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Undertakes to write on 'the other matter...as soon as the visit is over', and states that they both entirely agree with Benson's view of 'the present situation.' Is glad to hear that Hugh is quite recovered. Adds that the Conservatives 'have just decided, by 50 to 16, to select Jebb for vacant seat' [in Parliament for Cambridge University]. Incomplete.

Reports that [E. M?] Young has asked his advice about standing for Benson's 'place' [as head of Wellington College?], and that he has advised him to stand, but has told him that he did not think him the ideal man. Refers to him as a 'safe' man. Adds that Young has asked him for a testimonial, but before writing Henry would like to know if there is any candidate whom Benson would prefer to Young. Refers to the fact that when Henry and Benson were last together, the latter mentioned [E. A.?] Abbott. Asks him if he would mind him saying that he [Abbott] would have Benson's support. Asks him to tell Minnie that he is 'always writing to her.'

[Sent from Dresden]:- Reports that he has concluded his stay in Berlin. Declares that he shall return to Germany when he wants to 'learn humility and contentment'. Has 'dropped over to Dresden to see Ada [Benson] and renew [his] acquaintance with the town and pictures.' Reports that Ada seemed very well and happy, 'tho' decidedly thinner', and 'declared herself charmed with the town, with her studies, with the Hauptmann and his wife with whom she lives'. Reports that the previous day he saw Mr and Mrs Dale, whose baby is 'a fine solid little fellow'. On Tuesday he goes with Professor Herrig to a 'Versammlung of Philologs' at Brunswick.

Hopes that Minnie will soon be strong enough to write to him. Went to the theatre with Ada and her hosts 'to see the famous Emil Devrient act.' Explains that going to the theatre in Germany is 'one of the most approved methods of learning the spoken language'. Remarks that his mother has not told him of her plans for the winter, except that she does not see any chance of settling down until the spring. Does not suppose that she will stay at Wellington College until Christmas. Invites her to stay at lodgings in Cambridge for the autumn. Announces that he will not return to England until 'the 20th', as he wishes to do some travelling. Will be at Brunswick until 29 September, 'then in about a week at Frankfurt Am Main, then in about a week at Bonn.' Sends his love to Edward. Recounts a story about Lord John Russell in Berlin told to him by Professor Ranke. The latter is engaged in a work on English history, and 'spoke with great regret of Macaulay whom he admires excessively, tho' so opposed to him in opinion'.

Congratulates him on his chancellorship [of Lincoln Cathedral], admitting, however, that he has no idea what a chancellor is. Supposes that his new position will give him the leisure 'to construct the Church of the Future, and reconstruct that of the past.' Adds that he has just met 'a quasi-ecclesiastical layman', who confused him in relation to the characteristic functions of 'Chancellor' as distinct from 'Canon'.

Announced that he has decided to come to Rugby the week after the following week, instead of the following Thursday, as he had originally intended. States that he wishes to dine with his editor at Harrow on the following Saturday and see his friends there. Reports that Montagu Butler has been seriously ill, but is getting better. Is very sorry to hear about Mary, and asks for a better account to be sent as soon as she can. Also regrets to read her report of William, and states that he has no time to go and see him.

Regrets that he is not able to work as hard as he should like. Declares that he should have given himself a longer complete holiday during that long vacation. Reports on the work he has done. Thought that he 'should have got further towards explaining Spiritualism, one way or another'; however, 'it gives life an additional interest having a problem of such magnitude still to solve'. Asks his mother's opinion on the Bishop's address, and remarks that he thought it was 'exceedingly well composed on the whole'. Professes to be becoming more interested in ecclesiastical matters from reading English history. Sends his love to Mary and Edward.

Writes in relation to the predicament of the Vicar of St Luke's in Chesterton [George Hale], who is in the process of trying to persuade the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to give a Population Grant to his district parish. Its members, comprising mainly of College servants and small tradesmen, have increased, resulting in the need for financial assistance. States that the case is briefly stated in the enclosed paper [not included], and more fully in a pamphlet that he himself has read. Believes that the Commisioners could relax the rule that prevents them from giving a grant, and that, in doing so, no dangerous precedent would be set; rather a 'substantial justice' would be done. Asks him to tell Minnie that he has news of Psychical Research to impart to her when they meet, and that Nora has been having her portrait painted by an artist named Shannon, 'who is believed to be "on the rise" '.

