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Announces that he is going to Cambridge 'on the 3rd', and is thinking of going to visit her for a night or two 'after the 11th and before the 18th if convenient.' Remarks that the Rugby news was a shock, and states that he ceases to advise acquiescence [a reference to the troubles with the head, Henry Hayman?]. Reports that Arthur was skating on the Downs.

In relation to Miss Brooke, declares that without being pretty, she is not ugly, and that her face 'shows feeling and intelligence when one looks close.' States however, that 'one has to penetrate a slight veil of dullness to see these qualities', and that 'there is not a particle of girlish attractiveness about her...' Asks Myers what he thinks of the proposal to tell Miss Clough that he [Myers] is a correspondent, and to arrange to go in some evening. In relation to the 'dear damsel', states that his experience of the correspondents [in the scheme for women's education] would not incline him to give a tragic interpretation to her silence. Refers to his own correspondents, who are all 'irregular and arbitrary in their ways, except one young strenuous well-trained governess in London, and the admirable and delightful Annie Thomas'. Announces that he is off to Rugby the following day, 'where the impending crisis [re headmaster Henry Hayman] still hovers. Invites Myers to breakfast on Sunday or Monday, 'and see one or two undergraduates.'

Parody of ancient Greek tragedy, dramatizing the appointment of Rev. Henry Hayman by the Trustees as headmaster of Rugby School - 'Rokeby' in the fragment. Characters are a messenger and 'Temenos' [Frederick Temple], with a Chorus of Masters.

Thanks her for her letter. Claims to be divided between staying in Ostend for the quality of the air, and a desire to get to Berlin, which he wishes to see again as the capital of a united Germany: 'partially united, that is, "in shpots," as Hans Breitmann [in comic works by Leland] says". Thinks he shall start on Monday, and will travel from Cologne to Berlin by night. Thanks her for the information about Switzerland, and hopes that she will come. Intends to stay in Germany until the end of September. Reports that he is reading German books, and has an idea of making 'a sort of tour of the universities.' Intends to go to Heidelberg from Switzerland. Regrets to hear that Arthur is not well. Hopes that 'the remarkable unity of feeling among the masters...will make up to Rugby for the dullness or worse of the head [Hayman]'.

In relation to the young Horton, reports that he tried to find out about the civil service appointments, 'but have not yet made anything out', and states that the arrangements for giving them away by examination are probably to be published in the near future. Declares that his original plan of having him at Cambridge would not be suitable, but predicts that 'it may possibly be revived in a new form in connection with this examination - if nothing better suggests itself.'

Expects that his mother will get some dividends for him, and if so, asks her to keep them until she gets his addresss in Berlin and send them in a registered letter. Also asks her to ask his uncle John Sidgwick to pay his [Henry's] share into Mortlock and Co.'s Bank, Cambridge. Asks her to forward the enclosed [not included] to his uncle Albert.

Informs her that he is settled in at an address in Berlin. States that he left Ostend on 'the 7th' for Cologne, and proceeded on Tuesday to Berlin, but had an attack of hay fever. Claims that he has now recovered. Asks her to send him his Great Indian Peninsula Dividends and Great Eastern Debenture Interest if they have arrived. States that he is very glad to hear about Christopher Benson, and says of the woman he loves that he does not see why, 'having once come to love him, she should not be just as happy as if he had more in the way of legs.' Reports that the friend he had hoped to see [in Berlin] 'is unfortunately absent'. Thinks of going to Halle and Gottingen, and perhaps to Heidelberg too, after Berlin. Also plans to go to Switzerland, but is unsure. Asks her to inform him of her plans anyway.

Of Hayman [new headmaster of Rugby], states that the idea he got about him when last at Rugby was 'that the line he had planned for himself was a very good one - conciliation and [firmness] combined - only that he wanted the moral and aesthetic culture necessary for carrying out his conception...', and in relation to his speech, states that, from what he can gather from his mother's report, he appears to be sticking to his plan. Reports on the heat in Berlin, and to the drainage difficulties. Remarks on the fact that the prices have been increased since Berlin 'became the metropolis of North Germany', and complains that he is spending a lot of money.

