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Thanks him for his 'kind and interesting letter.' Refers to his incurable disease and the effect that it would have on his quality of life and ability to carry out his work. States that it has caused him to value all the more the kindness of his friends. Feels that he is unworthy of von Hügel's praise, but appreciates the recognition of his friends of the work, which he looks on as incomplete and imperfect. Does not know what the future holds, and states that as soon as he is physically strong enough he will 'endeavour to endure [the] habits of daily work', but that he has been 'warned against anything like fatigue.' Claims that he shall be very sorry if he is not able to write something more on the subjects on which they have exchanged ideas at the Synthetic Society. Expresses his sympathy with Von Hügel in his anxiety about his sister's health.

Reports that he has been looking at some of Henry Sidgwick's Synthetic Society papers, and fears that, 'though very interesting on [ ] and theological topics' they are not suitable for publication. Believes that they could and should be used 'in any account of Prof. Sidgwick's views.' Apologises for having put Nora to the trouble of writing and explains that he forgot the title of 'the Glasgow lecture'. Declares that he was indebted to her 'for the pleasure of hearing [Mr. Thomas? Farrer's] lecture', which he claims was very interesting. States that [ ] 'enjoyed it immensely'. Adds that he did not know of Mrs Clough's death.

Reports that he went to Leckhampton that afternoon to tell Myers his news in person, but since he was away he 'must write'. Explains that he has an organic disorder of the bowels, which an expert said 'more than a fortnight ago' requires an operation. On his Cambridge doctor's advice, he is going to see the specialist again tomorrow, who may advise an operation at once. The probabilities are that he will survive the operation, but it is uncertain as to how long he will live after it; adds that 'it will be only an invalid halflife.'

Had hoped until today to defer giving Myers the news until after his brother's visit [Ernest Myers was due to be visiting the Sidgwicks], since he has 'shrunk from grieving those who love [him]', but today he is telling 'brothers and sisters' [presumably his and Nora's], 'and one or two intimate friends.' Asks Myers to tell no one. States that he and Nora may have to 'put [their] visitors off', but that if everything goes ahead as arranged he envisages that he shall probably go to the Synthetic [Society], but not to the dinner. Declares that life is now 'very strange' and 'very terrible', but that he tries to 'meet it like a man, [his] beloved wife aiding [him].' Says he is holding, or trying to hold on 'to duty and love; and through love to touch the greater hope'. Acknowledges that the letter 'may be farewell', and declares that Myers' friendship has had 'a great place' in his life; as he 'walk[s] through the Valley of the Shadow of Death' he feels Myers' affection. Asks him to pray for him.

Announces that his attitude towards life has undergone a complete transformation. Reports that a second surgeon whom he consulted thought that Sidgwick was not in a proper condition for the operation, and ordered him to 'eat drink and be merry for a few days first.' Explains that he tells Myers this, so that he may know when he goes to visit Sidgwick the following day 'that conviviality is not a scientific, but a medical duty.' Will go to the Synthetic [Society] dinner that night 'in obedience to the same order.'

Says how interested and moved he was by Henry Sidgwick: a Memoir, and claims that to write about it is like reviewing all his life since 1858, when he first met Henry. States that although he was not in contact with him as much as he would have liked, 'he was never far away....' Recalls the last kindness 'among so many' done by Sidgwick for him was his bringing him into the Synthetic Society, which brought the two of them into touch 'in those last two years'. Refers to Sidgwick's repudiation of agnosticism, and to his belief in 'an Orderer as well as an Order, and in the permanence of Spirit ....' Refers also to 'the passages in which he speaks of In Memoriam and pronounces in favour of hope'. Claims that, having read the book, he seems to realise better 'that the persistence of the idea of faith and hope, in all the forms of religion, is a witness to the truth of religion.' Believes that for justice to be done to Henry, something of the essence of his conversation should be included in the book, but admits that its rare quality 'could hardly be described'. States that he would like to come and see her if he can come to Cambridge again.

Writes on the death of Henry Sidgwick, expressing her sympathy with Nora on her loss. Refers to Nora's letter written from Cliftonville two months previously. States how Henry's 'brave facing of the great parting and change' touched them profoundly. Relates that [F.W.] Cornish was present at the Synthetic Society in June, and heard Henry's 'noble delivery of what had to be said on that occasion, and received his own account, now to be forgotten of what was to follow.' Refers also to her sister, Mrs Freshfield, having seen Henry in Bond Street. Expresses her deepest regret at not having replied to the letter from Cliftonville, and claims that she had 'so much hope that ample time for correspondence' would follow. Claims to have wished to tell Nora then how she had ventured to ask Henry and Nora 'to be with all the young men' and [the Cornishes] about that time, having had such happy memories of a visit Henry paid to them in the summer of 1897, when he 'turned the conversation to subjects thrillingly interesting' to her [soldier] son, Francis, who 'went back to India with the recollection of something exquisite enjoyed with the older generation...' Says that [the letter] is an answer to Nora's note about Henry from Margate.

Explains that he heard of Henry Sidgwick's death while he was away on holidays [in Wales]. Refers to the personal loss which he feels, and to Henry's 'never-failing sympathy, stimulation, kindness and example.' Claims that for the last fifteen years and more he has never thought upon, or written about, 'ethical or cognate topics, or indeed discussed any serious matters of any sort with any one' without referring to Henry's methods and works on the subject. Refers to the high regard in which he was held by the Synthetic Society, and to Fr. Tyrrell's reference to 'the finely Christian temper of his mind'. Claims to find consolation in the fact that he has been saved much pain, and a period of frustrating inactivity. Refers to his own sister's illness and possible impending death. Adds that he intends to keep 'that most beautifully characteristic last letter of his...amongst one or two other letters' that he received from him.

Is 'out of reach of the bulk of [his] books, not to mention the Athenaeum and the London Library' but says there is 'a good deal about the Metaphysical Society up and down various recent memoirs': mentions Leslie Stephen's life of James Fitzjames Stephen and Wilfrid Ward's book about his father W.G. Ward. Sees no reason why Sir James Knowles, who has the minute book of the society, should not be willing to let Nora see it. States that Shadworth Hodgson is about the only living person who was an active member before he [Pollock] joined the society. Does not think that there is much relevant information on it in Huxley's biography, but suggests that it would be worthwhile to look. States that Dr Martineau was the last chairman of the society.

Remarks that it was surprising that its members stayed together for so long, and states that the Synthetic Society is 'a kind of modified revival of it.' Does not believe that Henry Sidgwick came to the society's meetings often during Pollock's time, but states that he had many better opportunities for discussion with him outside the society. Relates that at one time Knowles 'thought or preferred to think the [society] was going to define the fundamental terms of philosophy and prepare the way for a general agreement', and states that the members certainly were not up to such a task. Refers also to a plan that he and Henry had around 1897 to set up 'a smaller speculative club or brother-hood with enough common tendency to hold it together but no dogmas', but it came to nothing. Is glad that Nora liked his review [of Henry's The Development of European Polity]; states that he was especially impressed by 'the excellence of the medieval part.' Adds that 'the Society was intended to satisfy Tennyson concerning the immortality of the soul', and states that he believes that the latter attended one meeting.