[Sent from Courmayeur]:- Refers to his failure to send any correspondence sooner, and to his attitude to sending letters from abroad. Claims that at Dresden he did not find that the time 'made itself for letter-writing'. Speaks of his progress in reading, writing and speaking German. Refers to Benson's holiday [in France], and to the beauty of the 'aiguilles and glaciers' of the vale of Chamonix. Remarks that Minnie must have enjoyed it. Reports that he walked for eleven hours along the Allée Blanche of Mont Blanc on his way to Courmayeur.

In relation to his stay in Dresden, claims that he liked Herr Schier very much, but disagreed with his politics. Speaks well of Professor and Mrs Hughes, but claims that he did not get on very well with anybody else. States that Mrs and Mrs Henry Hughes somehow did not suit him, and that the other English there kept him back in his German as they always spoke in English. Reports that Dale, with whom he used to spend the Sundays, was very kind, and that he asked after Benson and Minnie. Refers to [ ] having eight children, 'and no money to speak of!' Hopes that Benson 'found the boys as good as ever and the heather well out', and asks him to give his love to Minnie. Sends a poem to the latter [not included].

Presumes that Edward [Benson], whom he saw at Cambridge, will have given her an account of him. Claims to have regretted leaving there for London, where he has been working and pursuing his enquiries into Spiritualism. With the latter he claims to be disappointed, as he claims to hear extraordinary stories, but yet fail to see any proof himself. Reports that he has seen Roche Dakyns once or twice, and that the latter 'has with much unassuming self-devotion given up his one month of holidays to be with his parents.' Refers to Dakyns' father's illness. Reports that he has also seen Graham Dakyns, who had not seen Arthur, 'but had heard of him'.

Asks about her and Arthur's return to Rugby. Declares that he may pay a visit there on 3 October, and asks whether she will be there at that time. Presumes that she will stay with Mary as long as she can be of service. Refers to Edward's view that Mary 'was somewhat slow in recovering.' Announces that he expects the book to which he has contributed to be out in about a month. Reports that he has just heard from Symonds, 'who says that Arthur is with him, looking "robust fresh and happy".' Declares that he is glad to hear such news, as he himself thought he looked 'jaded when he passed thro' London.' Sends his love to Edward and Mary.

[Sent from Gower St, London]:- Reports that he has been staying with Cowell for the last week, and is now again in lodgings, writing his essay 'and hunting up spiritualists, but has not been very successful in his enquiries. Refers to the letters from her and Arthur, and declares that he is sorry to hear of Miss [Lucy] Brown's condition [see 101/167]. Announces that he will see Arthur when he passes through. Remarks that Arthur 'seems to be going to fly about after the fashion of schoolmasters'. Hopes that William will be 'quite strong' the following term, and will recover his energy for work. Believes that his career depends upon his doing something outside his professional work.

Reports that he himself is not very well, but thinks that it is only 'a passing indisposition'. Intends to take a holiday as soon as he feels he wants one. Does not think he shall go to Wellington College at the beginning of the holidays, as he wishes to finish his essay before he leaves London. Describes his affection for London, and mentions the pleasures that it offers to him, for example, trips to the British Museum, to the Portrait Gallery, and to the Royal Academy, and also conversations with 'a member of the society of "Divine Spiritualists".' Refers to an enclosed translation of a speech from Goethe's Iphigenia [not included]. Sends his love to Mary and Edward [Benson].

Blames his failure to write sooner on his 'vexed and unsatisfied feelings...about Ada's M.S.S.'. Does not think that the two stories she translated are particularly interesting, and judges their translation to be no better than average. Does not know what to do on account of being informed by [Alexander?] 'McMillan' that 'the translation from the German, even of first rate quality is enormously at a discount...', and has decided to do nothing until he has discussed the matter with Benson. Undertakes to attempt to find 'a more cheerful bookseller than Macmillan' if Benson finds Henry's opinion of the stories 'exaggeratedly unfavorable'.

