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[Sent from Clifton]:- Announces that he has just arrived in Bristol, having left the Pauls the previous day. Reports that Mrs Paul asked after his mother. States that he enjoyed his visit there and in London. Remarks that Paul has got very nice children. Reports that Mrs Symonds has just had a little girl [Madge], but that he has been assured that he is not in the way. Refers to his mother's last letter in which she had discussed views on religious subjects. Believes that 'English religious society is going through a great crisis...and it will probably become impossible soon to conceal from any body the extent to which rationalistic views are held, and the extent of their deviation from traditional opinion.' Refers to the fact that the Ritualists 'are determined to burn altar lights after all.' Would like the Church 'to include the ritualists'. Reports that Noel has brought out a volume of poems, which he undertakes to send to her. Asks her to tell Arthur that he has 'nearly evolved both the major and the minor premiss [sic] of [their] practical syllogism', and that 13 February is the 'Ad Eundem day', and that he is to write to Reynolds.

Reports that he found [F.D.?] Maurice 'much better' on his arrival, but that three little girls are in bed with measles. Declares that it is a comfort after his 'pleasant week' at Cambridge not to have to prove the truth of the following lines from a poem by Newman: "'When mirth is full and free Some sudden gloom must be.'" Claims that he hardly ever returns home 'without anticipating calamity.' Declares that he bought Dr. Newman's Poems in London, and tells Sidgwick that he will be pleased with them. Observes that '[t]here is something very tender and courageous in his publishing now some lines he addressed to Frank Newman on the day the latter came of age, when J. Henry Newman was [first] ordained, and the two brothers were full of Evangelical fervour.' Refers to 'The Dream of Gerontius' as 'a striking poem', and discusses his own view of Purgatory, which is like neither Newman's nor Dante's. Refers to an enclosed letter [not included], relating to the general meeting of the Free Christian Union. Asks Sidgwick to let him know if he intends to join, when he returns E. Enfield's letter. Declares that they 'are all very sorry for Theodore, and induced to think Napier was hard on him.'

[Sent from Gower Street]:- Announces that he is again in London, 'intending to work and see anything that is to be seen in the way of mediums.' States that he may 'fly to Cambridge.' Remarks that there is now one there in London that he can see 'without wasting a great deal of time.' Reports that Hales is in London, but he feels that it would be premature to call on him. Declares that if he feels intolerably lonely 'after the pleasant society at Ffestiniog' he may be more inclined to go to Cambridge, but believes that he shall soon be too busy to do that. Describes the scenery of Ffestiniog, and his experiences there, including a climb up Moel Siabod.

Reports that he has not been able to pay his visit to [Charles Kegan] Paul as he did not feel that he had the time to spare. Claims that life is somewhat difficult for him at present, 'full of doubts and problems', and that solitude is good for him, 'though rather depressing'. Quotes some lines of Aubrey de Vere. Declares that he is reading English history, and is astonished to find 'what a want there is of a good history of England before the Tudors.' Claims that the best seems to be in German. Sends the letter to Wellington College, as his mother did not say in her last letter where she was going. Hopes that Mary is progressing as well as she could expect. Asks when Arthur is to return to Rugby, and when she intends to return there.

Forgets whether she has read Goldwin Smith's lectures; 'Three Statesmen or some such name.' Declares that the last lecture, which is on Pitt, seems to him better written than anything else of his. Asks after William.

Refers to [Charles Kegan] Paul's intended visit at Easter. States that he has to go up to Cambridge on the Monday [after Easter] to examine. Intends to pay a visit during Passion Week, and shall probably join her 'either just before of just after Easter Sunday.' Declares that he lives in expectation of 'the portfolio and [ ].' Promises to write to let her know when it arrives.

Asks if she has sent off 'the "de Mirville [Pneumatologie]" to Miss Attersoll' Reports that he has been corresponding with the latter on the subject, and is 'trying to instil into her some sound views on the subject of spiritualism'. Reports on a book that has recently appeared on the English Constitution, 'which is lively enough to interest people in the subject who have not previously given much attention to politics' and is 'entirely free from party spirit': The English Constitution by W. Bagehot. Declares that the two best books he has read for years on politics, are the latter and Grant Duff's Studies in European Politics. In relation to novels, refers to The Village on the Cliff [by Anne Isabella Thackeray] which he deems 'first-rate'. Claims that he is busy at present with University business. Sends his love to all at Wellington College, and refers to the fact that 'they have got a Schol[arship] at University Coll[ege].'

