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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.

Explains that she is at Saltford House near Bath to visit Julia[na] Kelly (née Boyd), formerly of Burfield Priory, who married after the Sidgwicks left Clifton. Announces that she is on her way to see Mr and Mrs C. Ward [perhaps the brother of Henry's aunt Mary Jane Sidgwick, and his wife] at Stapleton, and then is going on to Cheltenham to see Mr and Mrs Lace. Reports that she got both Henry's and Arthur's letters at Bedford, and that she found William at Oxford, suffering from a toothache. Adds that they discussed their winter gathering, and that William was agreeable to the proposal of staying at Sydenham. States that Henry's Aunt Croft's sister and her husband are about to take up their residence there. Asks for Henry's and Arthur's opinion. Mentions that Wellington College was proposed as a meeting place for all the family on Christmas Day, and states that she has written to Minnie to ask her about her plans.

Intends to go to Rugby to enquire about a house. Regrets that Henry could not see Minnie and her baby. Reports that Elizabeth 'still continues to take the place of nurse....' Thinks that Henry's uncle at Bedford [William Crofts] would be glad to see him, and suggests that Henry might give him 'some useful hints about his son William as to the books he ought to have....' Explains that the latter is in Mr Fanshawe's first class and has a good chance of an exhibition. Would like to hear about Henry's German experiences. Describes her time with her friend Julia as quiet, but adds that there is little to do. States that she meant to see Old King's Parade and 'and all the neighbours who still remain', and that she might get to see Miss Powell.

Expresses her appreciation for his letter, which she received after seeing Mr [William] Boyd and Charles to the station, and explains that the presence of friends prevented her from writing to him. Reports that his Aunt [ ] came to stay, as did [John?] William, Katie and Annie Lace. She went with the latter three to Oxford, where she saw Mr Boyd at Merton College and Mrs Boyd and Charles at University College. Reports that Charles has been unwell.

Reports that she had been to Rugby, and that when she entered the house - Mr T. Evans' old one' - the servant told her that her master [Mr Palmer] 'was not quite sure that he was going away!!' States that she has since had 'an uncertain letter from Ladkin'. Is anxious that her family should have some place to call home. Reports that Fergus Moultrie is ill. States that she received a letter from Miss Mackenzie that day, and that Mrs Moberly has called upon her twice.

Reports that Henry's Aunt Ellen intends to pay her a visit for her last ten days in Leamington, and that she hopes to have Lucy Brown to visit as well. Asks him to tell her when his Easter vacation is. Hears that Henry's Aunt Lace is 'decidedly better', and that John Henry is still at home, no tutor having yet been found for him. Reports on the schooling arrangements for Robert, Alfred, Tryphosa and Julia, and remarks on how troublesome it is 'when you have very dull children to deal with!'

Announces that she is very anxious to have some absorbing book; refers to Herbert Spencer's book which William mentioned to her, and asks Henry to send it to her. Is very pleased to hear about Bernard. States that she has good accounts from Wellington College; that Minnie and Edward are both well, and that the baby's vocabulary is increasing. Remarks on the fact that Lord Derby is elected President of the College. States the report of Mr U[mpleby]'s death at Bolton Abbey is false, and that Christ Church, Skipton has a new incumbent, Mr Clarke, and that there is much anxiety about the appointment of a vicar of Bingley.

Reports that Henry's Aunt Mary Jane [Sidgwick] has been visiting her brother at Bathford, and that during her absence his Uncle Robert has been paying Mr Balme a visit at Cole Wall. States that times for the mills are very bad and that there are many unemployed people. Claims that she knows no one in Leamington, and does not like to ask for an introduction to Mr Martin's brother and sister. Reports that Ada Benson is now with the Dales at Dresden, and that she is better. Complains about the sermons she has heard in Leamington. Is glad that Arthur is well, and hopes that Henry is too, and asks if it is true that Sh[ ] has come to Cambridge. Reports that Mr Boyd has given her a beautiful book for Carte de Visite photographs, and encourages Henry to get his done for her. States that she has not yet seen Mrs Dakyns, but hopes to do so soon.

Claims that her daily expectations of some arrival [a new baby for Minnie and Edward Benson] at Wellington College have been disappointed. Reports that Minnie is very well. Relates that Mrs Donne has borne her sorrow [at the death of her husband. a master at Wellington College] 'with wonderful calmness', and that Minnie will miss her.