Announces that he is off to Wellington College the following day. Explains that he has been detained in Cambridge 'by trifling matters connected with the Ladies' lectures.' States that they have given exhibitions and 'have induced one or two young persons to come to Cambridge; but the Committee as such does not provide them any accommodations', and explains that this is so because some of them, 'though they do not object to girls coming up to Cambridge to attend lectures, yet do not wish formally to encourage them: still less to be responsible for them.' Therefore, it has fallen to him to make arrangements for these girls. Reports that he has had some communication from Mary, and is sorry to hear of 'the attack.' Relates that [Henry Weston?] Eve maintains that 'it has been really very trifling.' Asks her to tell William that he shall be in Cambridge from 25 January onwards, and shall be very glad to see him. States that the undergraduates are to return on Monday 30 January. Declares that the [B ] 'brought back news that sixth-form boys like Hayman's work [at Rugby School], and say that he "reaches them so much better than Temple". '

Explains that he has 'just emerged from the mass of business and correspondence that the recommencement of [his] ladies' lectures has entailed', and now wishes to hear from her. Desires to know how she likes the town, 'and the J[ ], and the Germans', and whether she has read much German, and if she is keeping a large journal. States that 'it seems almost like a dream' that he was ever at Wiesbaden, 'and stood at the Roulette tables and saw the view from the Platte.'

Reports that he has been in Cambridge ever since he got to England, apart from a Sunday at Rugby, where he found that there is still a crisis. Believes that 'H[enry] H[ayman] will come badly out of it', and judges the latter to be 'an odd being', whose acts constitute 'a singular mixture of craft and stupidity.' Relates that, having been forced to reinstate [E. A.] Scott, 'he has done it with explanations and qualifications, which practically make the reinstatement incomplete.' Predicts that the matter will come before the board again. Reports that he wrote all she asked him, and hopes that everything turned out well. Praises the Museum W[ ] at Brussels, which he visited, and refers to 'the worst of seapassages.'

Reports that he missed William, but that Arthur 'seemed to think he was all right.' Relates that he saw no old Catholics as he passed through Cologne, but that he had much conversations about them 'with an intelligent German, who suspended them, as Horace says, on his upturned nose.' Reports that he has just heard from Ada [Benson], who says that she has just had 'a most successful tour and wants to know about Italian Hotels.' Expresses his wish to visit Venice, Florence, Rome and Naples, and states that when they have Bessemer Steamers [meant to reduce seasickness] on the Mediterranean he intends to go. Sends greetings to 'Chris [Benson] and his wife'.

Informs her that the Reverend T.R. Birks has been elected Professor of Moral Philosophy. Claims not to be bothered by this development, because a professorship would entail '[m]ore dust, more dross, in comparison with Knowledge and Virtue'; because his election would have meant not great increase in income; and also because 'it would have entailed several woes', including being asked to dinner by '[s]everal more stupid people'. Tells her not to waste any sympathy on him, and to keep it all for 'H[enry] H[ayman] who...will soon want it'. Hopes to go to Rugby on 11 May. Hopes that her cough is better.

Writes from 7 Athelstan Road, Margate;, having stayed last year in nearby Ethelbert Terrace; comments that 'all this part of the town was built by some fanatical Anglo-Saxon'; intends to be there for ten more days. Thinks that he never wrote to thank her for Miss Thackeray's books. Relates that he has been staying with the [Leslie] Stephens since he left Cambridge, where he has seen Miss Thackeray. Reports that she is going to write 'another Fairy Tale - Jack and the Bean-stalk', which is still a secret; she also told him some interesting things about Browning and Red Cotton Nightcap Country'; will tell his mother if she has ever 'read or tried to read that singular production'.

Recommends Mrs Cornish's novel Alcestis and Mrs Webster's dramatic poem The Auspicious Day; this made him cry while he was supervising the Local Examination in London, though he 'was perched so high that sixty-five young ladies could see... an Examiner Weep'. Asks her tell Arthur 'that Symonds's Greek Poets is very good in parts - on the whole, better than [Symonds's book about] Dante - and will improve his mind.' Asks how are all her affairs. Reports that 'many sympathizing strangers in London enquired after Rugby', but that he told them that the situation was unchanged. Reports also that all the M.P.s he has seen 'believe in the "Conservative Reaction" so that possibly H. H[ayman] may be made a Dean soon'.

