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Explains the delay in sending a copy of Roden Noel's poems [not included]- to her. Asks if she has seen his review in the Spectator, which, he claims, was written 'with a sincere effort at rigid impartiality', and therefore has not altogether pleased the poet.

Claims that he has not been able to find out anything for the advantage of Mrs Horton, and that he cannot [hear] of the school his mother mentions [see ADD.MS.c/101/181], and asks if it is Clapton. Discusses the boy [Fred Horton]'s educational future, and suggests that if he could not get a scholarship at Rugby, he probably would not be able to obtain an exhibition. Promises to talk about the situation with her when he comes to visit, which he hopes will be 'about Thursday week - if not, the Sunday following.'

Asks her to tell him by return of post what Arthur is going to do at Easter, and whether he may ask Trevelyan to come down for a day while Arthur is there. Claims that he is not over-working. Reports that he suffered from some sleeplessness at the beginning of the term, and that he does very little work in the evenings. The consequences, he claims, are that he neither wants nor can afford a holiday, and wants time to prepare his lectures for the following term. Asks her to send him William's address.

Undertakes to bring 'Lowell's new volume' with him, and remarks that 'the "commemoration ode" is, on the whole, splendid', and judges that it ought to appear in any collection of English Lyrics. With regard to the word 'English', remarks that it must now become designative of race and language, not of polity, and that they must now call themselves 'as opposed to the Americans, Britons.' Remarks that 'Mary [Benson?] has subsided into silence', and does not think she is studying either algebra or political philosophy. Reports that Mrs Kingsley asked after her the other day.

Sends birthday wishes to Henry, and remarks on the fact that by the same time the following year she will have no child under thirty years of age. Reports that she returned from Brighton a week previously, where she had stayed for ten days with Henry's Aunt [Henrietta?] after leaving Minnie.

Relates that while at Brighton she saw Alice Horton, with whom she had a long conversation about herself and her family. Remarks that she found her to be 'an interesting girl', and relates that she is 'now teaching the little girls of a Captain and Mrs Grimshaw at Brighton', who are very kind, but have no sympathy with her 'in her literary yearnings'. Asks Henry to read two of her poems, Low Flying and Renunciation, in the September number of Fraser['s Magazine]. Mentions also 'a somewhat encouraging letter of Mr. Froude's to her', two or three from Mr Grove, the editor of Macmillan's Magazine, and a note from Mrs Gatty.

Refers to Mr Horton also, whose health varies, and to Mrs Horton's plans to publish some book of his by subscription. Refers also to the Horton's eldest son, who Alice claims 'has very good abilities and would gladly get more education if he could combine it with helping his mother.' Announces that she has invited Alice to stay with her in July, and hopes that Henry could come and give her some advice, and perhaps criticise her poems. Adds that she also intends to ask Frank Horton, so that Henry 'may see them both and talk of their future.' Remarks that Mr Boyd can do nothing, but will probably help with money when it is needed, and asks Henry to return to her the p[iece] of his letter.

Reports that William hopes to be in London on the following Thursday, and refers to his account in one of his letters of his ascent of Et[ ]. Asks Henry to send her the bill for his box. Refers also to his' 'scholarships for the Ladies'.

Reports that he has written to Frank Horton, offering to take him in and pay his expenses of residence and education in Cambridge for three terms, and to continue the arrangement for a fourth if he gets a first class in his May Examination, 'only letting him pay for his dinners in the fourth term.' Claims that it will cost himself 'not much over £50', and foresees that Horton will occupy his spare room. Reports that he had a very nice letter from Mrs Horton, which convinced him that Cambridge 'was the best opening they could see, in spite of the expense and disadvantages of delay.' States that he has made his offer conditional on Horton satisfying him in June that he has sufficient abilities. Reminds her that the Hortons may not accept the offer after all. Thinks that Frank should be allowed Mr B[alme?]'s twenty pounds there in addition to his sizarship, and states that he has written to Mr B[alme] to propose this. Undertakes to tell her when he hears from them. Reports that he is 'all well again', and hopes to have a pleasant week or two before hay fever. States that he has written to offer his uncle a bed.

Regrets to hear that she has been ill, and hopes that she is better now. Informs her that she has nearly resolved 'to make the offer with regard to F[rank] Horton', Wishes his mother to write to Mrs Horton to inform her that he is enquiring, and that he believes, 'if he [Frank] has fair abilities will work hard and practise the strictest economy', he may, with some assistance from Henry, 'get board, lodging, and teaching [ ] and all necessary academic expenses paid.' Asks her to convey that the matter is as yet uncertain, and to make it clear that he cannot expect to get more than his expenses of living at Cambridge. Asks her to see what she thinks of the prospect. Asks her to tell Arthur that he is very much obliged for his cards. Announces that he is going to write to Dr Jacob.

Is sorry to hear that she has been so unwell. Explains that he has been very busy since he came back to Cambridge. Is also sorry to hear no better account of William. Refers to the Ad Eundem [Society]. Wishes that William 'would see the best possible doctor.' Of Rugby, exclaims 'Alas! Alas!', and declares that he is anxious to hear when the new Board is to be appointed. Reports that his 'ladies' lectures' are going on very well so far. Is not over-optimistic, but hopes that they 'may become a real focus of improvement in female education.' Reports that they now have three or four young women who come from abroad. Undertakes to write to Mrs Horton, and to put his name down 'for a couple of [ ]', and also to 'go into the calculations about the maintenance of Frank [in Cambridge]' as carefully as he can. Thinks that the best thing for Frank would be to go to Cambridge as a sizar, and says that he would not mind proposing to provide him with rooms and books. Does not believe that he could get his whole expense of living, including close etc., provided out of charitable funds. Asks his mother not to say anything to Mrs Horton as yet, and undertakes to make further enquiries.