Sends Henry a Tract, which his Uncle Chris [Sidgwick] has recently published at Skipton [not included], and wishes to have his comments on it. Reports on his Aunt M[ary] J[ane]'s opinions of it. Fears that Henry's Aunt Lace is to suffer a long and continued illness. Reports that 'Miss [Mary?] Cannan cannot get on at all with Mrs. C[ongreve] and goes at Xmas', and fears that 'they will not meet with any good governess who will bear such treatment and interference.' Adds that Dora C[ongreve] is 'dangerously ill in rheumatic fever', and Doctor Evans was sent for the previous day. Refers to an earthquake, and claims that it was felt in Rugby by Mr Waterfield and Edward Rhoades. Reports that she heard from Mr Scott that Mrs Scott is a little better.

Announces that his Uncle Robert [Sidgwick] and Alfred will meet William at the Sidgwick house at Rugby on the following Tuesday 'to be in readiness for the scholarship examination', which Mr Powles thinks will do Alfred good. Remarks that Edward seems busier than ever, and states that the house is not begun and will not be unless he can get a lower estimate of its cost.

Reports that Annie Brown has settled herself at Lamberhurst Rectory, Hurst Green for the winter to write, but that she has been ill. Adds that she referred to the review, with which Henry had tried to help her. Reports that the 'young nephew who was ill, is dead', and that Lucy Brown has taken 'the young boy of 12 to Lytham to live with her in Lodgings whilst he goes to school.'

Refers a lecture on the previous Wednesday at Wokingham, given to the Mechanical Institute by Mr [Kingsley], with Mr [Walton] in the chair, and announced that Edward is to give one on self-education after Christmas. Asks how he thinks Arthur is looking, and tells him to show the latter their Uncle Chris' tract. Reports that William believes that Edward Lace would 'pass respectably'. [Incomplete]

Reports that she has found 'abundant occupation' at Wellington College. Remarks on Minnie's activities there, and refers to the baby [Margaret] also, a description of whom William accuses Mary of failing to give. Claims that she and Martin get on well. Reports that Edward appeared very well, but that he had a few cases of serious illness in the Sanatorium. Reports that the 'house question is revived'. States that Ada had returned to Wellington College about a week before she [Mary] left, and claims that it was 'scarcely long enough for [her] to penetrate that [ ] of increased reserve....'

Reports that Eleanor [Benson?] and the [Osleys] are at Florence now, and have spent some time in Venice. Adds that Mr [Osley]'s little boy had a serious accident at Strasbourg, but it now recovering, and that they suffered from sore throats at Venice. Reports that Mr G. Woodhouse and Emmeline and their children are at Budleigh Salterton for the winter, refers to an offer of a house in Madeira made to Woodhouse by some friends of Lord Brownl[ ]. Reports that Henry's Uncle John [Crofts] has just taken his second son Ernest to a school in Germany for two or three years, and that Alfred Sidgwick 'just escaped being classed with the 25 "unplaced" boys in the Rugby scholarship examination....' Refers to her 'poor sister [Elizabeth] Lace', of whom they have not yet had 'any really improved account.'

Announces that she goes home on 27 November, and that on 28 November William brings Mr Conington and Mr Ellis to spend Sunday with them at Rugby. Remarks that James T[ ] appears to like Wellington College much. Reports the many of Edward's 'rather grand neighbours', such as Lord Calthorpe and Lord Gilbert Kennedy, invited him to dinner, and that he 'got some amusement from what he said and heard, and was all the better for it. Remarks that she found Wellington College decidedly healthy in the autumn time. [Incomplete]

Announces that her time in York is drawing to a close, and asks Henry when he plans to come to Rugby and if his friend Mr Cowell is coming with him. Thinks of going to see some friends in Craven. Reports that her sister [Elizabeth?] has not been very well in the past week. States that Mrs McKenzie, the [ ] lady comes there the following Tuesday to take her [Mary's] place. Fears that her presence there did not do her sister the good she had hoped it would. States that she has little to report as she has seen very few people, and has not been reading much. Claims that she has had very few letters, and none from Rugby.

Thanks him for his last letter, and explains that she could not answer before leaving Rugby for Wellington College. Reports that Arthur went to Cambridge for the Fellowship Examination, the result of which is probably not to be known until the following Friday. States that his chances of success are increased by Mr [Joseph?] Romilly's death. Adds that Mr [J. L.?] Hammond came to Rugby to take his work for the week. Reports that William spent a few days with his Aunt, and then came to Wellington College. Thinks that he is better.

Reports that the family at the College are well, and that Edward is looking 'quite portly', and Minnie 'stout and strong', and the children, Martin, Arthur and the baby [Nellie], healthy also, having benefitted from their time at the sea at Swanage. Announces that she is to stay there longer than she had intended, and that if he decides to go home to Rugby he will find a bed, but will not see her. Suggests that if there was space at Wellington College he could come there.

