulent]'. Laments that now 'the last of the children will soon be gone too', and that his world in the past few years 'has been shrinking at an appaling rate'. Claims that the Sidgwicks were her favourite visitors, and refers to how 'Johnnie' [John Addington Symonds] loved the talks he had with Henry, and how he made point of keeping his letters. Hopes to see them both in the autumn, when she intends to go to England. Asks Nora who will do her work at Newnham, as she assumes that she could not stand the social strain of it now.. Reports that their house is full now, with Madge, her husband and baby, Walter Leaf, and others. Announces that Katharine is to go to England in three weeks, and in two months will be married, the idea of which, she claims, she has yet to get used to. Refers again to Henry's letter to Katharine. States that she hopes that 'C[harles] F[urse] is worthy of all the believing love of which she [Katharine] is making him the centre.' Prays for God's blessing to be upon the Sidgwicks.

Chantry Dene, Guildford. - Thanks for the cheque, which is very welcome due to doctors' bills. Sends an idea for the title page [for "Sisyphus: an operatic fable"]. Hopes Goldie [Dickinson] will come down, but he will pay his promised visit to Mrs Widdrington first. Is glad that Bessie 'goes on well'. Saw H.G.D. [Henry Graham Dakyns], who is 'a dear' and gave Fry T.E. Brown's poems, which he now likes very much.

[Sent from Grange in Borrowdale]:- Regrets to report that Cowell is not coming to visit, and announces that he himself does not intend to come home until the end of the month, as he finds it more convenient to go to Cambridge first; will come home for the first week in October. Reports that the weather has been very good, and that they [he and G. O. Trevelyan] have been up Causey Pike and Dale-Head. Praises the 'wonderful variety' in the countryside where they are climbing, and mentions Buttermere Haws. Thanks her for the receipts. Reports that they have decided henceforward to avoid beefribs. Declares that the house in which he is staying is very comfortable, and remarks on the fact of it having two sitting-rooms.

Expresses his delight at hearing a good account of William, and asks if the Dakynses have 'gone to join them [William and Arthur] at Pontresina'. Reports that he has not seen any of the Rugby people, and declares it to be too much of an expedition to go to Grasmere and back in a day. Remarks that it is odd to hear of hot weather, as there they discuss whether to have fires in the evening or not. Claims that to him the temperature is 'perfectly charming.' Announces that he will leave on 1 September and go into Dorsetshire. Intends to see Furness Abbey on the way. Complains that it is a very long journey, and that he almost wishes now that he had not promised to pay the visit. Asks if she saw about Professor Grote's death, and declares that he shall miss him at Cambridge.

Asks her to forward the enclosed [not included] to Hugh. States that the story he sends 'is certainly one worth keeping, 'if the boys are sure of the detail[s] of the coincidence.' Reports that their evidence 'is growing very bulky: but the quality is...very various.' Hopes that she and her family are all well, and states that he and Nora had a good account of them on Tuesday from Miss Temple. Reports that Arthur and Charlotte were in Cambridge on Sunday 'in a prosperous condition', and that William and Isobel are expected 'in a few hours'. Hears that William is well and is in good spirits. Reports that he [Henry] went on a Psychical Research tour in the west a fortnight previously, 'and squeezed out a day at Clifton and walked about Durdham Down with Graham Dakyns.'

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - Asks what is wrong with 'the dear and absolutely indispensable poet' [Robert Trevelyan]. 'Poor D.F.T' [Donald Tovey] had 'half his head torn of by the dentist' on Thursday, and she herself ended the term yesterday then had 'a portion of [her] leg removed'. However, they are both well, and there is 'nothing evil' in her leg. Asks for news, and if Bessie would like Donald to visit around the beginning of September before he goes to the Dakyns.

Asks her to send the cheque immediately to Cambridge, where he intends to be on Monday. Announces that he is going to stay with Roche Dakyns very early on Thursday. Reports that the house is just being moved there [at Wellington College], and that Edward [Benson] 'is eating breakfast standing with his loins girded' before going 'next to London to order carpets and furniture'. Remarks that the new creature [his niece Maggie] 'seems to [him] as ugly as usual, but the other children are charming.' Reports that he saw the Dakynses at Clifton, and that Graham says his boardinghouse is getting on very nicely. Wishes that he could have seen old friends but his work 'grew harder and harder', and the last day he was up till one o'clock. States that only one day he got a walk of more than half an hour in length [when] Mr Walsh was away. Announces that he is going to be idle now for a bit, and exclaims 'Poor Wilson!'.

