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[Sent from C. Kegan Paul's home]:- Reports that he is playing chess with Cowell , and is enjoying himself as much as he can in the rain, which has prevented him from seeing much of the scenery or places of general interest in the neighbourhood. Declares that he has been promised a visit to Corfe Castle. Announces that he returns to Cambridge on the following Saturday 'to read hard for a fortnight if possible'; criticises his own idleness and lack of 'resolution', saying this is the 'second Long Vacation [he has] frittered away pursuing study as a vain shadow".

Refers to his time spent at the Lakes, the enjoyment of which was overshadowed by the death of 'poor B. Young'. States that Edward Young was one of their party; he was 'in rather bad health', and 'got a few agonized lines from George.' Wonders as to the imprudence of the expedition, with regard to accidents; remarks that one only hears of Englishmen and Russians being killed, and not Germans and Frenchmen. Returns to the subject of the book Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus] which, he believes, is a caricature. Confirms that he will see her in the beginning of October. Asks her to send his greetings to the Ch[ ], and to give his love to Fanny Green if she sees her.

[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].

Reports that she has received another letter from Arthur, dated 29 August, from Chiavenna, Lombardy. He was making his way with William, and Roche and Graham Dakyns, to Bellagio, then to Zermatt, and finally homewards. He enjoyed his time in Pontresina, and does not mention William. Remarks on the beneficial effects of mountain air. Wishes for fresher air in Bedford, where it has been very humid for the past several days. Explains that she has stayed there longer than she had expected to, as she has had a repetition of the invitation to Captain [Cheese]'s, and since no one is at home, she has accepted it. She intends to return to meet Arthur and William about 17 September.

Announces that she goes to Aylesford on 6 November. Regrets to hear of the death of Professor [John] Grote of Trumpington, and also of one of Sir George Young's brothers, who died as a result of a fall from Mont Blanc. Reports that Mr James Wilson has also had an accident at Oban. Claims to have been very amused by The Initials [by Jemima von Tautphoeus]. Discusses her views on the proper behaviour of young women towards young men, with reference to the book, and one of its characters, Hildegarde. Reports that Mr Francis Ward [brother of Henry's aunt by marriage, Mary Jane Sidgwick] has lost his eldest son to diptheria, with which he was taken ill in Switzerland. States that his parents have only one other son 'who is going to Oxford.'

Refers to the abundance of rain in Bedford in the previous few days. Announces that there is a 'School Regatta' that day. Reports that Edward and Minnie stay until the following week at Llanfairfechan, then bring their children home and go to see a friend at Winchester. Announces that Eleanor and Ada 'begin their term with two pupils of 16 and 17, nieces of Mr. Gaythorne Hardy.' Adds that both the Dakyns are with Arthur and William, and will come home with them.