Expresses her delight at his promise of the stamps of the German states, and states that her little friend will be very pleased. Refers also to the stamped envelopes which Henry wants for Miss [Meta?] Benfey.

14 Oct: Refers to Henry's letter from Lille. Reports that Arthur got his fellowship, as have [Henry] Jackson and [William Knyvet] Wilson, and that she is delighted for Arthur. States that William returns to Oxford that day, and that at Merton there is a fourth tutor, 'which will make the work less hard for him.' Reports that at Rugby they are still in the old house, and may have to wait until the following summer to get Mrs Leicester's house. Refers to the letter that Dr Temple sent to the Masters, and reports that it caused great discussion in Rugby. Discusses the matter, adding that letters 'are often appearing in the Rugby Advertizer recommending a speedy and thorough ventilation of the whole subject.' Explains that doctors and lawyers don't like the mixture of their class with the trades people, and so could not avail themselves of the proposed middle school, and that 'they want to retain the privilege of Foundation, and send their children to the other school free of charge.' Thinks that she may benefit from the fact that houses are not letting so well, and get a cheaper house.

Is grateful for the stamps, and is trying to get those which his friends want. Asks whether she should send the stamps to Fraulein Benfey or to him. Hopes that he will take Professor Ewald's advice and go on with studying Hebrew. Thinks of trying German herself. Hopes that he will come home as soon as he can at the end of term, for otherwise he will not see Arthur. Reports that Edward and Minnie are both plump and well, and that the former is in the midst of his scholarship examinations. Refers also to the children, who 'grow apace'. Reports on the progress of the Master's house in Rugby.

Reports that his Aunt [Lace] has been to Scarborough and is now near York, and that she seems 'so weak in bodily health'. Hopes for a recovery, however, for the sake of her husband and children. Intends to be at Wellington College for about another fortnight, and then will go back to Rugby or to Brighton. Claims to be better than she was, and able to do more and walk more. Asks him to let him know as soon as he gets to Cambridge. Announces that Mr Martin arrives the following day and will stay for a fortnight. Reports that Alfred Sidgwick is now at the Schoolhouse and likes it very much, and that all the 'Elders' of the Sidgwick family were well when she last heard.

Reports that she has written to [Sampson?] Mordan, asking him to send Henry two or three gold pens to try, and tells him to send back the rest when he has chosen one; Arthur has at last got one that suits him. Reports on her re-arrangement of books, and states that Arthur has 'the wee room over the kitchen as a small sanctum....' Reports that Arthur was very happy with the result of the Dresden expedition that he went on with [F.E.] Kitchener. Refers to the imminent weddings of two of their young masters [at Rugby School]: the marriage of Mr Potts and Miss B[owden] Smith, and Mr Bond and Miss Cram, the sister of Mrs Elsee.

Reports that Ada [Benson] is staying at Rugby, and claims that she is glad to have her and to know her better. Thinks that 'there is much good in her and a great deal of thought', but still believes 'that girls develop better under home influences until past 20....' Refers to Mr and Mrs [Jex-?] Blake and their feelings about Professor and Mrs Benfey and Göttingen.

Refers to Henry's last letter, and discusses the dangers of mental inactivity. Is glad that Henry is to see William, who will tell him about a plan for her to see Switzerland that year. Thinks that Arthur knows of Emilia in England [novel by Meredith, later renamed Sandra Belloni], but undertakes to tell him of it anyway. Asks whether he takes Macmillan's Magazine as he used to, and asks him to send them to her. Offers to send him some orange marmalade. Reports that all is well at Wellington College, and states that she shall be there about the end of May.

Announces that one of Henry's Stone Gappe cousins - Algernon - is preparing to emigrate to British Caffraria [the Cape Colony/South Africa] in a few weeks. Reports that Henry's Aunt is now in a private place 'called the "Retreat" near York, and that his Uncle and Aunt Crofts from Leeds are that week at Brighton.

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.

Reports that she has recovered from her cough, and gets out whenever the weather permits. States that Arthur is quite busy, since no new classical master has yet been appointed. Claims that she spends much time writing to friends whom she had neglected while she was ill. Refers to [J.R. Seeley's] Ecce Homo, which she found very interesting, as well as to Lady Duff Gordon's Letters from Egypt, which she found pleasant reading. Asks Henry to tell her of some other interesting book. Expresses the hope that she sees signs of her 'heretofore active, restless life merging into something more quiet and contemplative...after the wear and tear of half a century....' Remarks on the amount of letters that Henry has written to her in the past, and suggests that he may like to look over them as Arthur has done with the letters he has written.

