Showing 2 results

Asks her for some of her news, and whether it would be convenient for him to visit her 'about the 23rd of July.' Explains that he is in Margate because of his hay fever, but intends to return 'to the Bosom of Civilization about the middle of the month.' Presumes that 'the solemn and official part of [her] leave-taking [of Wellington College] is over', and claims that he missed her speeches in the Times. Reports that he has been in London conducting 'the Examination of Women, and indulging in other amusements.'

Says he is attempting to write a book, 'as far as Christy Minstrels and other barbaric phenomena allow'. Reports that he subsists chiefly on 'a kind of fish called Margate Dabs...and on Miss Braddon's novels.' Has decided that the latter 'really are more improving to the mind than Mrs Henry Wood's.' Recommends May by Mrs Oliphant, and states that he considers her 'in the very first rank of novelists.' Reports that a friend of his, Mrs Cornish, has just published a novel [Alcestis], which has been quite successful. Asks how she stands the fatigues of the term, and how she likes the new, incoming Party. Claims that he hears nothing from Rugby, 'except that Kitchener meditates a flight'. Asks after Edward, and whether he has yet managed 'to arrange existence at the Chancery.'

Thanks her for her letter and gift [a birthday present]. Declares that he has now passed 'what is said to be the dangerous age (as regards imprudent marriage)'. Considers staying in Cambridge during the Long Vacation, and says that the idea that it is 'insalubrious' in the summer is 'a complete delusion'. Reports that he went to London on Wednesday to a dinner party, and had a very serious attack of hay fever. Since 'a tolerably severe examination is near at hand, fears that he cannot come to see her as he had hoped to do that month. Reports that the living of Whitkirk has not yet been disposed of , but has heard that 'a late scholar of the college has just married on his curacy', and fears that his claims will be considered strong especially as he always went to morning chapel.' Expresses his surprise at the fact that Bob Mayor 'is going'. Asks if she has heard that Joseph Mayor is a candidate for the Professorship of political economy at Trinity College. Does not believe that he is the best man for the job, and states that he shall have to vote against him. Reports that he has just had three quarters of an hour 'at the Academy', and comments that he cannot conceive of 'anyone except a painter admiring the ghastly [Eve of] St Agnes', but states that the other two by Millais are 'wonderfully well-painted', though he wonders at the artist's choice of 'such trivial subjects.': 'There used to be some poetry in him: where is it gone to? His inspiration now seems about the level of Mrs Henry Wood's novels'.