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Explains that she has been very busy with domestic matters. Claims to be 'more than satisfied with what Arthur has done....' Remarks that there are 'some friends in out of the way places, who seem always to think that any Cambridge man of note ought to be a Wrangler...' and claims to set them right when she can. Was glad to hear from William that Arthur looked so well, and that they all had such a pleasant time at Oxford, and wishes that she could have listened to [their] 'eloquent Professor [Henry Smith? see 99/21] behind some curtain.'

Reports that she had just had a nice letter from Annie Brown, 'in which she complains sadly of Longman for making her last book - Problems in Human Nature, so dear', and of the fact that no one has reviewed it. Asks Henry to write one, and also to lend Brown a copy of Coventry Patmore's Angel in the House. Quotes her remarks on Henry's paper on De Tocqueville. Asks if he could get an introduction to Mr Kingsley for a young man who greatly admires him, for Brown also. Asks if he has read [Margaret Oliphant's] The Chronicles of Carlingford and asks his opinion on them. Reports that she has read Deerbrook [by Harriet Martineau], and gives her thoughts on its subject, i.e., the damaging effects of the interference of a third person in the loves of others. [Incomplete].

Gratefully acknowledges receipt of her long letter [101/157]. Regrets to hear that his uncle Christopher [Sidgwick?] is going to law. In relation to ' "Colenso" ', does not expect his uncle 'to be converted to more liberal views at his time of life.' Believes that a crisis is coming on again in the Church of England, 'much like that of the Tractarians.' Discusses Colenso's book [The Pentateuch and Book of Joshua Critically Examined] in relation to the impending crisis. Regrets that no one has reviewed Miss [Anne] Brown's book. Wishes to cut his connection with the press, as it interferes with his study and does not improve his style. Declares that 'the Problems [in Human Nature' is not the kind of book he would like to write about. Undertakes to send Miss Brown 'Coventry [Patmore]'.

Confirms that he has read the Chronicles of Carlingford by Margaret Oliphant, part of which he compares with George Eliot, 'and one cannot give it higher praise, but the melodramatic element a little spoils it'. Wishes to hear his mother's views 'about Hymen [god of marriage] and the facilities for serving them', and asks if she thinks women are annoyed by the social restraints as much as men, since 'it does not appear in their books.' Says that he would like the American freedom, but doesn't suppose that she would. Discusses relations between men and women in America, compared to those in England. Declares that he is much obliged for Miss Brown's 'good opinion of [his] humble efforts'.

Expresses his gladness that Henry has got a good mortgage, and reports that he hears from Mr P[ ] that it was 'perfectly sound'. States that he has looked over Bridges' pamphlet [Robert Bridge's Prosody of Milton?] again, and remarks, on reading it again, 'how very little [ ] prosody can carry you in explaining the secret of good verse...', and that he quite agrees with Henry about the end of lines. Goes on to discuss the content and form of the verse, and refers to the use and accentuation of foreign words, e.g., in French and Latin. Refers to Milton, Pope, and Shakespeare. Asks Henry if he knows P[atmore's]. 'Studies of the English Metrical Law', published as a preface to Amelia. Also refers to [a report] in the Globe of the previous Friday that 'German bands in Melbourne had been compelled to play "Rule Britannia" all the time'.

Heckfield Place, Winchfield. - Milnes' recommendation of Mr Patmore for vacancy in British Museum Department of Antiquities will be considered; many candidates. Bustle at new Palace [of Westminster] yesterday' 'No body quiet save the Bishop, or Mitred Abbot, whom they have lately discovered in the Crypt [William Lyndwood]'; hopes Parliament will not be in similar confusion.