Informs Sidgwick that Conington can give him a M[ ] nomination, which belongs to another life governor ['Albert's father']. Expresses his intention of being in Cambridge from Friday 11 [June] to Monday 14 [June], 'staying with Kennedy' and doesn't know if he will be able to meet up with any of his friends. Kennedy has mapped out his [Conington's] time to some extent; e.g., 'dining in Hall with [W.G.?] Clark on Sunday'. Reports that he had a letter the previous day from Munro, 'formally announcing himself.', and that [Henry?] Smith 'had brought back news from Cambridge that he might very possibly not stand after all. Refers to another candidate [Price]. Comments on Munro's article, which he has read. Refers to Sidgwick's paper and the possible reaction of Oxford ontologists to it. Comments on Sidgwick's new Tripos scheme, and admits that he does not know 'what the points' of it are. Refers to the reaction to Latin Verse [in the Spectator]. As regards 'the new Journal', he claims that he has no time for reviewing, and therefore does not undertake to work for it. Concludes by announcing that 'Horace is done, and going to be printed.' [J. Conington's verse translation of Horace's Satires, Epistles, and Ars Poetica, published posthumously].
Reports that he finished reading Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir that day, and remarks on the perfect way in which Henry's life 'is told in his own words.' Declares that the book 'revives the sense and memory of his charm', which, he claims 'can only very imperfectly be conveyed to strangers.' States that the three 'most brilliant talkers' he has known were Henry Smith, Henry Sidgwick and Cotter Morison. Refers to Henry's 'passionate love of truth' and to the 'immense amount of good work' that he achieved.
States that 'the only depressing thing in the Memoir is the 'terrible sense it brings upon [him] of the way ones [sic] true failure to achieve much in life is due to selfishness producing indolent aimlessness', and refers to Henry's resolve and desire to pursue what was right. Refers to his own works The Law of the Constitution, and Law and Public Opinion in England, and to the positive references made by Henry to the former, and states that as he reads his letters he longs to talk over his book with him. Thanks Nora for reviving in her book 'so many good and helpful memories of one of the best and kindest of friends'. Adds a reference in pencil to a particular memory of Henry he had.
Reports that he has been in Cambridge for a few days, but has not yet begun to work. Arthur is 'quite satisfied' with his degree, but many are disappointed. Enjoyed his visit to Oxford and declares that William's rooms are 'magnificent'. Conington introduced him 'to one of the "stars" of Oxford - Professor Henry Smith', who is 'a wonderful converser'. Saw Mr Martin that morning, who was looking very ill, and '[George or John?] Paget gives a bad account of him.'
Glad to hear about Katie Lace [his cousin, engaged to be married to the Rev. J. D. Wawn]. Remarks that the clergy of the Church of England 'generally perform their duty to Society in the way of matrimony if in no other way.' Announces that he begins lecturing the following day, and that there are 'piles of portmanteaus at the Porter's lodge just now.' Says that he has been reading 'A Woman's Thoughts about Women [by Dinah Mulock]', and that it seems to him 'more practical and vigorous tho' less refined than Miss [Anne] Browns books.' Asks if he left a racquet at Rugby.