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Reports that he cannot, after all, go to Brighton, as he shall be delayed in England and London for longer than he expected, and also explains that Brighton is a bad place for hayfever. On reflection does not think that he could do Miss Horton much good by anything he could say 'in a [ ] of conversation.' He would be glad to do anything he could, and undertakes to go and see his aunt [Henrietta?] when he returns in October, 'if she is still there and it is convenient.' Announces that he is very busy at the moment, and that he hopes to leave London on Thursday or Friday for Ostend. Regrets that he cannot come to visit her. Remarks on the Civil Service being thrown open to competition. Thinks that the best thing that they can do for 'young [Frank?] Horton is to assist him in preparing himself for the examination.' Undertakes to try and enquire about this in town, and to write to her again on the matter. Reports that he is extremely well, and that he takes exercise on cloudy and rainy days.

Expresses her delight at the news, which she heard from Henry's aunt Stephana, that he had been elected as a Fellow of Trinity, and appointed Assistant Tutor. Adds that she heard that his examination papers were the best, and states how proud of him she is. Declares that she is thankful also that Arthur enters on his new life with Henry by his side, and is glad of the good example he has set him.

States that she is on her way home, and shall be there on 22 or 24 October, and then goes to Wellington College. Thinks that Minnie would like to see her, and presumes that all Edward's friends will have had time to pay their visits. States that she hears on all sides of their happiness, and wants to see it for herself. Reports that Henry's aunt Henrietta is there [in Leeds], but that she goes to Bedford the following day to see his uncle and aunt [William and Stephana Crofts], and then proceeds to Brighton.

Encourages to bring any friend of him home for Christmas. Hopes that he will stay 'all the time at Rugby' as she will be very glad for all the family to be together once more. Reports that '[p]oor little Ellen' is very poorly with a fever. Asks him to give her love to Arthur and to tell him to write to her in Leeds until the end of the following week. Adds that Willy Croft's report for the [Doctor] is excellent. Asks to be remembered to all his friends, and that her congratulations be passed on to Mr Somerset. Does not think she knows Bowen. Wishes she had seen Father's name [on the list of elected fellows], and sends her particular remembrances to him and his brother.

Reports on her guests - those from Skipton, Miss Attersoll and Mr Boyd. States that Miss Attersoll has been trying to infuse into her 'a clearer idea of the state of public affairs in Church and State.' Announces that Lucy Brown and Henry's Aunt Sidgwick are also to arrive. Asks him when she may expect him and Arthur, and whether it would be possible to go down to Brighton for a few days before coming home. Reports that his aunt [Henrietta?] has been ill, and that 'perhaps a familiar face [would] cheer her.' Hopes that Henry is well, and that he will not take as many pupils the following term. Declares that Lucy Brown 'thinks much of [Hawthorne's] Scarlet Letter.' Reports on a 'remarkable sermon' given by Dr Temple, and that Lee Warner says that he [Temple] is going to publish all he has preached [at Rugby]. Asks Henry to tell Arthur to write to her to tell her how he is, and hopes that he is not overworked. Refers to Graham Dakyns, who 'seems quite downhearted about his place', and asks if there is any cause for it. Reports that Elizabeth [Cooper?] 'was sadly knocked up at Xmas, 'and will suffer from it for long'.

Claims to have been anxious about his welfare, and that she had often thought about him the previous week, wondering which day he was crossing the channel. Reports that she left his aunt [Henrietta?] at Brighton the previous Friday when she came to Bedford through London, having spent a fortnight with her, and that the latter invites Henry to come to visit her. Reports that Minnie, Elizabeth and the baby are now gone to Brighton, out of the way, she presumes of measles which seems quite an epidemic in Wellington College. Hopes that Edward has not caught the infection. Hopes that Henry got their joint letter at Frankfurt and that he enjoyed his travels and his introduction to the [ ]. Asks after his and Arthur's health.

Intends to go and see Mr and Mrs C. Ward at Stapleton near Bristol when she leaves Bedford, and then paying a few visits before settling where her winter quarters are to be. Reports that his aunt says that she would be delighted if he and Arthur could come for a Sunday. Encloses the receipt of the bill paid at Warwick's [not included], and tells him that he can repay her when they meet. Reports that Aunt Lace is there, and that all join in sending their love to him.

