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Voyage from Capetown to Ceylon, description of Colombo, insurrection at Kandy, journey from Columbo to Point de Galle, birth of Henry Bickersteth Mayor: Point de Galle, Sri Lanka

Writes to express his sympathy on the death of Henry Sidgwick, who he knew from boyhood. Claims to have had always 'the highest admiration for his great powers and his noble character', and remarks that it is hard to believe that he should have died before him [Mayor], who is 'so much his senior.' Refers to the help Henry gave him in editing Professor Grote's book. Declares that his death 'following so soon on that of Seeley and Hort has deprived Cambridge of its best and most characteristic elements.' Claims that his brother, who was mathematical master of Rugby when Henry was a boy, used to speak of the latter 'as his best pupil', and noticed how he used to approach examinations. Hopes that the report that he had begun to put down memoranda 'with a view to a history of his own mental development' may be true.

Thanks her for her letter and gift [a birthday present]. Declares that he has now passed 'what is said to be the dangerous age (as regards imprudent marriage)'. Considers staying in Cambridge during the Long Vacation, and says that the idea that it is 'insalubrious' in the summer is 'a complete delusion'. Reports that he went to London on Wednesday to a dinner party, and had a very serious attack of hay fever. Since 'a tolerably severe examination is near at hand, fears that he cannot come to see her as he had hoped to do that month. Reports that the living of Whitkirk has not yet been disposed of , but has heard that 'a late scholar of the college has just married on his curacy', and fears that his claims will be considered strong especially as he always went to morning chapel.' Expresses his surprise at the fact that Bob Mayor 'is going'. Asks if she has heard that Joseph Mayor is a candidate for the Professorship of political economy at Trinity College. Does not believe that he is the best man for the job, and states that he shall have to vote against him. Reports that he has just had three quarters of an hour 'at the Academy', and comments that he cannot conceive of 'anyone except a painter admiring the ghastly [Eve of] St Agnes', but states that the other two by Millais are 'wonderfully well-painted', though he wonders at the artist's choice of 'such trivial subjects.': 'There used to be some poetry in him: where is it gone to? His inspiration now seems about the level of Mrs Henry Wood's novels'.

Reports on the wedding of Meta [Moultrie] in Rugby, to which she and Minnie were invited. Describes the church and church-yard, and the appearance of the bride. Remarks that the bride-groom told 'some very vulgar jokes when he had to make a speech'; one of the bridesmaids, Christabel Coleridge, came to stay with her and Minnie.

Reports on the school concert, referring to Mr Mayor and Mr Walker, and on the speech day. Refers to the comings and goings of Minnie, William and Arthur, and reports that the latter is in London with his friend Laurance, and probably goes to Wellington College that week. Adds that two college friends of William - Mr Harcourt and Mr Epson - spent the previous Sunday with them. Announces that the following day William goes to Wells to see William Lace, and that both he and Arthur are expected back in Rugby soon, after which Arthur will go to Clifton to examine, and then on to Germany, and William will go to the sea with his Uncle Robert's family. She herself expects some of the Bedford family [of her brother William Crofts] in Rugby in August if they can come.

Tells Henry to let her know when he would like to come; suggests the following week, when Eleanor [Benson?] will be there. Announces that she will go to Wellington College at the end of September. Is glad that he is well, but advises him to be careful about eating if he cannot take much exercise. Presumes that 'Whitkirk must be given away', and guesses that it was given to H. Longsd[on]. Reports that 'Bolton Abbey is bestowed upon a Mr. Robinson who had to do with a training school at York, and who is a friend of Mr. Cooper's of E[ ].' States that H. Longsd[on] 'has just got another son...', and reports that William has persuaded Henry's Uncle Lace to let Edward read with a tutor of William's choice before his matriculation. States that they have not yet heard of a house, but that she has first refusal on Mrs Leicester's, if the latter should leave it. Explains that it used to be inhabited by Mr. [T.] Evans.

Hopes to get Edward and Minnie to Rugby for a week 'as the Queen has lengthened their holidays just by that time....' Asks him to recommend a periodical which would give 'the best reviews of books, + treats of upon subjects within the range of a woman's capactity.' Explains that she wants to lend such a publication to Lucy Brown, who has limited access to books. States that the latter has undertaken to take into her home an orphan niece, and has been obliged to set up a small school. Adds that the Brown's brother-in-law , Mr [Henry Dampier] Phelps, has recently died and Lucy must now find a new home for his wife's five orphan nieces. Remarks that Annie Brown 'has mistaken her vocation in attempting a novel'.

Building of new school, birth of Robert Bickersteth Mayor who has a native wet-nurse, praise of Charlotte, have been joined by the Wards owing to Benjamin Ward's illness, girl's school teaches Singhalese, caste system, hope of resurrection versus reincarnation, local priests, Sarah's marriage, report of a shipwreck: Point de Galle