Refers to his mother having given up all hopes of all the family coinciding at Christmas, as the Bensons plan to go to the seaside. Is glad that his mother proposed going to Bristol; both he and Arthur were eager to go there again. Is anxious to go to Wellington College to see his sister and Benson, and asks the latter to tell him when they leave. Explains that he cannot get away 'before the 17th' because William is coming to Cambridge for a few days at the end of term. Announces that, according to his plan, they are all to be together at Rugby for a few days. Explains that he is very busy with 'plans and pupils, friends and fellowship dinners...' Asks him to tell Minnie to write, and to give her his love.

Reports that he is in 'a rustic inn in the Harz', and has been walking that day. Relates some of his experiences at 'a giant meeting of German "Philologues, Schoolmasters and Orientalists" ', which he attended in Brunswick with Professor Herrig. Reports having seen 'two or three celebrated men', including Ewald and Döderlein. Remarks on the 'universally good speaking in the discussions'. Claims, however, that the essays delivered were not very good, but that he heard 'a really splendid translation of Oedipus Tyrannus excellently read by the translator.' Remarks that German is a better language for translating Greek than English.

Claims to have enjoyed his stay in Berlin very much. Passes on greetings from Professor Herrig , the Director and Professor Ranke to Benson, and remarks on the kindness shown to him by Herrig. Comments on 'What a rum little old boy' Ranke is, and relays a story told by Ranke of being compared to Lord John Russell Refers to a portrait of the Director in the 'Berlin Exhibition of pictures'. Relates that he was present at three of four ' "Stunden" ' in his school, and remarks that politics and coffee at Stehely's [café]' 'formed a very pleasant item in the order of the day.'

Claims to be very slow in learning to speak German. Announces that he is now proceeding to the Rhine, where he intends to spend about ten days, after which he plans to return to England. Hopes to spend a night with Benson on his way to Cambridge to recount his experiences, 'and to see the young prince [his nephew].' Hopes that all is going on well. Presumes that Benson has begun work again, and hopes to hear a good account of the prospective chapel also. Concludes the letter at Göttingen, where he has been to pay a visit to Professor Benfey. The latter, he believes, has 'a European reputation in the Semitic languages.' Refers to the many erroneous notions current in England about the German universities of Göttingen, which he declares to be a dull town. Asks him to forward 'the enclosed' [not included].

Explains that he did not expect him to have come to see him the previous Saturday. Expresses his shock at the death of [Francis] Martin. Wishes that in his last years Martin 'could have been happier in respect of the course of college matters', and wishes that he himself had done more to prevent the estrangement that had grown up between them, on account of their political differences. Refers to the kindness with which he had been treated by Martin. Sends his love to Minnie. Refers to the fact that their classical Tripos refom 'is quashed'.

Observes that he has left more than one of her letters unanswered. Reports that he has been seeing friends chiefly 'and walking to and fro in a great city.' Relates that he has been working at an essay for a volume, and suggests that an article of his may appear 'in next Macmillan['s Magazine]'. Fears that his work will hardly pay for his expenses. Reports that he has been inquiring into Spiritualism, but that it has not come to much. Declares that he can 'get to see and hear very astounding things in the dark with people [he does] not know', but can never get conditions to satisfy him.

Claims that he can never get enough time to read at the Museum, and although he feels well, he cannot get enough sleep. Is considering writing an essay for the Quarterly Review the following term, but does not know if it will be put in. Reports that he has plenty of work on his hands, as he has 'an entirely new subject to prepare' for the following term. Feels that he could write literature if only his mind was 'less chaotic'.

Remarks that London is a stimulating place, and that one meets stimulating people there, including Mazzini, whom he had met some nights before at dinner, and who 'attacked' him about Spiritualism, and 'bore down upon [him] with such a current of clear eager argument'; was 'overwhelmed', as people usually either treat it as a joke or have' nothing to say but the shallowest commonplace'.