Reports that Andrew has been 'for a quarter at school at Bath', but that 'Prescote Hewett the London Surgeon is clear that Bath is too relaxing for the boy, and that he must go to Brighton.' Claims that he has been to Brighton, and has seen many of the three-hundred schools said to exist there, but that he was particularly impressed with Brighton College. Since most of the masters there are Cambridge men, he asks Sidgwick his opinion of them; 'if the teaching is likely to be good, and if they are men to whom one would do well to trust a boy of decided ability, but bird-witted and un-concentrative.' Is contemplating letting the boy remain at Brighton, and making it his only school, 'instead of sending him...to Rugby.' Reports that he begins work again with his boys that day. Refers to the turning of the year, and to the fact that he is still in the Church of England, despite his difficulties. Reports that Dr [R.] Williams wrote to him about the Free Christian Union, saying that it is 'a very nice thing for Christians unattached'. Hopes that it may 'offer help to some who are attached also.' Asks Sidgwick if he has made up his mind about joining it. Informs him that some more men are needed on the Committee, and hopes that Sidgwick might be inclined to join. Asks him to let him hear about 'B[righton] College' when he can find the time. Also remarks that [ ], a [Trinity] fellow, is a son of the Secretary of Brighton College, and had no education 'except these.'

States that he has been at Trinity College about a week, trying to write an article, but claims that he has been ill and shall probably be delayed. Does not think that solitary life agrees with his constitution, but clings to it because he believes that it helps him to concentrate his mind. Declares that he enjoyed his holiday very much, 'particularly the three weeks at the Lake [with G. O. Trevelyan and Edward Young].' Remarks that although he was happy in Dorsetshire, 'it was very melancholy being with poor Cowell', who is quite ill.

Reminds his mother of her invitation to [Charles Kegan] Paul to come to Rugby, and announces that he has asked him to come the following Easter. Does not know whether he will bring Mrs Paul or not. Asks her to send a volume of Fichte, and any books with library marks on them. Hopes to come to visit her on 3 October for a week. Explains that that is the day the Union Library opens and he wants to get some books 'before the country clergy have gone off with them all. Announces that it is thought that J. B. Mayor will be the new Professor of Moral Philosophy.

[Sent from C. Kegan Paul's home]:- Reports that he is playing chess with Cowell , and is enjoying himself as much as he can in the rain, which has prevented him from seeing much of the scenery or places of general interest in the neighbourhood. Declares that he has been promised a visit to Corfe Castle. Announces that he returns to Cambridge on the following Saturday 'to read hard for a fortnight if possible'; criticises his own idleness and lack of 'resolution', saying this is the 'second Long Vacation [he has] frittered away pursuing study as a vain shadow".

Refers to his time spent at the Lakes, the enjoyment of which was overshadowed by the death of 'poor B. Young'. States that Edward Young was one of their party; he was 'in rather bad health', and 'got a few agonized lines from George.' Wonders as to the imprudence of the expedition, with regard to accidents; remarks that one only hears of Englishmen and Russians being killed, and not Germans and Frenchmen. Returns to the subject of the book Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus] which, he believes, is a caricature. Confirms that he will see her in the beginning of October. Asks her to send his greetings to the Ch[ ], and to give his love to Fanny Green if she sees her.

Points out two mistakes in Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir; one being on page 115, which states that Kegan Paul was Rector of Bailie, Wimborne. Explains that Bailie was the name of the town in which he lived, and that he was actually Rector of Sturminster Marshall. Also points out that Nora's brother Frank Balfour died on the Aiguille Blanche, and not on the slopes of Mont Blanc.

Thanks Sidgwick for the books. Would like to have the 'Draft Scheme' returned to him 'at some time or other', but explains that he has sent his notes independently of it, and does not need it at once. Urges Sidgwick to show it 'to whom it may concern', but warns him that it is not as yet public and it is intended for members of 'the Committee'. Informs him that he has mentioned his name to the Secretary as interested in the scheme, and that Sidgwick may hear from a Mr E. Enfield [see Add. MS c/93/124]. Explains that his pupils will not leave him until 16 [December]; otherwise he 'would go with pleasure to see' Sidgwick. Expresses his preference for Cambridge over Oxford, and also his regret that he cannot join Sidgwick for a few days in Paris, saying that 'the present state of Royal Mail Shares makes the Workhouse or the Gaol look much more likely building than the Louvre.' Says he may get to London, where they may meet, if Sidgwick cannot come to see him where he is.