Hopes that the letter reaches him, as she hears from Mrs Dakyns that he is moving his quarters. Reports that she left Brighton ten days previously and went to Rugby, and then on to Bedford. States that her work on her new house was not as advanced as she had expected, but hopes that it will be ready soon. Has offered their old servant Fanny Ladbrook some weeks' work, for which the latter was very grateful as she has had to leave her home, her husband having become a bankrupt.

Elizabeth is to come 'with the dear babies' from Wellington College, and they are to stay with her while Minnie and Edward are abroad with Mr Martin. Imagines that they will be in London the following day 'to see the Exhibition.' Announces that the following morning she is going with a group of ten 'to Town to have [her] first sight of the Exhibition....'

Reports that William met her at Rugby and helped her with the arrangements for the new house. Remarks that everyone she had known well there seemed gone. Describes the house as 'very tiny', but intends to make it comfortable, and hopes that the family 'shall have many happy days all together in it.' Remarks on the hot weather which they are experiencing. Discusses William's plans to see the Exhibition, and a possible trip to Wales or his joining a reading party, including Mr Ellis, at Harwich. Claims that she has heard nothing about the route that Mr Martin intends taking with Minnie and Edward, and suggests that Henry may meet them somewhere.

Confesses to having read no newspapers for a week, on account of the appalling news from America contained therein [the Civil War]. Reports that Henry's Aunt Henrietta is there in Bedford on her way to Yorkshire. Reports that Willy [Carr Crofts] was 'first after the 2 Exhibitions [and] the Examination' and received great praise from Mr Fanshawe for his Latin composition. Adds that the girls have grown much. States that she told Henry's Uncle Lace about him having been spoken of in the Isle of Man.

Reports that she has just heard from Minnie that she and Edward intend to set out on their tour about 7 August, and that they will be about a month away. They think of going through Normandy, and then to Auvergne and 'down South'. Would like to know how Henry is, and how long he intends to remain abroad. Reports that Arthur and his party reached Oban the week before the previous one, and 'are located at a Mr. [William?] Ralston's...' Sends kind remembrances to Graham [Dakyns].

Assures her that he has no prejudice against the commemoration of New Year's Day, but owns to be 'not...very susceptible to the influence of conventional divisions of time...' Glad to hear that her stay at Hastings was a success and that she has been better; all his associations with Hastings are connected with the long illness and funeral of a good friend of his [John Jermyn Cowell]. Reports that he had a delightful visit at Clifton, and believes that Symonds was 'better than usual'. Remarks, however, that Mrs Symonds 'does not look very well', but that the children 'were thiving'. Spent three days at Wellington College, and judged Mary to be 'as well as could be expected'. Refers briefly to her baby (Robert Hugh Benson). Reports that two Miss Wordsworths [probably daughters of Christopher Wordsworth, including Elizabeth Wordsworth] were there, whom he thought 'remarkably pleasant and interesting'. Observes that Edward seemed overworked, but in good form. In relation to 'the Rugby news', does not know whether to be sorry or glad, and says that 'Basil Hammond...says "glad".' With regard to Frank Horton, declares that he has fair abilities, and hopes that he will take second class honours. Observes that he is 'very well disposed and industrious', and reports that his tutor 'thinks that he ought to get a first class in the College Examination at the end of the year, which will secure him a sizarship.' Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and hopes that his mother enjoys her visit to Brighton.

Explains that she was about to write to him the previous Tuesday morning when 'Arthur suddenly came in from the Racquet Court having had a terrible blow on his left eye....' Reports that Dr Sharp was sent for, who assured that the injury was not as serious as they thought, and states that Arthur has been improving ever since. Reports that Henry's Aunt H[enrietta] is there [at Rugby], and she plays to Arthur. States that the Masters are 'most kind about his work, which, for the most part is taken amongst them.'

Reports that Arthur is recovering well from his eye injury, and that only a certain weakness remains. States that he has been out once as far as Bilton, and that Dr Sharp says that he may go into the school about the middle of the week. States that Henry's Aunt Henrietta is still at Rugby, and that they go to London together on 2 or 3 June, and then she will go on to Wellington College, while Henrietta goes to Brighton. Announces that Katie and her husband Mr Wawn are coming to Rugby from Derbyshire on the following Friday, to stay until 30 May, when they will go to Cheltenham.