Northlands, Englefield Green. - Plans for the celebration of Donald [Tovey's] birthday: the orchestra and [Louis] Fleury are coming and Donald's [piano] concerto, a flute concerto 'and much else' will be performed. Invites the Trevelyans to stay for supper and for the night; will find them 'quarters at the Wheatsheaf'. Is 'terribly grieved' for Frances Dakyns [on the death of her father]. Asks how Johannes Röntgen is. Sends love to Julian: says she 'ought to have had at least one hundred babies to take care of'.

Has been away to see the Robertsons; is now 'in a rush of politics.' Is coming to Cambridge the following day, but will probably be unable to do much. Has written to H. G. D[akyns] about Frank Vivian, and undertakes to send Nora his reply when it comes. Encloses 'the "Scope and Method" ' [not included]. In relation to the date of the establishment of the Ad Eundem [Society], states that his records go back only as far as 1868 when Jackson was elected, but that his diary shows that he attended an Ad Eundem dinner on 9 June 1866.

The papers contain some corrections in ink and each concludes with the initials 'H.S.'and a date. Including the following titles: 'On Prospectus.' [5 Mar]; 'No Respect of Persons'; [18 April]; 'Note on Dress. F[rancis] E[lliot] K[itchener]' [21 May 1861]; 'H.S. on F.E.K. Sound. [The Senses.]' [5 August 1861]; 'Reply of F.E.K. on Note V. "The Senses."' [25 Februrary]; 'Note. F.E.K. [John William?] Colenso' [6 May]; 'Mixed Motives' [17 May]; 'H[enry] G[raham] D[akyns] Note 1.'; 'A Leaf from my Notebook on Society.' [22 April]. Persons are referred to by their initials, and include E. R[hodes]. Accompanying papers is an envelope addressed to Mrs Sidgwick [name and address crossed out], with 'Initial Society Essays Typed copies' inscribed on it. On reverse is a list, in pencil, of papers, with publication details.

States that since he will probably be away all Wednesday, he had better not promise to come [to see her]. Expresses the desire to see his uncle Arthur [Sidgwick] and Mr [Henry Graham] Dakyns. Referring to Henry Sidgwick's gestures, states that some were connected with his stammer, but that there were others, which added emphasis and conclusiveness. Describes one particular gesture, which involved 'a swing of the hand with the forefinger extended and the other fingers closed....'

[Sent from Göttingen):- Explains that he cannot go home; when his three months abroad are over he must pay a visit to [Kegan] Paul at the end of the vacation. Promises that she will see lots of him when he does go home. Reports that his progress in Arabic is slower than he had hoped. Has no doubt that Arthur will be happy. Hopes that it will not take her too long to get her new house. Imagines that she will see G[raham] D[akyns] before this letter reaches her. Refers to their exploration of the Harz region. Reports that his health is generally good.

Apart from Dakyns, has not seen any other 'friend or acquaintance', which he is generally satisfied with as he 'hate[s] to carry England about with [him] everywhere'. Declares his fondness for Göttingen, and for the simplicity of German life; imagines his mother suggesting that this is 'as a change... and to add zest to the luxuries of Cambridge', and half-agrees, but says that if forced out of England it would be only a 'half-banishment' if he had Germany to go to. Does not want this, though, as he values 'the English freedom of action as high, if not higher, than the German freedom of thought' and says that in England they have more 'real liberality' than in Germany. Excludes the 'half-educated Englishman whom the daily papers are written to suit' from this, and says he sometimes thinks that kind of man 'the most conceited idiot on the face of the earth'.

Refers to his mother's request for stamps, and informs her that the youngest Miss Benfey is a stamp-collector and has given to him thirty-seven stamps of the different German states. He would like his mother to procure and send the three different kinds of envelope stamps.