Asks after Cowell and Mozley. Declares that the four [ ] on the Psalms to be funny. States that 'there is such a serene ignorance, or assumed ignorance of the wrath of the Orthodox.' Wishes that the outward form of the book were less 'Macmillan ish.' Recommends that he reads Madame Roland's book on the Revolution, and comments that her unedited letters are a 'take [on], being nearly all anterior to her real interest of the time.' Declares that he must stop writing as a pupil has arrived 'wanting a lecture on S. John[']s Gospel'.

Does not think that he shall come to Rugby before the end of 'the half.' Believes that his hay fever will not leave him before the end of July, and does not think that he will go anywhere until it clears up. Intends to stay in Cambridge and study, and if unwell, to 'fly off to the seaside.' Says that he studies best in vacation time, not simply because there is more time, but also because he has a 'restive imagination' which he cannot 'harness' when his mind is 'filled with all manner of College and University matters'.

Wishes to visit his schoolmaster friends at Eton, Harrow, and so on, towards the end of July. Asks if she has heard lately about Tryphosa [Lace, his cousin]. Does not quite understand what she will do by going to see her. Asks how his uncle [Francis] feels about it. Reports that the Donisthorpes are there [in Cambridge], but claims that he has been so busy that he has hardly been able to see anything of them. Remarks that he thinks 'the youth' [Wentworth] is clever.

Can tell Mrs Gretton amuses his mother, and remarks that he likes people who are unlike other people in their ways. Agrees with his mother about 'the '"foreignness" of [Mrs Gretton's] manière d'être' but observes that 'it is not only in the "sunny south" one finds that expansiveness', adding that the Germans have a good deal of it; sometimes thinks it is the 'more natural state' than English reserve, but says that 'when it is affected it is very odious'. Declares that he likes [Charles Kegan?] Paul very much. States that he finds that he has lost his paper about the Arundel Portfolios.

Tells Nora not to reply; has asked Arthur Benson to let him know how Henry is from time to time. Expresses his sympathy with Nora, and asks her to give his love to Henry, who is 'one of the best and truest friends' he ever had. Is pained to hear of his suffering.

On printed notepaper for Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., Publishers, London, 1 Paternoster Square. - Seeks permission to publish Houghton's poems in an anthology. 'I wandered by the Brook-side' is popular, but Paul asks Houghton to name a favourite. [William?] Cory says Houghton always underrates his own poetry.

Asks Sidgwick to 'procure and send [to him] specimen papers given to pass men at the Previous Examination, and final examinations at Cambridge'. Explains that he has with him a pupil 'who is very stupid, but wishes much to take a degree', and he [Kegan Paul] believed that Cambridge requirements for 'pass men' are below the Oxford standards. Refers to an enclosed letter [not included], which relates to a document which he sends by Book Post, and which he believes will interest Sidgwick because it is 'an attempt at a more progressive Religion [than they] as yet seem able to attain.' Declares that in answer to the letter he consented, provisionally, 'to be on the Committee', and that the paper he sends to Sidgwick is the 'draft scheme, which may be modified when the Committee really meets.' Would like to hear Sidgwick's views on the paper, and asks him to return it at the end of the week. Gives his own criticisms of the paper, and words and phrases that he would substitute in the original text. Doubts whether ' the admission of Congregations, and the establishment of a Central Church wouldn't be an evil, by adding inevitability to the number of sects, in spite of all endeavours to the contrary.' Claims that the representation of Congregations 'would throw the power of such a Congress as is contemplated mainly into the hands of those who have pledged themselves to the negation of certain dogmas, which is a different thing to the dislike of Dogma altogether.' Reminds Sidgwick that the paper is private, but tells him that he may show it 'to anyone likely in the main to sympathize.' Refers to the effect of his views on his own position as a member of the clergy, but claims that he cannot feel he would be doing right in giving up his position. Claims that [Congreve] has nearly convinced him 'that names ought always to be signed to what people write', and if he continues to write with this conviction the question of his remaining where he is may not impossibly be settled for him. Reports that he saw Sidgwick's brother in Oxford the other day and that there was a rumour that he was to take the incumbency of Merton Chapel, 'and make it a centre of liberalism'. Claims that 'the pendulum has swung the other way, and all the young people at Oxford are virtually Catholic.' Inquires as to whether Sidgwick is coming to visit them at Christmas. States that they shall be there [Bailie, Wimborne] most of the time, 'but may go to London after Christmas for a week or ten days.'

