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.'
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickReports 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.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry SidgwickReports that he had heard about Arthur [his injury on the racquet court, see 101/165] from [R. K.?] Wilson, but the latter had not conveyed to him how bad the situation was. Remarks that it is 'a frightfully narrow escape' and that Arthur 'ought to play racquets for the future with a feeling of well-earned security.' Asks if she believes in Sharp as a surgeon. Thinks that his hay fever is beginning quietly; expects it to be 'raging in June', so tells her not to expect him then. States that he may go to London, and possibly to the sea. Thinks that he shall stay in England the following long vacation, as there is a particular subject that he wants to read, and will perhaps take a short holiday in the North. Refers to Dr Temple's involvement in the 'Reform controversy'. States that his letters are 'good in themselves, but do not convey the idea of ripeness'. Expresses his delight at the triumph of the federal cause in America.