[Sent from London]:- Says 'all is over [regarding the dismissal of Hayman, headmaster of Rugby School], and as well as could be expected'; it is 'vexatious that everything should be so uncertain about Arthur, but all things human are missed'. Reports that it is rumoured that 'H. H[ayman]' intends to resist, but that [Charles or Edward?] Bowen says that the latter 'will only lose his money', and has not 'a legal leg to stand on.' Refers to the Times of that day, which is 'as good as can be expected'. Does not feel as happy as he expected, but 'the relief is very great'.

Is sorry to hear about his mother's heath; admits to have been worried about the journey that she intends to make, and claims to be relieved that the idea has been given up. States that Easter is a much more suitable time to travel, and hopes that he himself shall be able to go with her. Announces that he goes to Lincoln on 29 December. Reports that an announcement of his book appears in the Athenaeum and in the Manchester Courier, and that he has received a note from J. H. Lace [his cousin], asking for a copy. Claims that she never answered his letter about his 'Association'.

Reports that he has decided 'with much regret' that he cannot leave Cambridge during the coming vacation, as he is too busy. Had intended to come down to her, but explains that about two weeks previously he had a bad attack of indigestion while he was trying to finish some work. Though he was recovering after taking a holiday, he wanted to see a doctor before resolving to work through the vacation and, on going to London 'on the business of Miss Clough's new house [for female students in Cambridge], consulted Gladstone's doctor, Andrew Clark, about his health. The latter diagnosed 'a tendency to rheumatic gout', put him on a strict diet, but let him go back to Cambridge to work.

Hopes to have 'a really good holiday' in the Long Vacation. Asks for news of Arthur; declares that he ought to be coming to England about that time. Refers to events at Rugby, and the attacks in the newspapers thereon. Claims that it was 'a clever trick of Hayman's lawyers to put the matter into Malins' court: no other judge would have allowed so much [ ] talk about the merits of a case which he knew he was not going to try on it's [sic] merits.' Hopes that she has been feeling well and it getting through her [ ] of removal'. Asks her to let him know of 'any Rugby or domestic news', and if she hears anything about Temple. Declares that he is sorry for him

Refers to their 'disappointment' at Rugby, and claims that they 'have not got one of the 3 men picked out as the best', and that their new headmaster is Mr Hayman-Marshall of Bradfield, who is 'only a double 2nd in the Oxford Calendar....' Relates that Dr Temple had learnt that he is a good scholar - 'a gentleman, a liberal man in money matters and an High Churchman.' Reports that the masters were impressed by his reference from Sir John Coleridge, whose sons have been educated by him. Adds that many at Rugby are disappointed, but that Arthur won't confess his disappointment, 'or rather, perhaps, he wants to make the best of it.' Asks Henry to say when he intends to come home, and how long he will stay. Fears that they will see little of Edward since he is to examine at Lincoln and at Exeter for Dr Temple, in the absence of Mr Ba[lter].

Thanks her for her letter. Is sorry that she takes 'so gloomy a view of [his sister] Mary's state.' Agrees that her mental state is unusual. Asks when the school reopens, and states that he would be very glad to come to Rugby for a night or two; suggests that he could come at the same time as William and Isabel. Asks her to tell Annie Sidgwick, or his aunt Mary Jane, 'that she could not possibly get more than a 3rd class according to [their] regulations'. Is glad to hear of [E.A.] Scott's reinstatement. Mentions that it has not taken place yet, but does not suppose that 'H. H[ayman]' can gain anything by interposing obstacles now.' Remarks that the latter appears to have got into very strained relations with the Board, and speculates as to Hayman's possible tactics in the matter. Concludes that 'if Rugby can once get rid of him, it does not matter much what he says'. Sends his love to [Mary's] children.

Reports that he heard about Rugby the previous day: that H[enry] H[ayman] 'will stay until something else happens.' Supposes that 'there has been a hard fight on the Board'. Wonders whether any will leave because of this crisis. States that he has asked A[rthur] to tell him what is the actual decline of the school. Admits to believing sometimes 'that things have come now to such a pass that everyone had better do just what he feels inclined to do - stay or go...' Predicts that there will be 'no joy of harmonious work or prosperity at Rugby for some time...unless the decline comes much faster than one anticipates.' Asks her to tell Mary that he will write to her, and that he is much obliged for her letter. Warns against compulsory idleness, and advises that Mary be made to feel as little an invalid as possible. Hopes to see William on 22 [March].