Reports that Henry's cousin Algernon Lace sailed for British Caffraria [the Cape Colony/South Africa] the previous week, and that there has been no further report of his sick Aunt Lace. Neither has there been 'news of any importance from C[raven]', apart from the fact that Henry's Uncle Robert 'is going in conjunction with John Davy to take Uncle James' share of the business', as the latter is retiring due to illness.

Reports that the question of the Foundation at Rugby is being 'hotly discussed', and that the previous Friday Dr Temple went up to give his report to the Select Committee. Refers to the fact that Henry's cousin W.C. Crofts of Bedford has obtained a scholarship at Brasenose of £74 per annum for four years, and remarks that the college is less expensive than Merton. Asks Henry how he finds his gold pen, and asks him to recommend a good new novel. She wants some books to read to Minnie whilst she is in her room.

Claims to feel ashamed at not having written to him for so long. Reports that she has had a succession of friends, including Miss Attersoll, Mrs Plunkett, Henry's Aunt Henrietta, and Uncle William from Bedford, in Rugby for short visits, and these occupied a good deal of her time. Mrs Plunkett stayed on her way to Switzerland; her son Willoughby has got his commission and is gone to India with a regiment of the Royal Artillery. Announces that she expects Eleanor soon, and Henry's Aunt Ellen from Leeds on Saturday, and that the latter and his Aunt Henrietta go to Brighton on the following Tuesday.

Reports that Arthur is much busier than before, and so she sees less of him. Claims that she is now trying to 'get into regular ways of occupying' herself, and reports that she has her pupil for English twice a week, to whom she reads French. Remarks that all of her lady visitors 'rather shrink from discussing any of the many subjects which are interesting to intellectual people' and 'are content to express their fears as to where this "idolatry of intellect" will end.' Reports that she has heard from William, whose work, he claims, does not weigh on him. Remarks that Arthur 'looks quite strong'. States that no new master is yet appointed and Mr Phillips' brother is again at Rugby to help.

Assumes that Henry will be glad to hear of Mr H. Lee Warner's fellowship. Asks him to thank his Aunt Ellen for her letter, and to tell her how his mother should enjoy seeing all her 'north-country friends' again, but fears that it will not come to pass that year. Asks him also to send his love to his Aunt Henrietta, and thank her for her letter. Regrets that [William] Crofts cannot come back to the Schoolhouse for the quarter as the houses are very full. Tells him to tell Ellen also that she has 'a great dal to say to her about Welsh scenery', and that Ernest must go and sketch there some day.

Nora will write to her about the wedding arrangements. The relatives on his side coming to the ceremony are 'A.S.' [Arthur Sidgwick],' C.S.S.' [Charlotte Sidgwick], 'E.W.B.' [Edward Benson], 'M.B.' [Minnie Benson], 'E[dward] Sidgwick, Lucy Sidgwick, W. Crofts, 'Mr W. C.', 'and perhaps Ellen with Miss Clough (Uncle John and Etty declining)', and that all the others he invited have declined. Besides these guests there are four or five friends of his, including Miss Clough, who are definitely coming, and one or two more who are probably coming. There will be about four times as many guests on Nora's side. Sends his love to Mary.

Should have written sooner, but has been very busy of late with correspondence connected with the lectures for women. Reports that they have just expanded the scheme, 'by constructing an Association to which any one may belong'; she herself will be a member if she continues to pay her guinea subscription.

Is glad that her 'view of things' seems so cheerful. Presumes that 'the Governing Body [of Rugby School?] do not intend to treat the matter lightly'. Is glad that her plans for 'the winter campaign' seem pretty settled, and asks her when she intends to start [for abroad]. Wishes to arrange about his Christmas visits. Believes that Symonds may be 'on that coast about the same time'. Reports that has 'gone a seavoyaging for a few months, and thinks of staying some time on his return at Cannes: where he has an invalid sister [Lady Strachey]'

Reports that he saw Edward [Benson] the other day, 'looking very well', and wishing 'for the "leisure of a Headmaster"'; he gave a fair account of Mary. Hopes to see William soon. Would like to go to Rugby for a Sunday, but does not think he can get away for more than one that term, and he is to go to Oxford. Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and asks his mother to tell her that he 'shall bargain for at least a sketch of Mentone as a reward for [his] services as escort.' Adds that he is very well.