Reports that he is staying in lodgings between two visits; has been staying with Symonds, whom he thinks his mother knows, as he has been at Rugby; describes him as 'also stimulating, though... a great invalid'. He is also going to stay with Cowell.

States that he will certainly come and see his mother at Wellington College: Edward [Benson] has asked him to come and that he has promised to do so. Cannot remember when, and asks her to find out when Edward is to go away. Remarks that he would just as soon come in the holidays as in the school-time, 'except for seeing [Henry Weston?] Eve.' Sends his love to all.

With regard to books, claims that he has not read any lately. States that the 'Cornhill of July is good: there is Matthew Arnold on culture, and an article on the Alps 'which makes one want to go there'.

Asks her to sign the enclosed Memorial [not included]. States that they would like to have her and Edward's signatures. Asks her to send it straight to Miss M. Kennedy in Cambridge.

Reports that Arthur told him before Easter that he would prefer to have Henry's later reminiscences [for Arthur's Life of Edward White Benson], in spite of the difficulties that they had discussed. States that he wrote them and sent them to him about ten days previously, and that the first part of them has arrived in proof that morning. Wishes her to tell him if there is anything that he has said which she does not quite like, and suggests that it might be possible to remove such parts altogether, and that it would certainly be possible to modify the work. Believes that the first part is 'disagreeably egotistical', but thought it necessary to convey 'both the point of view from which, and the conditions under which, the ideas [he wishes] to convey about Edward were formed'. States that he has told Arthur that he is quite free to modify the work as he sees fit, but reiterates that he would like to have Minnie's view before he sends the proofs back. Asks if she will come to visit him and Nora the following summer. States that they shall be in Cambridge almost all the time until the end of August, and could take them in any time during term 'except Sundays and any time after term is over.' Refers to 'the question of the House', about which Minnie is still undecided, and to her aspirations which '[ ] Thomas S[ ] does not satisfy.' Explains that the news was obtained from Edward Sidgwick. Sends Nora's love.

Explains that he has been 'bothered and unsettled' since he came to Berlin, and that he is now living 'en famille' at the home of Dr Lüdde-Neurath, 1 Markgrafen St. Describes his lodgings as 'very simple and homely', and comments favourably on its cheapness, as Berlin 'is a dear town for Germany'. Reports that he has a big room to himself, with a good view, and that he gets 'boarded and instructed as well...for under £10 for 6 weeks.' Refers to his linguistic skills. Reports that Patterson, who went to Germany with him, developed 'an infinite disgust of Berlin, the Germans, their manners customs and language', and Henry could not persuade him to stay for longer than a fortnight, after which he went off to tour on his own account.

Declares himself to be 'a wretched man for seeing sights', but he went to Potsdam the other day; says that its palace is prettier and more interesting than the 'Schloss' in Berlin. Remarks on the 'intense hatred' that the Germans have for the name of Napoleon. Reports that they passed the palace where the Princess Frederic William resides. Claims that he saw the report of the 'W[ellington] C[ollege] speeches' in the Times, and remarks that he was glad to see that she was 'giving further support to the sinking literature of [their] country...'

Reports that he gained nothing from his spirit-rapping 'but experience in the lower forms of human nature.' Claims that the woman involved, who accomplished 'some very remarkable liftings of the table', 'was a complete humbug', but that the experience does not at all shake his [qualified] belief in spirit-rapping. Asks if Ada [Benson] is still in Dresden, and how long she is going to stay there. Announces that he is to spend a day or two there at the end of September, and is then going to the Riesengebirge, and thne on to Prague.

Reports that the previous day he paid a very pleasant visit to Dr Rau[ ] in the evening, but claims that his German in not yet up to scratch. Announces that he intends to call upon Dr Rau[ ]'s brother that day. Reports that he ate beer-soup that day, and describes its composition. Finds that he is in Berlin 'just at the wrong time, 'as there is no university and almost no society now.' Complains that the worst feature in Berlin 'is the abundance of ---s and ----s.' Sends his love to Edward and his mother.