Supposes that she has been very busy, entertaining his aunt [Henrietta?]; otherwise she would have written to him. Reports that he has seen William, who tells him that she 'is going to live in the "house that Jack built" after all.' Predicts that it will turn out excellent. Asks her 'how every one at Rugby takes Joe Blake's election.' Admits that he should have preferred Percival, but that he gave Blake a testimonial, and believes that the school ought to succeed under him. Reports that he has seen Charles Bowen, 'who says that Hayman's case...is ridiculous: and that every lawyer says so.' Asks her to tell him if she has good news of Arthur, and to send him the latter's address. Wishes him to examine in Greek history for the Indian Civil Service at Easter.

Explains his failure to write to Myers lately; he has been involved in 'memorializing Gladstone: entreating him to investigate and reform [Cambridge University] without unnecessary preludes and prefaces.' Reports that they collected one hundred and ten signatures, but that it fell to him, who has come to be regarded as 'Perpetual chief clerk and servant of all work' of the Liberal Party in Cambridge, to collect them. Declares that he thought Myers' circular 'excellent'. [Note in Myers' hand explains that the circular is of the Corresponding Society; 'Cambridge men teach young women [by] correspondence. Each sent out a circular to his pupils.'] Tells Myers to estimate his expenditure of time and trouble on the project.

Thanks him for [James] Saumarez' letter, which disposes him to accept Jebb's insight that Saumarez' nature resembles Myers'. [Notes in Myers' hand: 'I hope there is some truth in this', and 'letter later forthcoming - consisted principally of good advice....'] Announces that Arthur is to come [to Oxford] the following day. States that now that [Arthur and others] 'have got their Board ['the "promising Body" ', according to Myers], the puzzle is how to fashion it into an offensive [a reference to Arthur Sidgwick and other masters at Rugby's struggle against the head of the school, Henry Hayman].'

In relation to the women installed in Cambridge under his scheme for female education, whom he refers to as his 'Garden of Flowers' [referred to by Myers as Sidgwick's 'harem or collection of girls reading at Cambridge'], reports that 'Miss Kennedy yearns to attend Wards (Clough) Catholic ritual by herself on Sunday night, and [Sidgwick and others] refuse...' Predicts that 'Restraint of Liberty' for the women will be a problem in the future. Refers also to 'Emily Davies and the inevitable complication of educational machinery'. Announces that he intends to go to J.A. Symonds 'on the 26th', and is glad that he will also see Myers.

In relation to Middlemarch, claims that he feels he could have planned the story much better: does not think that the 'Dryasdust hero [Casaubon] need have been more than, say, thirty-five, and he might have had an illusory halo of vague spiritual aspirations; the ending could have been made just as tragic'. Says 'the style is the finest intellectual cookery'.

Praise Myers' 'French verses', and asks how he does them; he himself could not, despite having had 'the finest classical education'.

Asks Myers when he intends to come to Cambridge. Reminds him that his card says the following week, but that his letter to 'Mrs V. said 18th.' Announces that he [Sidgwick] goes to Rugby on 11 [May] to steep himself in 'H. Hayman' [headmaster of Rugby School, at odds with Arthur Sidgwick and other masters]. Refers to an un-named matter of mutual concern, and states that Birks also 'has a work of Ethics in his desk.' In relation to his failure to be appointed to the post of Professorship of Moral Philosophy, claims that he regrets 'the gentle external compulsion that it would have given.' Thinks that he must stay in Cambridge 'at least one year more: and most probably for ever.' Believes that he is ill-adapted for Cambridge society. Thought Pearson was going to be chosen for the post. Regrets that Myers is 'so decided about Old Kensington [novel by Annie Thackeray, currently being serialised in The Cornhill Magazine], and claims that he himself is hesitating. Notes that 'W. M. T[hackeray] had a way of boring one with long introductions.' Adds ' "Christ[ ] North" no good?'

Declares that a 'Friend hopes that "Fortune" is merely deferred - as also Fame...' [Note in Myers' hand explains this is a reply 'to some mock-heroic lines announcing (Myers') relinquishment of any project in the Direction of (word deleted)]. Thanks him for the enclosure.