Reports that William has bought a horse, and that Minnie tells her that Martin was quite ill 'from the effects of a bad drain at Harrow'. States that the news from Stone Gappe 'is more cheering': Henry's Uncle Lace has hired a piano for 'poor Elizabeth' at York, who is much better. Refers to a melancholy letter received from [Lucy] Brown, who has been suffering from intense headaches. Asks him to send her the January number of Macmillan's Magazine, as she wants to read an article on ' "Natural prayer" '. Hopes to see Henry at Easter.

Thanks her for her letter [101/161], and regrets that her account [of her sister Elizabeth] is not more favourable. Assures her that she has done all that she could do 'in making the trial', and hopes that when she has got away from Fulford she will be able to distract her mind somewhat from his aunt's 'painful state.' Announces that he may come down to Rugby as early as Thursday the second, and certainly not later than the morning of Saturday 4 June. States that his friend Cowell will come too.

Announces that the Prince and Princess of Wales are to be in Cambridge for the 2 and 3 June, and he cannot decide whether he shall stay to help entertain them. States that [the College] is to give a grand ball in Neville's Court on 4 June, and that he considers the proposal 'unseemly', and opposed it. Since it is going ahead, would 'gladly' take part, but 'cannot think of any family with marriageable girls whom [he] could ask'. Intends to stay until the Tuesday or Wednesday of the week following. Reports that he has been 'up to town and had a glimpse of the Royal Academy [summer exhibition]' States that Arthur has not been asked to go to Rugby, and Henry believes that 'he will get much good from Cambridge for a year or two yet.'

[Sent from Göttingen]: - Reports that his days consist of reading Arabic and speaking German, and that on Sundays he goes for long walks with a Prussian student of Sanskrit; he is 'a most amiable-looking man, and you would take him for an Englishman'. Wishes that he could introduce her to Professor Ewald, as he is sure that she would like him. Believes that Ewald lengthened his lectures half an hour for Henry's sake, and reports that he has promised to give him private lessons during September.

Expects Graham Dakyns to come to spend a few days in the Harz at the end of the week. Announces that he intends to go to a 'Philologer-assembly', like the one he went to three years ago, in Hanover in just over a month's time. States that his health is good, and expects that he shall be quite well at the end of the Long Vacation. Discusses his diet and alcohol consumption: if anyone asks her whether he is turning into a 'beer-drinking German', she can truthfully say he has 'not drunk above three glasses' since arriving here. An English visitor to his host family told them that Henry's brother [William] was a 'distinguished wit... in Oxford'.

Mentions that Arthur had told him of his acceptance of the Rugby mastership, and admits that he has taken 'a prudent, perhaps a wise course'. Is glad that his mother's stay at Rugby will be so much pleasanter and hopes that it will turn out to be 'really not Rheumatic.' Suggests that if it is, she might move for a couple of months at the worst time of the year. Declares that he was much interested by her letter, and that he shall be glad of 'any news that is going.' Asks her to remind Arthur to enquire for him the exact day they go back at Cambridge. Hopes that she will succeed in getting a house. Asks why so many people are leaving, and if it has transpired what the [ ] said to Dr Temple's report. Regrets that she has no better account of his aunt Lace.

Reports that he had 'a most delightful visit to Dorsetshire'. Tells her that she may tell Arthur 'that the mesmerizing did not come to much', as '[Charles Kegan] Paul did not succeed in getting Cowell any further than [Henry] had done, i.e. into a partial trance.' Reports that he felt his patriotism revive 'among the chalk downs and rich autumnal parks.' Remarks that he was surprised to find that Mrs Paul, 'who has written two or three tolerably popular novels is a rather quiet shy silent person - though very thoughtful and sensible when she does speak.'

Encloses the stamps [not included] of which he spoke in previous letters, and agrees with her as to the best way of getting the others. Announces that he will study the [Robert?] Browning, and that he is setting to work, although he does not feel so much inclined for reading as he should after a holiday. Asks his mother to give his love to his aunt [Elizabeth Lace], and states that he is glad that she is going to see her. Asks when William is going to be at Rugby at Christmas, and asks if he may bring a friend or two some time in the holidays. Understands that Arthur will be 'Europeanizing.' Observes that Mr Martin seems much better, although he looks ten years older. Hopes to see William in the middle of term. States that he does not like the moral and intellectual atmosphere at Cambridge any better for having been at Göttingen, or at least its effects on him; says however that 'the great lesson' he has learned in Germany is 'the necessity and duty of steady work, and one can do that anywhere'.

Reports that he is reading all kinds of books. Asks if she gets books now from a club, and if so, recommends the article on Poland in Vacation Tourists [and Notes on Travel].