Proposes to come to visit her on 29 or 31 December, and to stay until 8 or 9 January. Asks if this suits her, and to answer him by return of post. Asks when Arthur is going. Reports that his motion [proposing the election of a Praelector for the direction of Physical Science studies and other new subjects] was lost at the College meeting. Declares that he is now reading principally philosophy, and that he has much to read. Asks her to tell him about Mary [Minnie] and Edward when she writes. Reports that there are considerable changes going on [at Trinity College], which, he claims, will affect him somewhat, but that he has 'now got so used to being unsettled' that he works 'just as well'. Asks if she wrote to Mrs Clough [see 101/172/1-2).

Refers to the enclosed [not included] as 'a very poor result of a tour among the leading Capitals of Europe!' Claims that he has not yet got back the habit of writing when ideas come to him, and that keeping a journal is an affair of habit. Reports that he and Nora are hard at work, and that the latter was formally made Principal [of Newnham College] the previous Saturday, and now goes there regularly after lunch, and is going to dine there about twice a week. Reports that the 'census of hallucinations is getting up to 16,000', and hopes that she won't overwork. States that the preparation for their International Congress of Experimental Psychology goes on until the end of July. Hopes that they are all well, 'and that Edward was pleased with the manner in which the House of Commons cl[ ] the malcontents on the Clergy Discipline Bill'.

Gives reasons for his failure to write up and send his diary, including his efforts to finish his book [The Elements of Politics], and a bad cold. Undertakes to begin it once his book has been brought out. Asks if she has seen William, and reports that he has received at least one letter and a postcard from him. Remarks that he 'seems to be thinking again of some employment beyond his examining.' Reports that Hugh left them on Thursday, 'apparently in complete convalescence.' Refers to the latter's doctor, [Edward Henry?] Douty. Asks whether she thinks if Edward would be disposed to join the society mentioned in the enclosed note [not included]. Explains that the writer 'is a [country] solicitor, who is in his leisure hours an original and active-minded archaeologist.'

Asks her to send him his nightshirt, which he left at Lambeth. Declares that he is very impressed with Edward's judgment [in the trial of Edward King, bishop of Lincoln, on a charge of ritualism, and remarks that 'the Standard hints that [William] Stubbs dissents.' Asks if it is 'one of the things that may be known whether this is true or not, or how far'. Reports that the Central News Agency telegraphed that the Archbishop had decided for the Bishop of Lincoln's [contention], and claims that they believed it until the evening papers came.

Declares that if the invitation to the Stationers had come at any other time of the vacation than 'this hayfever season', he would have been happy to accompany Edward to it, but explains that he has come to Brighton to cure his affliction 'and to do hypnotic experiments at the same time', and therefore feels that he ought to stay there. Refers to the fact that she has decided on a matter regarding Hugh. State that they are 'waiting anxiously at Cambridge for a decision as to a proposed change in the age of candidates for the I[ndian]. C[ivil] S[ervice]. Sends Nora's love. Adds that he went to see Minnie on Wednesday 'at the Solemn moment of having had [his] portrait [by J. J. Shannon] finished', but found that she had gone to Windsor.

Announces that on the following Tuesday he goes to Germany, and states that he hopes that he shall not return until he can speak German fluently. Undertakes not to read any English, apart from her letters and the Times, and to speak it as little as possible. Asks her to tell Edward that he shall be in London from Friday until Tuesday morning, staying with J. J. Cowell in Hyde Park, and that he expects a visit from him. Explains that he wishes to see some friends who are going up for the Eton and Harrow match at Lords. Reports that he heard on Monday from their mother, who 'is with William at Beddgelert without Books', and states that he sent Whewell's Plato to her. Remarks that she seems to be enjoying herself. Regrets that he could not have gone down to visit his aunt Henrietta before he went abroad. Reports that he read through 'the famous Leiden [des jungen] Werthers [by Goethe]' the other day, which, he claims, he could not put down until he finished it. States that he has begun on Jean Paul, but finds him very hard. Undertakes to write from abroad. Sends his love to Edward.