Reports that he has rectified his [concurrence] and sent a letter back to Mr Kegan Paul. Claims that he 'never knew where the securities were' and is glad they are to be in Sidgwick's custody. Trusts that they shall meet on the 24th [of October].

Expresses regret that Sidgwick did not come to visit them [in Weymouth]. Invites him to come should he get the work done 'before term begins' or any other time. Announces that they go home that day. Refers to 'the increase of difficulties with regard to the Church of England.' Declares that his doubts about the possibility of holding his position 'gain ground daily'. Is thinking of asking the Bishop [of Oxford?] for leave of non-residence for a year, and taking a house [in Weymouth], where he could work quietly with his pupils 'and at literature', and 'consider the whole matter of conscience'. Reports that Chapman is pleased with his paper. Declares that he wants to write 'a decent article...on the chastity or unchastity of schoolboys, and the uses and abuses of the confessional'. Asks Sidgwick to read, and give his opinion on, a paper of his on the Bishop of S[ ] in the July issue of the Theological Review.

Reports that he had 'a most delightful visit to Dorsetshire'. Tells her that she may tell Arthur 'that the mesmerizing did not come to much', as '[Charles Kegan] Paul did not succeed in getting Cowell any further than [Henry] had done, i.e. into a partial trance.' Reports that he felt his patriotism revive 'among the chalk downs and rich autumnal parks.' Remarks that he was surprised to find that Mrs Paul, 'who has written two or three tolerably popular novels is a rather quiet shy silent person - though very thoughtful and sensible when she does speak.'

Encloses the stamps [not included] of which he spoke in previous letters, and agrees with her as to the best way of getting the others. Announces that he will study the [Robert?] Browning, and that he is setting to work, although he does not feel so much inclined for reading as he should after a holiday. Asks his mother to give his love to his aunt [Elizabeth Lace], and states that he is glad that she is going to see her. Asks when William is going to be at Rugby at Christmas, and asks if he may bring a friend or two some time in the holidays. Understands that Arthur will be 'Europeanizing.' Observes that Mr Martin seems much better, although he looks ten years older. Hopes to see William in the middle of term. States that he does not like the moral and intellectual atmosphere at Cambridge any better for having been at Göttingen, or at least its effects on him; says however that 'the great lesson' he has learned in Germany is 'the necessity and duty of steady work, and one can do that anywhere'.

Reports that he is reading all kinds of books. Asks if she gets books now from a club, and if so, recommends the article on Poland in Vacation Tourists [and Notes on Travel].

Reports that Reginald Marsden of Merton '[ ] of the Oxford Eight' is a medium, 'and very much interested in Spiritualism.' Informs Sidgwick that Marsden 'is intimate with the Milner Gibsons', and other spiritual people. Explains that he has asked the latter to put himself in communication with Sidgwick, as he believes that if the two join forces, they could 'work out something.' States that [ ] 'is very wild in the matter, but he knows interesting people'; suggests that Sidgwick look him up. Gives his address in Croydon, and mentions that he is in town most days. Thanks Sidgwick for writing to Chapman, and invites him to come and see them. Claims that he can, through Dr [Elliston], get Sidgwick an introduction to Dr Ashburner, and offers to introduce him to Mr [De Morgan].

[Sent from Lille]:- Announces that he has left 'Arcadia [Göttingen]', and is spending the night 'in a country where they chatter a superficial language called French.' Discusses his liking for the German people, who, he believes, 'have attained the end of civilization i.e. intellectual and aesthetic development without the usual concommitent disadvantages of civilization i.e. luxury and ceremony'. Says Professor Ewald has devoted much of his time to him, and has refused to take any payment. Attended a meeting of philologers at Hanover, which was 'not bad fun'; spent his time with the 'Orientalist section, who are a sociable lot'. Objects however to German state dinners, which are very long drawn out because the speeches go on between the courses, and comments on the amount of wine consumed at the dinner he attended.

Reports that he has not learnt very much Arabic. States that Professor Ewald is not complimentary but consoles him by saying that he knows more than most Englishmen; his other Professor [Wüstenfeld] is much politer, 'but then he is at once good natured and shy'.. Praises the German people once again. Mentions that Professor Benfey is one of the founders of Comparative Philology.

Says that the King of Hanover would have asked to be remembered to her 'had he thought of it, as it was he only asked about the state of Hebrew learning in the English Universities'; he was 'on the whole very amiable and seemed to take a pleasure in talking English'. Gives the address of C.K. Paul in Dorsetshire, in case his mother intends to write to him before 18 October. Announces that he is bringing the [German] stamps to her, and mentions that she never sent him the envelope stamps. Remarks that stamp collections are beginning to have a mercantile value 'just like the Dutch tulips'.

