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Reports that he finished his Marlborough examination on the previous Tuesday, and intends to cross the channel on Monday evening. Intends to stay one month in Paris with Graham Dakyns, and then shall probably spend a fortnight walking in Switzerland 'or somewhere', after which he shall 'probably settle down for a month in Germany', and return about mid-September. Supposes that by that time she will be well settled in Rugby. Regrets not having seen her at Wellington College, where he had a most pleasant visit. Was pleased to find both Mary and Edward so well. Comments on the ugliness of the new baby [Arthur Benson]; needs to do this to keep his 'character as a baby-hater', since he is 'compelled to join in the general Martin-worship'. Claims to have enjoyed his examinations on the whole, and to have been freer from hayfever than usual. Refers to the fact that 'poor Dale had lost two of his boys from Diptheria', and comments that it is supposed to be an unhealthy season at Dresden. Hopes to go there in the summer. Praises Marlborough, and reports that the boys 'are very nice and their relations with the masters more what one w[oul]d desire than at any other school with which [he is] acquainted.' States that he was very much interested in the Isle of Man, and was surprised to learn that his uncle Lace was a benefactor to King William's College there. Sends his love to his aunt.

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.

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].

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'.

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.

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.

Reports on her and William's movements over the previous few weeks; their visit to Pattendale, where Henry's Uncle Robert had been, their journey by carriage to Penrith and to Skipton. She went on to Stone Gappe [home of her brother in law Francis Lace], while William went to the Raikes [Robert Sidgwick's home]. On 13 September she journeyed by carriage to Threshfield, on her way to [Arncliffe], where she was met by Mr Boyd's carriage, and found 'all the young Boyds assembled along with Mr Boyd's wife. Claims to have felt that the welcome afforded to her there was 'less hearty than of old' because of her Rugbean connections, and reports that she heard strong condemnation of Dr Temple.

Adds that Henry's Uncle Robert begged her to say that Henry's welcome there 'will be cordial as it ever was.' States that she did not speak to his Uncle Lace of either his or Arthur's resignation of their Fellowships, in order to avoid discussion of the matter. Relates that from Arncliffe she went to the Raikes for three days, and the previous Saturday came to Rugby. Announces that she goes to Leeds the following day for one night.

Reports that William believes that his Lake trip did his health a lot of good, and that he will be at Rugby by the end of the week. Adds that Arthur 'had a most prosperous voyage from Norway, and that his whole trip was a great success. Reports that Edward, Minnie and the children were a month at Whitby, and stayed at the Bishop. of Lincoln's 'for some days' on their way home. Claims to have had 'a good half day at Bolton'. Reports on Henry's Uncle Christopher's illness, and subsequent recovery, and relates that she saw him the previous Friday, 'looking ill and emaciated, but full of jokes as usual, and when grave, he talked of his favourite Millennial Theories just as he used to do....' Asks Henry what he thinks the difference between a ' "spiritual body" ' and a ' "natural body" ' is, and explains that the question refers to a biblical passage.

Says she was glad to receive his letter the previous night, and knew nothing beyond the fact that he and Nora were at Rugby. States that she would have joined their 'happy quartette' if she had been feeling better. Refers to Dr Andrew Clark's treatment, which she has begun. Reports having given up cocoa, and having changed her diet. Claims to be much more comfortable as regards her teeth, and hopes that she will not have to see Mr Rogers again for some time. Reports that she had a very pleasant letter from Charlotte [Sidgwick?], who seemed to have enjoyed Henry and Nora's visit. Refers to their imminent marriage, and suggests that he might like her to be there. States that Lucy Sidgwick has asked her if she will stay there all the time, but that she 'could only thank her and leave it uncertain.'

Reports that William has not been well, and that this has made him anxious to get away from Guernsey, but that the Head Master there depends on him, and has been unable to get a substitute. Refers to Isabel's last letter, in which she expresses the hope to be back by May. Asks Henry to accept the watch and chain [not included],and states that she will think of something else that he will like quite as well. Adds that there is his Uncle Lace's ten pounds and five pounds from his Uncle Robert, which he wishes her to help him in spending. Reports that he wrote very kindly about Henry's marriage.

Says that she would like to be 'an old Rugbeian on Sunday evening, to see that kind, good face, and hear those delightful harsh tones....' Relates that Mrs Talbot of Keble is very friendly with Ada [Benson], and that when Mrs [Agnes?] Wickham was staying with her 'she called upon Ada and told her everything delightful of Nora.' Reports that Mrs Vernon Harcourt came to see her the previous day and that 'she said she had often hear her sisters in law the Miss Harcourts speak of her as they lived in Carlton Gardens.' Refers to the fact that Oxford is 'going to keep' Professor Max Muller. Reports that Ada 'heard all the Discussions in [conversation] thro' Mr Bradley's kindness and then dined with the Max Mullers....' Adds that Mrs Muller is a great friend of Ada's. Expresses the wish that some professorship could be raised for 'poor William'.

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.

Does not think that he shall come to Rugby before the end of 'the half.' Believes that his hay fever will not leave him before the end of July, and does not think that he will go anywhere until it clears up. Intends to stay in Cambridge and study, and if unwell, to 'fly off to the seaside.' Says that he studies best in vacation time, not simply because there is more time, but also because he has a 'restive imagination' which he cannot 'harness' when his mind is 'filled with all manner of College and University matters'.

Wishes to visit his schoolmaster friends at Eton, Harrow, and so on, towards the end of July. Asks if she has heard lately about Tryphosa [Lace, his cousin]. Does not quite understand what she will do by going to see her. Asks how his uncle [Francis] feels about it. Reports that the Donisthorpes are there [in Cambridge], but claims that he has been so busy that he has hardly been able to see anything of them. Remarks that he thinks 'the youth' [Wentworth] is clever.

Can tell Mrs Gretton amuses his mother, and remarks that he likes people who are unlike other people in their ways. Agrees with his mother about 'the '"foreignness" of [Mrs Gretton's] manière d'être' but observes that 'it is not only in the "sunny south" one finds that expansiveness', adding that the Germans have a good deal of it; sometimes thinks it is the 'more natural state' than English reserve, but says that 'when it is affected it is very odious'. Declares that he likes [Charles Kegan?] Paul very much. States that he finds that he has lost his paper about the Arundel Portfolios.

[Sent from Grange in Borrowdale]:- Reports that he has been there since Friday, and that the place is 'wonderfully well situated. Praises the view from the front of the house, referring to the Lake [Derwentwater and Skiddaw. Reports that he went up Latrigg on Saturday morning before Trevelyan came, 'and got splendid views'. Implies that he does not believe their 'third man' [Edward Young? see 99/70] to be ill, and suggests that he is detained 'by a more romantic reason.' Refers to the extreme cold, and complains about the food. States that he is 'going in for French belles letters in the evening and German philosophy in the morning', and reports that 'Trevelyan is relaxing from the cares of statesmanship.' Sends the latter's greetings to his mother. Claims to be very happy at seeing Derwentwater again, but thinks that perhaps some of the Grasmere scenery is superior. Remarks on the 'crowd of little hills between [Keswick] and Buttermere. Announces that he will go to Wastdale Head during his visit, though so far it has been raining ther. Asks whether she ever read a book called 'The Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus], and states that it would give her a good idea of German life such as he has seen it. Remarks that the accent of the people in the area in which he is staying reminds him 'more than anything of the Laces' [his uncle Francis and family].