[Sent from Göttingen]: - Reports that his days consist of reading Arabic and speaking German, and that on Sundays he goes for long walks with a Prussian student of Sanskrit; he is 'a most amiable-looking man, and you would take him for an Englishman'. Wishes that he could introduce her to Professor Ewald, as he is sure that she would like him. Believes that Ewald lengthened his lectures half an hour for Henry's sake, and reports that he has promised to give him private lessons during September.

Expects Graham Dakyns to come to spend a few days in the Harz at the end of the week. Announces that he intends to go to a 'Philologer-assembly', like the one he went to three years ago, in Hanover in just over a month's time. States that his health is good, and expects that he shall be quite well at the end of the Long Vacation. Discusses his diet and alcohol consumption: if anyone asks her whether he is turning into a 'beer-drinking German', she can truthfully say he has 'not drunk above three glasses' since arriving here. An English visitor to his host family told them that Henry's brother [William] was a 'distinguished wit... in Oxford'.

Mentions that Arthur had told him of his acceptance of the Rugby mastership, and admits that he has taken 'a prudent, perhaps a wise course'. Is glad that his mother's stay at Rugby will be so much pleasanter and hopes that it will turn out to be 'really not Rheumatic.' Suggests that if it is, she might move for a couple of months at the worst time of the year. Declares that he was much interested by her letter, and that he shall be glad of 'any news that is going.' Asks her to remind Arthur to enquire for him the exact day they go back at Cambridge. Hopes that she will succeed in getting a house. Asks why so many people are leaving, and if it has transpired what the [ ] said to Dr Temple's report. Regrets that she has no better account of his aunt Lace.

14 Barton St. - Trevelyan has done splendidly [to secure the Swan at Fittleworth: see 2/32 and 2/33]. Hopes he has not done wrong in inviting others. Asks if there will be enough room to put up Dakyns (father and son), Whitehead (father and son) and Vaughan Williams. Will be at the Mill House, Grantchester, from Saturday, so Trevelyan should send further correspondence there.

14 Barton St. - Is anxious to hear whether Trevelyan has secured the Swan at Fittleworth, and whether there will be room for the whole party (see also 2/32 and 2/34). As well as the names mentioned by Trevelyan, Henry Dakyns will come, and Sanger is encouraging Dakyns' father and [brother] Arthur to come; Sanger has also encouraged Davies to invite Whitehead, and North [Whitehead] may come too. Davies has invited Vaughan Williams to join them as well.

The Mill House, Grantchester, Cambridge. - Arrangements for a gathering [at the Swan at Fittleworth, Sussex, see 2/33 and 2/34] over Easter. [Robin] Mayor is named twice in Trevelyan's list; he should also include Henry Dakyns, Alfred Whitehead and North [Whitehead]. Should think by Wednesday there will be room for 'V.W.' [Vaughan Williams], and room for 'Dakyns pere' and Arthur [Dakyns] at any time. The back of the paper seems to show drinks consumed: Norton and Strachey appear as well as names mentioned in the letter.

Thanks her for letting him see 'these most interesting proofs' [of Nora and Arthur Sidgwick's memorial of Henry Sidgwick], and states that he quite understands that she will have to shorten the draft. Refers to some 'scraps' written to [Henry Graham] Dakyns, which are 'not worthy of insertion'. In answer to questions she had put to him, claims that he cannot remember the exact date of a letter about 'In Memoriam'; that the reference to Wilfrid Ward is to an article on his [Tennyson's] father; and that the reference to Leslie Stephen is to 'an attack of his on the Idylls of the King'. Suggests 'Tod' might refer to [Alpheus] Todd's Parliamentary Government in the British Colonies. Refers to notes in his father's autobiography - Memoir of Alfred Lord Tennyson - in relation to the interpretation of a letter. Adds that he hopes that Nora's brother - Arthur Balfour - 'will s[ ] Parliament soon - for the feeling of unrest [ ] to Arnold-Forster and Co is becoming rampant.' Sends his wife's kindest remembrances.