Admits to being a very bad correspondent; asks whether Henry has written to Mary. Reports that he is very busy with lectures and with organising the women's lectures 'and seeing that everybody gets taught what they want to learn'; he is also writing an essay for Mind. She is working at mathematics again with Mr Ferrers, and enjoying it very much; she is to have one or two pupils from Newnham Hall for Algebra. Reports that Miss Clough and several students at Newnham and their servants have become ill, probably from eating some unwholesome fish, but the doctor says that they will recover. Ellen Crofts has come back to the college, and Charlotte's sister Edith is also there. Edward Benson is coming to Cambridge on the following Friday, as he has to preach the commemoration sermon on the Sunday. Discusses Dr Slade and his seances, and the suspicions surrounding him, and refers to Professor Lankaster's evidence, which 'remains very strong in support of the trickery thing.'

Note from Henry Sidgwick to his mother, saying that both he and Nora 'have both been a good deal fussed about different matters', but that everything is sorted out now. Could almost believe that he had lived years in his house, which is exactly the sort of home they wanted. It is unlike what he thought of whenever he thought of living domestically in Cambridge; that he had always imagined himself 'in a semi-detached villa on the road to the railway station, exactly like twelve other semi-detached villas', but that the great feature of his present home is 'its Individuality.' Undertakes to send his own letter the following day.

Explains that his delay in writing is due to the unsettled state of his plans. Reports that he has been staying in lodgings in Berlin for nearly a fortnight, and has to change his plans so that he will spend only a short time at the end of the Long [Vacation] travelling. Announces also that he has been obliged to separate from Patterson, who has to return to England earlier than he does. Admits that he has not studied much German as yet, but undertakes to work really hard at it when he goes to stay with a family. Professes to liking the town of Berlin very much, and to having great admiration for Germany. Does not believe that the Prussian policy or the real position of Prussia in Germany is generally understood in England.

Explains his delay in finding a family to live with as being due to two of the three professors to whom he had letters of introduction from E. W. Benson were away, and the third, Dr Wiese, was 'either too busy or unable to assist [him].' Professor H[errig], when he returned, found a residence and instructor for Henry for six weeks. He is lodging with a Dr Lüdde-Neurath, and undertakes to send the full address soon. Reports that he travelled to Berlin via Antwerp, Aix, Hanover and Magdeburg, and at the latter witnessed the ceremony of the Greater Relics and bought some commemorative medals. Remarks on the cathedral there, where he saw the relics. Reports that he had a bad bout of hayfever in Aix, and so chose to go to Hanover by night. Crossed the Rhine at Dusseldorf. Describes the new part of Hanover as 'a very nice town', and his visit to the palace where he saw the portraits of the Four Georges. Sends his love to Minnie and Edward.

Reports that he and Nora have come to London for some days, and that various meetings will occupy them both until the following Thursday. Suggests that they might go to lunch [with Minnie and family] on the following day, 'or Thursday or to tea on Wednesday, or...any time after Thursday.' Announces that the following week he shall be busy - having his portrait painted [by J. J. Shannon], and finishing his book. Claims to be much interested in a general way in Edward's Trial [of Edward King, bishop of Lincoln, accused of ritualism] but admits that he hasn't yet had time to read the arguments.

Explains that her husband, [Professor J.B. Mayor], has been very busy since he received Nora's letter [104/67], and is hoping to write to her soon. Relates that Nora's letter led her and her husband to talk over 'the memories of old times', and that he suggested that she should write down one or two of them for Nora. Recalls that the meetings 'used to be in turn at one or other room in Cambridge and at Trumpington vicarage', and that they always used to be announced to her as 'a "sabia conversazion" '. States that the meetings were always at 'T[rumpington] V[icarage]', as her uncle [Professor Grote] had altogether given up going out to dinner or in the evenings, and that those attending used to dine and at first after dinner she used to sit in the drawing room alone. One day, however, her uncle announced that she was to be admitted a member of the 'S.C.', and they would come into the drawing room after dinner, for the discussion. Recalls that at first the members consisted of Henry Sidgwick, Mayor, Somerset and Venn. Believes that Henry got to know her uncle at his Fellowship Examination, and states that her uncle used to have two or three of those in whom he had taken a special interest over to dine; recalls Henry and his future brother-in-law Edward Benson being first introduced in that way. In relation to the dialogue that took place, states that her husband will write more, and, in the meantime, assures her that 'it was a real discussion' at Trumpington.