Claims that her days are busier as she has 'these two dear boys [Martin and Arthur Benson] still' with her, and they have 'small lessons daily.' Reports that Minnie is much better, and gives a description of her daily activities. Complains that William has not written to her since he was at Wellington College early in August. Reports that Arthur has written, and determines to go and see William if Arthur's letter brings no answer.

Is unsure as to whether she has written to Henry since returning from Leeds, and refers to 'that sorrow' [of her sister-in-law Ellen Croft's death]. States that Henry's Aunt Henrietta 'is with them now', and thinks that her present is a great comfort to his Uncle John and the children. Relates that a lady is being sought to take charge of his household, and that she has heard of 'an admirable Swiss Lady, with more than all the requisite qualifications....' Reports that William Crofts returns to Merton on the following Friday or Saturday, that Ernest will stay with his father until Christmas, and that Arthur is to live at home and 'go to business at once'.

Reports that Minnie has Miss Edwardes- 'a younger companion - staying with her. States that they have been expecting Dr Goulburn to preach for the Fox Memorial Sermon at Rugby the following day, but that he had a accident and is now confined to bed, and that Dr Temple has asked Edward instead. Reports that she has just had to send a very unfavourable report of Alfred Sidgwick's health to the Raikes, and his mother is to arrive that day. Relates that Mr Helm thinks he should go to some warm place for the winter. Expresses the wish that Henry might come to Rugby for a Sunday during term time. Adds that Trevelyan arrived at Rugby the day she came from Leeds and stayed nearly a week there. [Incomplete.]

States that she will be very glad to see any friend that he may bring to Rugby in Passion Week, and that she would very much like to see [J. R.] Seeley. Suggests that they stay a few days into Easter week, so that they could have a party on Easter Tuesday. Announces that his Uncle Robert will be there. States that she leaves Hillary Place [home of her brother John Crofts] the following Tuesday and goes for one night to Ryddlesden [John Benson Sidgwick], then to Stone Gappe [Francis John Lace], then the Raikes [Robert Hodgson Sidgwick] 'ending with poor Lucy Brown at Lytham', and will come home via Crewe.

Claims that she has heard nothing from William, and fears that he is still very unwell. Thanks Henry for his 'full explanation of Miss [Matilda?] Tootal's difficulty', and undertakes to call upon her to tell her what he says before she leaves Leeds. Reports that Etty Crofts is reading all the material recommended by Mr Hales 'for the better understanding of his lectures....' Reports also that she has just heard from 'poor Mr. Horton who is suffering from congestion of one lung' and that he is to send his paper on Insanity so that Henry may judge whether it would be received by Macmillan. States that Henry's uncle [John?]'s health is better, and sometimes brave in his resolution to be cheerful, but that he often breaks down.

Refers to her recent visit to Cambridge, which she fully appreciated and very much enjoyed. Describes having been received by Dr Lightfoot after Henry was gone on the Saturday, and their meeting with Mr [Robert] Burn and Mr [Ralph] Somerset. Describes how they were entertained by 'Professor Sedgewick' [sic], who was 'as merry as ever, full of kindness....' Refers also to their visits to Mrs Prescott, Mrs Millar, and to Mr Somerset's rooms.

Reports that after they left Cambridge Annie [Sidgwick?] and she parted at King's Cross, and presumes that the former is now at Hastings. States that the 'London Expedition' with Henry's Aunt Henrietta was a failure because the heat caused Mary Sidgwick to be ill, and she came home to Rugby the previous day, while Henrietta went to Wellington College. Wonders if Henry is angry with her for having brought away 'the manuscripts', and assures him that they are safe and that she will send them back if he desires to have them. Reports on her rose tree, and claims that Arthur looks well. Admits that she does not feel up to going to 'the Schoolhouse Lunch and speeches that day' and has decided to stay at home. Reports that she met Henry's old friend Edmund T[ ] at the station some days previously, who asked after Henry. Explains tht the books 'were all taken back with the bag and the key the man at the Porter's Lodge took.'

Sends birthday wishes to Henry, and remarks on the fact that by the same time the following year she will have no child under thirty years of age. Reports that she returned from Brighton a week previously, where she had stayed for ten days with Henry's Aunt [Henrietta?] after leaving Minnie.