Northlands, Englefield Green, Surrey. - The death of [Henry Graham] Dakyns is 'a sad loss for [them] all': not sure what 'being happy' means, but Dakyns did seem to exemplify 'what life is worth living for' and probably also ended life in the right way, though Tovey says 'some people really oughtn't to die at all', only be given a holiday now and again and sent back before their friends have time to be unhappy. There are two typed copies of this portion of the letter. Supposes [Dakyns' daughter] Frances will go and live with her brother in London [Henry or Arthur?].

Has 'broken the back' of the symphonic introduction to the Labyrinth [scene in "The Bride of Dionysus"] and has reached its second subject, beginning with the Nereids and drifting into 'Theseid philandering'. Needs to know more about the Theseus-Ariadne duet; is worried whether this is now too long given the tension in the cave. Will meanwhile move on to the parts of Act III which bear on this: Ariadne's awakening, the Satyr's song, and perhaps Ariadne's dream. Feels that there is too much emphasis put on Phaedra's desertion of Aphrodite for Hecate in her first speech in the cave, though he recalls that this is a favourite of Trevelyan's.

Harnham, Monument Green, Weybridge. - Has seen the news [of the death of Henry Graham Dakyns] in the "Morning Post" and written to Miss Dakyns. Will not be at the [Apostles?] dinner, and is unsure when he will next be able to see Trevelyan. Is writing an article on Luigi Cornaro.

Thanks George for the book ["The Bride of Dionysus"], which she has read avidly and thinks the best thing his brother has done; a few of the poems at the end also 'got home to' her,; thought the translation from Alcman 'exquisite' though is not sure about the "Attis" [a translation of Catullus 63] and Lucretius'. Intended to get the book herself, as the Ariadne story reminds her of Mr [Henry Graham] Dakyns, who liked it; quotes in Greek 'Earth's child am I, and starry heaven's' [a line associated with the Orphic tradition' which he also loved, and can 'almost hear' him reading George's brothers 're-creation.' It was an excellent thought to send it to her.

Annotation by G.M.T. above the date saying that he gave Melian Stawell Bob's book, and this is her comment.

Thanks him for his letter from Antwerp, which delighted her with its 'cheerful happy tone'. Refers to the letters that have arrived for him; one from Reginald Hanson, asking Henry if he could read with him the following term; one from Mr Bradley, asking Henry's opinion on Dakyns as a possible [headmaster] for his lower school; one from Miss Attersoll, thanking him for the wedding cards. Reports that she received a letter from Minnie and Edward, who are travelling in Europe. They had a very calm passage to Boulogne, passed through Amiens and Paris, and were moving on to Rheims towards the end of the previous week. Believes that they are now making their way to Lucerne. Lists the other location where they intend to be in the coming weeks, with the dates.

Reports that only herself and Matilda [Sidgwick?] are all that remain of their 'large party'. States that Matilda, who was in bed all Saturday from exhaustion, is to stay with her until the following Thursday or Friday. States that she has heard nothing of letting her house. Claims that she should prefer staying the year [at Rugby] to going anywhere else, if it were not for the expenses. Reports that Fanny Green left her that day, 'after employing herself most diligently in collecting + packing in a beautiful style, all dear Minnie's things - 9 large cases left for Wellington College [that day].' Discusses her feelings in relation to Minnie's departure. Remarks that as each of her children seem to be taking their place in the world, she can 'the more calmly contemplate [her] removal from it.' Relates that the previous day she, Fanny Green and Matilda heard the new curate preach.

Expects only news of Henry's arrival in Dresden 'and that all is [ ] and quiet there', as she knows how busy he will be. Asks him to give her kindest regards to Mr and Mrs [Henry and Fanny] Dale when he sees them, and tells him to let them hear about the wedding. Claims that she treasures up all that he tells her about foreign manners and customs. Expects to see William and Arthur on the following Wednesday or Thursday, and announces that the following day they are going to Keswick for three weeks, and that Elizabeth 'will follow [them] when she has made all comfortable at home', and will pay visits with her in Yorkshire. Reports that they have good weather in Rugby. Remarks that the house seems very quiet since the previous Monday. Tells him not to overwork himself, nor to sit up late, and to take plenty of air, rest and refreshment. Sends Matilda's love.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Thanks Bessie for the trouble she has taken, but North [Whitehead] is thought to need 'a bracing place' so they will go to the place at Malvern; is sorry they will not be neighbours. Asks if Bob can send [Lascelles] Abercrombie's address and a letter. Letters sent to Trinity will always reach him. Has just learned of [Henry Graham] Dakyns' death, a loss to 'very many'.