Hopes that Arthur will have got his fellowship by the time this letter reaches her, and asks her to ask him what he is going to do about the Club and whether he has communicated his [ ] to W.G. Clark.

[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.

Regrets that he cannot come to visit Sidgwick in Cambridge that year. Explains that he could not leave home before 16 December, and that [Francis Warre?] Cornish is coming to stay on 20 December. Invites Sidgwick to visit him on his way to [John Jermyn?] Cowell, or after his visit. Informs him that if he comes soon after Christmas he will find [John Burnell?] Payne there, and probably Dr [David?] and Mrs Rowland. Mentions that [Oscar?] Browning might also pay a visit. Describes the search for water by 'young Okeden', and how it was discovered that an underground stream to a well in the village ran from north to south. Reports that the 'Tennyson boys' told him that the Times reported that their father had changed college 'in consequence of a quarrel with her bread and butter'. States that Tennyson was in no other college but Trinity.

Regrets that his influence with London editors is limited to Macmillan, but asks Patterson to send him A Martyr. Is certain that Frederic Macmillan will give him advice as to what to do with it. Undertakes to ask Kegan Paul, in default of Macmillan's advice. States that the only book [by a friend of his] he had published by Kegan Paul had little commercial success. Suggests that a publisher might think it more advisable to publish the two tales, A Martyr and Noble Rest together. Recalls his 'very pleasant week in Buda-Pest', and sends greetings to Beothy, Lanczy, Medveczky, Pulszky, W. Bal[ ] and others.

Explains that he is a bad correspondent. Refers to '[Charles Kegan] Paul's kind attempt to furnish [him] with a pupil to take abroad', and reports that the whole thing has fallen through 'from the outrageous conduct of the boy who appears to require a divine rather than a human Mentor.' Refers to their planned meeting on the following Saturday. Mentions that his rooms at Downing have been given up to a freshman, and asks Sidgwick if he thinks that there are any vacant rooms in Trinity College that he could occupy 'from Saturday till Thursday'. Reports that he has been abroad for two months during the summer 'with a very uninteresting pupil'. Expresses regret that he had not made more of his 'Cambridge chances'. Professes to be 'not at all happy', because of '[a] load of debt on the one side, and a cruel burden of acquired laziness on the other'. Claims to have 'given up the useless and heartbreaking search for a religion', and has left behind him 'ontology, sceptical conservatism, and many other bad things.' Confesses that the letter is being written late at night. Refers to their Cambridge friendship, and to the fact that he has always had friends who thought better of me than he thought he deserved. [Incomplete]

Dictated letter. Expresses his gratitude to Sidgwick for his note, 'and to Mrs Sidgwick for acting as secretary'. Fears that Sidgwick might be doing too much. Mentions that he may be moving to Poole Harbour in a couple of weeks for several weeks, if he is able for the journey. Invites Sidgwick to come also, if he is able to. Is very pleased that Sidgwick and his [Paul's] 'dear friend Father Tyrell [George Tyrrell] have become friends.' States that the latter is now at Richmond in Yorkshire, and that he will tell him that he [Paul] has 'a somewhat cheering account' of Sidgwick.

Tells him not to worry about lodgings, as Sidgwick is 'after all a Philosopher': expresses his preference to sleep over his desire to save money. States that he 'will not fail on Wednesday at 2.30.' Reports that [Charles Kegan] Paul wishes him to dine at the Savile Club to meet a friend of his called O[ ], who is a barrister and would like to join in in their spiritualistic investigations. Thinks that Myers ought to come along 'in the interests of the Cause'. Asks for Myers' opinion on the matter, and adds that O[ ] 'is a little odd.' Reports that he met James Hinton in Oxford, who said that he also would like to join. Tells Myers to settle for Sidgwick to dine at 'S.M.T.' if he likes.

