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Thanks him for his last letter, which she found very interesting. Reports on the situation of the Horton family, who include six children and a sick father. Refers to three of the children - Alice, Frank and Lucy - and to their occupations and incomes, and to the fact that his father wishes Frank to be prepared for the Indian Civil Service 'as likely to afford the best maintenance for himself, and assistance to the family hereafter', but that his salary is not sufficient for this purpose. Refers also to the three younger children Rose, Marian and Fred. States that the family are getting into debt, and that that they could not pay for any portion of Fred's education, even if he were to get a scholarship, and that Mr Horton's chance of getting pupils has decreased since the appearance of Malvern College. Asks Henry's opinion on whether they should contribute to the boy's education, and suggests that the older son will also need some assistance when he leaves his present employment. Adds that the latter is known to the former headmaster of Christ's Hospital, Dr Jacob. Refers to Mr Horton's plans to move southward on account of his health, and his difficulty in finding pupils.

Reports that she received a letter from William, who wrote from Mentone, saying that he hoped to reach San Remo, Genoa, Florence and Rome in the following days and weeks. Refers to his enchantment with the country, and to his ascent of the Berceau and M[ont] Agel. Reports that he met Colonel and Mrs Ogilvie at Nice. Sends Minnie's best love to Henry, and her gratitude for his letter. Reports that she and Edward went to see Mr Cubitt at Denbies the previous Friday on their way from Brighton, when she [Mary Sidgwick] came to look after the children at Wellington College. Adds that Edward and Minnie also went to London for a few days. Announces that she intends to go home around 5 February, and suggests that Henry will be able to write to her there, and asks to be remembered to Mr Symonds if the letter reaches him at Clifton.

Reports on the situation regarding Fred Horton, and the attempts being made to see if a school could be found for him. Mentions Arthur having read over some Greek and Latin translation carried out by the boy. Refers to having sent Rugby examination papers to Mr Horton, and the latter's astonishment at the level of knowledge required, and reports having asked Mr Phillpotts about Winchester, whose scholarship examinations are more difficult than those at Rugby. Claims that she would like to have Rose Horton - her goddaughter - be taught by Madame [Barche] and Miss H[ugo].

Reports that she can 'get no money help from the Sidgwicks', and does not like to commit too much before she has calculated the cost, and refers to the fact that her near relatives, the Crofts family in Bedford, are also in some financial trouble: Henry's Uncle William 'is the victim of those frequent calls from the wretched Overseas and G[ ] Firm', and that his second son is coming from Australia unless he can get a better salary.

Reports that Mr Horton has enquired as to whether there were any teaching openings at Exeter or Torquay, but was disappointed. Asks Henry to find out if he can something about St John's Foundation School at Clifton. Reports that she has read [Browning's?] Paracelsus and admired it and was astonished by it. Reports that William saw 'several Invalid friends' at Nice, Mentone, San Remo, walked eleven days on the Riviera, climbed two mountains, and had very good weather. He walked from San Remo to Genoa, which was very cold, and went from thence by train to Florence, where it was also very cold. Asks Henry to send her [Roden] Noel's poems, and to tell her when he will come to Exeter. Reports that when Minnie last wrote she was in the middle of domestic troubles. States that she has just received the papers of the Cambridge Examination for Ladies, and asks Henry's opinion on them.

In relation to Henry having been offered by Trinity College the post of Lecturer on Moral Sciences, claims that she could not think it possible that he would be thought unworthy of any place in the public teaching of the University, having made known his opinions. Advises him to put his trust in God. Admits to taking the same view as Dr Lightfoot in relation to Henry's decision to secede from the Church of England. Refers also to his offer to resign his Fellowship, and states that Arthur is prepared to do the same.

In relation to the Hortons, reports that Mr Horton tells her that Fred has not gone in for the Scholarship examination at Marlborough as he knew that he could not have been successful, and now thinks that he will be able to go to the Cathedral School at Worcester. States that he is very grateful for Henry's offer of £30, and that this will 'not only pay for the boy, but enable them to get some lessons for the elder girl [at home: Rose?] the one of 15.' Adds that one of the daughters, Alice, 'would be only too glad to get employment as companion to an elderly lady'.

Asks him to let her know when he intends to come to Rugby, and hopes to see William soon. Reports that her visitors Tryphosa and Julia Lace leave the following day and Minnie and Edward's three children leave on the following Thursday. States that 'one or two Rugbeans' may come for the match on the Saturday, but assures him that will be prepared for him on the following Monday.

Claims that he has thought a good deal about what she proposed about the Hortons [see ADD.MS.c/101/180-181]. Discusses the education of the son [Fred] and the possibility of his getting a scholarship to Winchester, and of going on the University education. Believes that if he is 'only ordinarily sharp', that he should probably not go to University, and that the Sidgwicks should help the family 'in some more pressing need.' Also discusses the little girl [Rose]'s future, and agrees with his mother in relation to not taking her away from home. Asks how she liked Paracelsus [by Browning], which he thinks 'has splendid stuff', despite being 'much too difficult and obscure'. Reports that Noel has published a volume of poems, which have been reviewed in the Pall Mall Gazette. Asks after Arthur. Reports that Martineau has written 'a fine pamphlet' for the Free Christian Union.