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Apologises for having neglected to write to him. Declares that her time at Wellington College has passed pleasantly, but has been devoid of incident. Refers to Minnie's happiness with Edward, and to her domestic activities. Remarks that Edward, although not ill now, needs rest. Looks forward to 'the happy Rugby Xmas', and declares that she is glad she kept on the house there. Is very glad that Henry will be at home all the vacation, and hopes that he will ask [A. J.] Patterson to come. Explains that during the latter half of the vacation Edward and Minnie and William will be gone, and suggests that he invites his friends then. States that she will ask William about his friends when she passes through Oxford the following Thursday, when she is to meet Lucy Brown and lunch with her in William's rooms.

Reports that Mr [Francis?] Martin has just been [at Wellington College], and told her that Henry is looking 'remarkably well'. Adds that she thinks that Henry should be doing lighter work. Tells him not to let Arthur work too hard. Reports that William was at Wellington College that previous Sunday, looking very well. Refers to 'the appointment [of H. M Butler as new headmaster] to Harrow', and remarks that '26 sounds very young', but that she hears that Butler 'is a very fit man.' Is glad to hear that Henry comes home on 15 [December]. Asks him to give the enclosed [not included] to Arthur.

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'.

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.

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'.

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]

Passes on a request from his Aunt Sidgwick [Sarah Hannah or Mary Jane?] to make the acquaintance of a young man called Brayshaw who goes to St. John's College. Explains that she [Mary Sidgwick] knew his father [now dead] in former days, and that his widow and three daughters live near Riddlesden. Refers to the fact that Arthur is to visit on the following Saturday, and asks Sidgwick to send her word when he is intending to go to Rugby and for how long. Asks where he intends to go in Yorkshire. Announces that Katie Lace and Mr Wawn are to be married on 27 April, and are to honeymoon in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cheltenham. Remarks that neither she nor Henry's Aunt are asked to the wedding. Reports that she has had Miss Brown (Lucy's eldest sister) staying at Rugby for three weeks. The latter's sister Annie has written another book, whose publisher, Longman, thinks will sell. Fears that the book, Wanted: a Home will not be a success.

Reports that their 'long-talked of Trip' has been cancelled. Explains that William was exhausted by his examination work at Oxford and was not fit for it. Reports that he came to Wellington College for a week, and left, intending to go to London, and then to join Arthur. It was agreed that she should join them in Wales with Lucy Brown, but states that neither of them have written. She goes home the following day. States that Mr Barford thought that William was suffering from 'a congested state of the Brain from over work', and advised that he rest. Hopes that William will see Dr [George?] Burrows in London. Claims that she has been very busy at Wellington College.

Thanks Henry for the French book he sent. Reports that Minnie and the baby are doing very well. Reports that the children would very much like to see Henry, as he will hear from Edward. Refers to 'the Elections', and states that she is glad that Trevelyan and J.S. Mill have been successful. Asks Henry if he can get him any autograph 'of great (not noble merely) men'. Claims that she has not heard of any of the books Henry mentions, [see 99/47] as they, at Wellington College, do not subscribe to any library now.

Hopes that they shall see Henry 'just when the school reopens', but suggests that he might be in Yorkshire at that time, and that, if so, he should come to them 'in the new house about the end of September'. Tells him to write to her Yorkshire friends when he is ready to go to them, and undertakes to prepare them for seeing him. Refers to the death of [Benson] Sidgwick's six-month old son [William] at Worthing the previous week, and to the imminent marriage of Annie Brown to 'a Mr Penny of Exeter'.

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.

Informs him of what she knows of Edward [Benson']s plans, including the fact that he wishes to be chiefly at home during the holidays, and that on 1 August he goes to London to marry [Mr] Sp[ierling]. Suggests that if Henry comes [to Wellington College] early in August he may see Arthur, who will be coming after a week's stay with Mr Myers at the Lakes, and will be on his way to Switzerland. Announces that she will probably be at Wellington College longer than she had first intended, as 'the expected event [the birth of Minnie and Edward's baby]' has not yet come to pass. Reports that Minnie and the children are very well, and that Edward has bought a horse. Reports that Mr Hales from Cambridge and Mr Mitchell from Oxford are coming to Wellington College to examine the following week, and claims that she is anxious to see Henry's friend [Hales?].

Asks him to give her the name of his article which is to appear in the following month's Macmillan's Magazine, and also to tell her for what volume is his essay. Is glad that he is enjoying himself in London, and sympathises with his inability to sleep, and refers to the air at Wellington College being 'unusually soporific....' Wonders if he has seen any royal fêtes, and claims that she would have enjoyed 'a sight of the agricultural hall', and remarks that the Naval Exhibition 'must be considered a failure.'

22 July: Reports that Minnie has still not yet given birth. Lucy Brown has stayed at Rugby with her brother and a friend, and has gone to London to see an oculist on account of being threatened with blindness. Reports that there has been no further news of William, and hopes that he is well, 'and resting from glacier climbing for a while at Pontresina....' Refers to his having had, with Mr Esson, 'a successful ascent of the Wetterhorn...' [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.

Announces that he will come down with Arthur on the 22nd [December]. States that William talks of coming to see him for two days 'on the Saturday'. Declares that his work is over, and that he is 'grinding' at Arabic and ethnology. His friends are 'all coming up from the different schools and it is very jolly'. Replies that she should not get him a ticket for the concert since he does not know if he shall come until the evening. Intends to bring his Arabic home with him. Reports that he has read Prehistoric Man [by Daniel Wilson?], but wasn't very impressed with it, and announces that there are 'some interesting scientific books expected by Lyall and Huxley, bearing on Primæval Man'. States that he looks forward to seeing Miss [Lucy?] Brown.

[Sent from Gower St, London]:- Reports that he has been staying with Cowell for the last week, and is now again in lodgings, writing his essay 'and hunting up spiritualists, but has not been very successful in his enquiries. Refers to the letters from her and Arthur, and declares that he is sorry to hear of Miss [Lucy] Brown's condition [see 101/167]. Announces that he will see Arthur when he passes through. Remarks that Arthur 'seems to be going to fly about after the fashion of schoolmasters'. Hopes that William will be 'quite strong' the following term, and will recover his energy for work. Believes that his career depends upon his doing something outside his professional work.

Reports that he himself is not very well, but thinks that it is only 'a passing indisposition'. Intends to take a holiday as soon as he feels he wants one. Does not think he shall go to Wellington College at the beginning of the holidays, as he wishes to finish his essay before he leaves London. Describes his affection for London, and mentions the pleasures that it offers to him, for example, trips to the British Museum, to the Portrait Gallery, and to the Royal Academy, and also conversations with 'a member of the society of "Divine Spiritualists".' Refers to an enclosed translation of a speech from Goethe's Iphigenia [not included]. Sends his love to Mary and Edward [Benson].