Claims to begin gradually 'to have a conception of [Cyril?] Flower.' States that he is reading [George Meredith's] latest novel [Harry Richmond] 'with a painful sense of genius wasted'. Thinks 'the Septimus [Felton]" will [come] out a fair Hawthorne, not more.' Announces that he expects to hear of Hayman on Saturday from Arthur'.

Explains that he cannot come [to see Myers], as his work on university reform has taken up his time, and he is behind in his work. In relation to 'the "project" ', claims that he was shaken out of the dream in London in the summer. Says that he had nearly succeeded in reconciling himself to science, when Myers' letter set him 'spinning again'. Would like to see him at Christmas, but is unsure as to whether he can allow himself 'the pleasure of a regular visit.' Explains that he has promised to go to [J.A.] Symonds some time, 'coinciding with [the Hill?] Greens', but that his plans are vague at present. Reports that there is no news from Rugby, and states that 'to say that it is in the agony of a crisis is only to say that H[enry] H[ayman] still hangs up his hat in the schoolhouse'.

Announces his return [from accompanying his sister Minnie to Wiesbaden], having read all of Myers' books. Claims to be very glad to have 'attained s[ ] views on Paul de Kock'. Asks Myers if he knows what other of his works are worth reading, and states that he quite understands Disraeli's praise of him, and sees his influence on 'D.' a little. Remarks that Taine is 'a clever man', but does not like his work. Reports that the Venns have just returned, but that he hasn't seen them.

Asks Myers if he thinks that [Mandell?] Creighton and Laing would correspond with women [as part of an educational correspondence programme] in English literature. Discusses the need for more money to subsidise 'impecunious governesses', and asks him if he thinks any wealthy person sympathetic to the project would subscribe. The plan is to 'make the poor girls pay for one course, and then give them two more if they like'; a 'certificate of poverty from a clergyman' is always obtained. Refers briefly to the troubles at Rugby [with Henry Hayman].

Thanks him for his 'services with the Millionaire [regarding subscriptions for building a hall of residence for female students at Cambridge]' Reports that they are trying two or three of them. Refers to 'a little circular' to be printed, in which Miss Clough's 'naïve, earnest, slightly incoherent appeals' are strangely mixed with the 'colourless, ponderous, semi-official prolixity' with which Sidgwick 'inevitably treat[s] such matters'. Announces that he intends to 'make an attempt on H.H [possibly William Henry Hoar Hudson?]' as soon as the proofs arrive. Refers to 'another who bears these initials' [Henry Hayman, at Rugby] on whom a Governing Body sat the previous day. Does not know the outcome however.

In relation to spirit-rapping, declares that he has the same attitude towards it as he has towards religion, i.e., that 'there is something in it', but does not know what. States that John King is an old friend of his, but that 'as he always came into the dark and talked at random', their friendship refrigerated.' States that he shall be glad to accompany Myers 'on any favourable opportunity.' States that in relation to 'A[rthur?] there is nothing to tell' and that the 'thing has been deferred for 3 weeks.' Predicts that there will be 'a Homeric conflict...' Claims that he is very affected by what Myers tells him about his cousin [Annie Marshall?] and her letter.

Hears, through their mother, that she wishes to hear about Rugby. Reports that 'a settled gloom overspreads [them], broken only by occasional anecdotes about B_s', due to problems relating to the headmaster [Henry Hayman], and to 'Vaccination'. Reports that Arthur has been quite ill, and that Haslam has had to come and do his work. Claims himself to be '[ready] enough to feel very strongly that Science is in an imperfect state of development...' Reports on problems that have arisen between the sixth form and 'H_r', which has resulted in parents threatening to withdraw their boys, and the Trustees ordering an enquiry. States that the New Board is to be appointed before the end of the following term. Is certain that the crisis is having an adverse effect on the health of Arthur and his mother. Remarks that the chapel looks 'dreadful'.

Asks her to write to him telling him how she is, and reports that he is 'very well, also very lazy', though he spends a little of his time in writing on philosophical subjects, including 'scraps in the Academy and elsewhere, and also writes 'letters and scraps in the Cambridge Reporter, besides Secretarial work for the women's lectures'; he is therefore 'not found out to be idle'. Has given up the idea [of their mother moving to Cambridge], as he thinks that it would be too much for her. Sends the 'Programme' [not included]. Sends his love to Edward, who he hopes is better, and states that he is delighted to hear about Charley.