Refers to an enclosed diary [not included]. Explains that some days previously he had promised a friend of his that he would let Edward know 'that there was a strong feeling in Cambridge that Luard's services to the study of mediæval history deserved recognition by some such post as the Deanery of Lincoln!' Explains that his friend had first wanted him to convey this to Gladstone, but that he had told him that it was out of the question. Asks her to explain to Edward that he now regrets having promised to pass on the information to him, and how the whole matter came about.

Announces his intention of coming down 'about the middle of passion week', from Wellington College, but states that he cannot quite fix his movements, as he wants to be in Cambridge to inaugurate the new master [of Trinity]. Reports that there was relief at the appointment, as there was fear that it would be a non-resident. Declares that Thompson 'will make a very good sort of master, though not perhaps the best' as he is 'a little too lazy or dyspeptic'. Claims that they expect further changes in the College, 'as it is thought Mathison will take a living', but that they won't make Henry tutor.

Informs her that he shall not bring any friend with him as he prefers the domestic circle when at home, and will stay over Easter Sunday if his mother has room for him. Confirms that he is interested in the ' "grammar question" ', and strongly believes that the language should be taught to boys 'without making them learn by heart a syntax in Latin.' Looks forward to seeing his uncle Robert, but does not wish to talk about theological questions [with him]. He is willing to talk about 'any amount' of politics or philosophy, however. States that he has not forgotten about the poems, but cannot find the book. Undertakes to buy another one if he cannot find it, and send it to her. Expresses regret in relation to his mother's health, and hopes to see 'them in a week or so.' Refers to the fact that Edward [Benson] is not well, and that 'he seems a good deal worried about new masters'.

Encloses his journal for October [not included], and asks her to send it on without delay, as it is late. In relation to Disestablishment, puts forward the opinion that 'it is the right thing whenever the Church is clearly the church of the minority', and announces that, as he is not among the minority, he intends to vote for it 'when that time comes'. States, however, that he does not want the question raised prematurely. Believes that all the Liberal leaders think the same, and observes that even [Joseph] Chamberlain does not wish to raise the matter now. Believes that the latter has done much harm to the Liberal party by his '[ ] commendations of the "Radical Programme"; as he has given the Tories an excuse for [ ] the [ ] of the "Church in danger" '. Believes that the question seems likely to break up the Liberal Party in Scotland. Declares that he is glad to hear good news of Maggie and Hugh. Adds that, without agreeing generally with what Edward has been saying, he thought much of it very good.

Reports that he went up to London on the previous Saturday to lecture on Psychical Research to a 'College for Men and Women', and called to see her on Sunday, but found that they had gone to Ramsgate. Is delighted by her haunted house story, and wishes to begin making further inquiries. Enquires if she can find out for them where Mrs Tilghmans H[ ] is to be found in London. Asks her if she thinks his colleague Frank Podmore might call and ask her questions, or if Minnie would undertake the task herself. Lays out the main questions that he would like to have answered; wishes to know if the sisters Anna and Henrietta will write an account of their experiences, if the servants could be persuaded to testify, 'expecially Hannah Lilley and Minnie Forbes, and if it would be found out from Miss Hastings the names of the other persons who have lived in the house. Thinks that they certainly ought to take the house, if it is to be taken year by year. Remarks that a seven year lease 'would be rather a high price to pay for apparitions that may never come.' Encloses one of their slips 'of Phantasms of the Living '[book in preparation by Podmore, Myers and Gurney, published in 1886] not included], which Minnie may be able to help them in. Asks her if she could find out whether 'Rev.d James Walker' is alive, and if not whether he has left relations 'who know anything of the story.'

Announces that they shall probably be up in London again for the General Meeting of the Society of Psychical Research on Friday 28 March, and hopes to see her. Nora sends her love and hopes that 'nothing worse than transient colds' drove [them] to Ramsgate. Trust that Edward 'bears the sh[ ] of work prosperously'.