Refers to Myers' letter. Claims that he 'cannot conceive that any of Time's changes can make [him] forget the pleasure which it has given [him]...' Tells him to do what he thinks is right in relation to [Spirits], and assures him that he will cooperate. Announces that [Kegan] Paul is not coming to stay with him, but is going to stay in King's [College], and that he has invited him to breakfast on Sunday. Asks Myers to be there. Adds that he shall meet 'Mrs R. G. on Tuesday at Venn's, 'and should have embraced her in the bonds etc' if Myers had not warned him

Reports that he is recovering from a concussion of the brain, which he sustained about a month previously, and that the injury causes him to make mistakes in language and spelling. Explains that he was knocked down in London. Agrees that 'it will be well to continue the use of the money to Newnham', but thinks that they 'shall carry out Miss Bathurst's wishes'. Suggests making Mrs Sidgwick, 'and afterwards any future principal of Newnham', a personal trustee. States that if Sidgwick thought that one of the Darwins would be amenable to be appointed as trustee, that he [Paul] would retire, since he knows that Mrs Bathurst would not have appointed him had she known that he was likely to become Catholic. Tells Sidgwick to write to W.H. Gray, informing him that he had communicated with Paul, 'at the old address.' Declares that Sidgwick is 'most kind in offering to bring up the fund to a round sum.' Sends his regards to Mrs Sidgwick. Reports that his son-in-law [Rendel] 'has gone to [ ] on business for the winter', and therefore 'Ruth and her three children are almost next door for the [winter]'.

Informs Sidgwick that he and his family are to leave at Easter, and are going to live in or near London. He intends to resign his living, and then take 'the legal steps necessary for setting aside Orders.' Feels legally bound to stay on where he is for a few months, since he is on the school board, which he had established himself, and 'must preside over the [ ] of the Parish Schools, which are vested in the Vicar, and the Board Schools.' He intends to draw no further income from the living, and to resign as soon as possible. Announces that he is going to do the same sort of work for [H. S.] King that he had previously been doing, but now on a larger scale. In relation to his financial affairs, declares that they have 'enough to buy bread and cheese'. States that his wife is at one with him in his decision. Does not wish to 'go out with any flourish of trumpets', which is one of the reasons why he does not want to make his resignation 'quite simultaneous with his departure. Mentions that his children are unhappy about the situation, and are especially distressed about the planned selling of various animals. Reports that his last set of pupils are doing well at Oxford, and that he has 'a pleasant set now'. Hopes that Sidgwick will come to visit him for a day or two as soon as term is over.

Expresses his desire to know about Sidgwick's scheme for correspondence teaching. Wanted to invite him to their house during the summer, but their plans were upset by Paul's catching the small pox early in August. Refers to the amusement he derived from the reports of his death, and from some of the views passed on his character and conduct while alive, and refers to the fact that the clergy of a clerical society to which he no longer belongs 'thought of attending [his] funeral, and then recoiled at the thought of the possible danger of infection'. Asks Sidgwick to recommend 'any simple book of applied mathematical problems...which takes e.g. the 3 first Bks of Euclid, and gives practical applications of the various problems. Remarks that 'Nancy shows a remarkable aptitude for Mathematics, but becomes impatient of theory, and wants to see how the things she learns have a bearing on life and its doings.' Suggests that if Sidgwick can tell him of such a book, it can be sent to him by Deighton and Bell. Asks Sidgwick's opinion on the Dialectical Society's "Report on Spiritualism". Does not think a great deal of it 'if one subtract Mr Home and Mrs Guppy'. Believes the latter to be 'an [arrant] humbug', and remarks that she '[brought] flowers in the dark, but then so did Mr S[ ] the conjuror in the light, at [ ] a few evenings ago.' Asks how things are at Rugby. Refers to the case of two boys who are orphans there.

Asks Sidgwick if he can come in the vacation. Gives details of his movements; he is to stay where he is until 26 December, when he will go to Bath and Clifton, where he will stay until 31 December. On Monday 2 January he plans to go to Freshwater, and then on to London, and intends to be back about 14 January. Assures Sidgwick that his arrangements could be modified to suit his visit. Asks if there is any chance of his being in London during the week in which he will be there. Announces that he will be staying at [ ]'s house at Croydon. Expresses regret that he was not 'at the last dying speech and confession of the F[ree] C[hristian] U[nion]'. Refers to the fact that Martineau is to preach for Fr [Seeffield] the following day. Remarks that 'Stanley's plan is fairly open to the objections which Baldwin Brown urged against it.' Declares that they are 'in the throes of having either to give much more aid to Schools than has ever been given, or be rated.' Wishes the parish to accept the [ ] [ ] system 'freely and frankly', but fears they will try to keep the school as it is at present, 'but not liberally enough to avoid eventually coming on the rates.' Refers to the strangeness of '[t]he sort of sentimental affection without reality which men have for the Church of England'. Supposes that Sidgwick is glad to see Bradley's election, and remarks that it must be a great blow for the [ ]-Bright party.