Has just been with Nora, who has returned from Paris. The 'Secret [of their future marriage] may be now considered altogether public', as Nora has told all her relatives. Tells her that she may tell who she likes. They are going to Nora's brother-in-law's house in Essex [Terling Place, home of John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh] the following day, and states that he will probably make that place his 'headquarters' until about 10 January. Will be in London on 4 January for a night, and probably another night in the same week. If his mother has to be in London after 10 January, she will find them all - Nora, Henry, Arthur and Charlotte Sidgwick, H.G. Dakyns and J.A. Symonds - there.

Stock's Cottage, Tring. - Thanks Bessie for writing about Mr Dakyns [his death]; was good to hear from her though they had seen the reports in the newspapers. Wishes she had known him better, but after her family left Haslemere she did not see him much so he is 'just a childish memory'; George of course was 'very fond of him'. Asks 'what will become of Frances', for whom she feels very sorry. Hopes that all goes well with the new nanny, and that Bessie might manage to visit for a few days before they go; suggests some dates: Moya Llewelyn Davies is probably coming for the day on Friday, and Bessie might like to meet her; the [Charles?] Mastermans may be coming on Sunday the 9th but there would be room for Bessie too. Will understand if she cannot come, and look forward to seeing her at Wallington, and getting 'to know each others' babies really well'. Humphry is 'such a delight' to her now, and since his 'bush of curls' was clipped has 'turned into such a real big boy'. Notes in a postscript that it is almost certain the Mastermans will not come.

The Shiffolds. - Her 'delightful present' came this morning with her letter: the letters [of Robert Louis Stevenson?] are 'indeed a charming book in every way, both inside and out', and he has 'long wished to have a good edition', since he has only read them 'in a desultory way'. Of course 'this edition with the new letters must be far the best': he and Bessie are looking forward to reading it this summer, and Robert is 'very grateful... for so delightful a present'.

Is glad she has had a good time abroad; supposes the weather has 'changed for the worse now', and it is still 'very unsettled' here. Julian has taken to the new nurse 'without much difficulty'. He can now walk very well, and his cold seems almost to have gone.

Robert has been to two funerals recently: on Saturday he went to Haslemere for the funeral of 'old Mr [Henry Graham] Dakyns', who 'died suddenly', and on Monday to Eastbourne for Jonathan Sturges' funeral. Will 'miss Sturges a good deal' though cannot regret his death, since 'he had a very lonely life, and was usually more or less ill'. His death will be sad for Henry James, 'who was perhaps more intimate with him than with anyone else'. Mr Dakyns will also be 'much missed' by Robert and Bessie, and many of their friends.

Saw Charles briefly in London yesterday, who 'seemed very well, and cheerful'. His mother must go to the Grafton Gallery exhibition ['A Century of Art, 1810-1910'] when she returns: the 'Preraphaelites are especially well represented'.

Tovey now seems to be getting on well with 'Ariadne' [The Bride of Dionysus]; they hope he will be able to come to the Shiffolds near the end of July and stay for August. Röntgen has been setting several of Robert's poems for a chorus of women's voices; he has not sent them yet, but. 'they are sure to be interesting, as everything he does is'. Robert hopes to assemble a book of short poems and translations this autumn; thinks he has enough, especially if he includes the first act of his and Bessie's translation of Vondel's Lucifer.

Is very glad his parents have had 'such a restful time at Mürren'; lucky that the H[enry] Y[ates] T[hompson]s happened to be there as well. Sends love to his father.

Higher Coombe, Haslemere. - Sending congratulations to Trevelyan on the birth of their son Paul. Henry and Winifred [her son and his wife] are here and also send best wishes. Sends love to Bessie; is very glad to 'think of her happiness'; hopes that she and Paul will 'get on excellently always'.