Relates that while at Brighton she saw Alice Horton, with whom she had a long conversation about herself and her family. Remarks that she found her to be 'an interesting girl', and relates that she is 'now teaching the little girls of a Captain and Mrs Grimshaw at Brighton', who are very kind, but have no sympathy with her 'in her literary yearnings'. Asks Henry to read two of her poems, Low Flying and Renunciation, in the September number of Fraser['s Magazine]. Mentions also 'a somewhat encouraging letter of Mr. Froude's to her', two or three from Mr Grove, the editor of Macmillan's Magazine, and a note from Mrs Gatty.

Refers to Mr Horton also, whose health varies, and to Mrs Horton's plans to publish some book of his by subscription. Refers also to the Horton's eldest son, who Alice claims 'has very good abilities and would gladly get more education if he could combine it with helping his mother.' Announces that she has invited Alice to stay with her in July, and hopes that Henry could come and give her some advice, and perhaps criticise her poems. Adds that she also intends to ask Frank Horton, so that Henry 'may see them both and talk of their future.' Remarks that Mr Boyd can do nothing, but will probably help with money when it is needed, and asks Henry to return to her the p[iece] of his letter.

Reports that William hopes to be in London on the following Thursday, and refers to his account in one of his letters of his ascent of Et[ ]. Asks Henry to send her the bill for his box. Refers also to his' 'scholarships for the Ladies'.

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.

Supposes that she has been very busy, entertaining his aunt [Henrietta?]; otherwise she would have written to him. Reports that he has seen William, who tells him that she 'is going to live in the "house that Jack built" after all.' Predicts that it will turn out excellent. Asks her 'how every one at Rugby takes Joe Blake's election.' Admits that he should have preferred Percival, but that he gave Blake a testimonial, and believes that the school ought to succeed under him. Reports that he has seen Charles Bowen, 'who says that Hayman's case...is ridiculous: and that every lawyer says so.' Asks her to tell him if she has good news of Arthur, and to send him the latter's address. Wishes him to examine in Greek history for the Indian Civil Service at Easter.

Reports that he arrived at Riddlesden [home of his uncle John Benson Sidgwick] the previous night, and announces that he intends to stay until the following Thursday. Supposes that she is at Rugby again, and asks whether she has begun to remove or not. Asks what Arthur is going to do when the pens are in one house and the paper in the other.

Declares that he did not find things as melancholy at Stone Gappe [home of his uncle Francis Lace and family] as she seemed to expect. Reports that he did not see much of 'any of them' except his uncle. Mentions that Edward was at home, and that he seemed 'a pleasant intelligent fellow; sociable and...weak in character', which things he supposes led him astray in Oxford. Remarks on the lack of confidence apparently between his uncle and cousins. Observes that Robert appears to be troublesome, while Grenfell 'seems a well meaning quiet boy', and intelligent. Reports that they have heard from Algernon, who has arrived at Panmure in British Caffraria [British Kaffraria, Cape Colony, South Africa] 'where Mr Tepson appears to have more or less taken him under his wing.'

States that he heard that '[h]is [Hankets]' are spoilt, but that he had sold a clasp knife and tennis racquet at double their value. Reports that he spent three days at Arncliffe, and that Robert Boyd was there for one of the days. Claimed to have liked his visit, despite it having been 'somewhat "ticklish" to discuss religious and theological subjects with him'. Avoided argument as much as possible. Claims, however, that he liked him as much as ever, and that Mrs Boyd amused him as usual 'by her rough geniality and uncompromising practicality.' Announces that William [Boyd] is to be married in November, and that 'his business (in which Robert is a [banner]) seems to be prospering.' Announces that he shall see his Aunt Henrietta at Leeds.

Announces that on the following Tuesday he goes to Germany, and states that he hopes that he shall not return until he can speak German fluently. Undertakes not to read any English, apart from her letters and the Times, and to speak it as little as possible. Asks her to tell Edward that he shall be in London from Friday until Tuesday morning, staying with J. J. Cowell in Hyde Park, and that he expects a visit from him. Explains that he wishes to see some friends who are going up for the Eton and Harrow match at Lords. Reports that he heard on Monday from their mother, who 'is with William at Beddgelert without Books', and states that he sent Whewell's Plato to her. Remarks that she seems to be enjoying herself. Regrets that he could not have gone down to visit his aunt Henrietta before he went abroad. Reports that he read through 'the famous Leiden [des jungen] Werthers [by Goethe]' the other day, which, he claims, he could not put down until he finished it. States that he has begun on Jean Paul, but finds him very hard. Undertakes to write from abroad. Sends his love to Edward.