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Explains that he did not like to write to her earlier, when her great loss 'was in its first freshness', and when she was sure to be overwhelmed with letters of condolence. Recounts some memories he has of Henry from Cambridge in their undergraduate days, including sitting opposite him 'at Frost's' with whom he [Lias] read until he 'succumbed to an attack of nervous prostration.' Claims that 'none could forget him who once came under the spell of his sweet attractiveness.' Relates having surprised him one day by predicting that his brother-in-law would be Archbishop of Canterbury. States that they used to work together at the Ethical Society, where he had 'at once to admire his deep interest and ripe judgement in matters of morals, and his wide tolerance and deep sympathy.' Compares life to a school, where 'those who work well...will be promoted to another grade where there are things well worth the learning, and where [one's] opportunities of usefulness will be indefinitely augmented.' States that his wife joins him in sending expressions of sympathy 'for the loss of one of whom, as a distinguished member of her father's College [E. J. Mortlock attended Trinity] she has often heard.' Fears that the chances of their meeting are small, as he seldom comes to Cambridge. Regrets his loss of contact with his old undergraduate friends, male and female, whose acquaintance he made at St Edward's. Prays that God may give her comfort and peace during the remainder of her life on earth, and 'a happy reunion with the loved and lost hereafter.'

Refers to Mortlock's offer to procure for Sidgwick 'some information as to banking business - as conducted in London or any place when bankers deal largely in bills of exchange.' Explains that he has to write a page or two on the subject of banking in a book he is bringing out 'on the Principles of Political Economy', and finds it very difficult to obtain a clear answer from books to the questions that he wishes to ask. Refers to the belief that bankers can obtain, on that part of their resources that they employ in discounting bills, interest higher than they could get by investing in securities. Asks if a banker gets a commission or other extra payment from the trader whose bill he discounts; about what proportion of the bills discounted by a great London bank - apart from the Bank of England - are actually discounted at not more than the published Bank-rate; to what height approximately does the increased charge rise when a higher rate is charged; and is the increase, on the whole, considered to be more than a fair insurance against the additional risk attaching to bills of inferior quality. Annotations in pencil.