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Refers to some enclosed questions [see below], some of which he believes were discussed by Bagehot, and some are 'one or two points [which] he does not allude to.' Suggests that if she does not feel inclined to make any remarks on 'Bagehot', the most stimulating thing she can do is to read Mill's Representative Government with 'Bagehot' in her head, and notice the difference between their views, 'and try to adopt a judicial frame of mind between them.' Also suggest that she read the Times, the Saturday Review, etc., 'to notice where any of the questions [which] Bagehot discusses is brought up, and try and catch the reviewers point of view and estimate the value of his arguments.' Declares that the advantage of politics or jurisprudence as a study 'is that there are so many cases continually turning up in every day talk and contemporary journalism for applying any principles that one may have taken in...'

Reports that he has been spending many pleasant days in London and in Dorsetshire since the Monday of two weeks previously; says he so many friends in London that its attraction is growing on him. Reports that he has been exploring Clifton, referring to Combe Valley and Leigh woods, and to a poem which mentions the latter [by William Leigh Bowles?]. Informs her that his friend Roden Noel has just brought out a second volume of poems, [Beatrice and other poems] which he judges to be very good. Expresses his regret at hearing her account of their aunt Henrietta, who, he believes, 'ought to be violently incited to cultivate her Art.' Sends his love to Edward.

On a separate sheet: list of five questions on a political theme, with references to the English constitution, the House of Lords, the House of Commons, the functions of a constitutional monarchy, and the [probable] effect of Republicanism in Spain, Italy and France.

10 Prinsegracht, The Hague:- It seems that there has been a 'misunderstanding' about the amount of Miss van der Hoeven's contribution to her and Robert's future household; hopes that Mr Hubrecht's letter [46/77] will put this right. Explains how it happened (a mistake over English idiom); 'only natural' that his father made a mistake, especially since Mr Hubrecht's hand writing is 'none of the clearest, and as foreign writing is often difficult for us to read'. Hubrecht was 'much distressed about it'; though it is a 'most unfortunate misunderstanding', perhaps he 'magnified its importance', as he is 'very scrupulous and honourable in such matters'. He himself would have been surprised if Miss van der Hoeven had been able to contribute three hundred pounds per year, as he had never thought she had so much a year in income, and knew that by 'her parents' desire' only a part was to be contributed to her household on marriage. The same proportion, as Mr Hubrecht said, was agreed as annual contribution when Elizabeth's sister married Mr Röntgen. Thinks nine hundred pounds a year will be enough for their household: he is 'not extravagant, and she is still less so; not to mention her own separate money'. Hopes Mr Hubrecht's letter will satisfy his father.

Asks him to thank his mother for her letter, which reached him this morning; will write to her again before he sets off for Italy. Has had a 'very happy week' since his return from Brussels, though 'a busy one'; has been 'very favourably impressed by her relations and friends, who called in great numbers last Saturday'. 'One family friend, Mr Pearson... [sic: Nicolaas Pierson]' was the Minister of Finance, and 'very interesting', who had known Bagehot and was an 'admirer of his writing' as well as of Sir George's life of Macaulay; Pierson said he 'always read a speech of Macaulay's before making an important speech himself'.

Bessie has 'shown great good sense and character in everything' through this fortnight which has been 'so eventful for her'; thinks she will 'easily adapt herself' to Robert's family and their friends. She is the 'sort of person whom people almost always like at once, but whom it sometimes takes a little time to know completely', though he does not want to suggest she is 'reserved'. Thanks his father again for the 'sympathy and kindness' which his parents have shown him.

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].'