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.
Discusses the 'Temple case' [about the controversy regarding Temple's essay in Essays and Reviews in 1860, re-ignited by his appointment as Bishop of Exeter]. Claims that he is not surprised that 'High Church men and Low Church men...are vexed at his appointment.' Remarks that nor is he inclined to blame Pusey 'for his passionate appeals to those who think with him'. Refers to his letters, and states that he thought that 'on the whole his position is quite reasonable and intelligible'. Believes that he [Pusey] 'is ready to accept Disestablishment with all it's [sic] disadvantages.' Feels indignant with 'certain Bishops, Deans, Canons etc who cling to the advantages of a National Establishment and yet kick against it's [sic] most obvious obligations...'
Does not yet know about his movements at Christmas, and has not quite made up his mind about going to Florence with Arthur. Thinks that Abbott would be a suitable candidate for the position of headmaster [of Rugby], but hears that he has no chance. Thinks that of those who do have a chance he would prefer Percival.