Assures her that he has no prejudice against the commemoration of New Year's Day, but owns to be 'not...very susceptible to the influence of conventional divisions of time...' Glad to hear that her stay at Hastings was a success and that she has been better; all his associations with Hastings are connected with the long illness and funeral of a good friend of his [John Jermyn Cowell]. Reports that he had a delightful visit at Clifton, and believes that Symonds was 'better than usual'. Remarks, however, that Mrs Symonds 'does not look very well', but that the children 'were thiving'. Spent three days at Wellington College, and judged Mary to be 'as well as could be expected'. Refers briefly to her baby (Robert Hugh Benson). Reports that two Miss Wordsworths [probably daughters of Christopher Wordsworth, including Elizabeth Wordsworth] were there, whom he thought 'remarkably pleasant and interesting'. Observes that Edward seemed overworked, but in good form. In relation to 'the Rugby news', does not know whether to be sorry or glad, and says that 'Basil Hammond...says "glad".' With regard to Frank Horton, declares that he has fair abilities, and hopes that he will take second class honours. Observes that he is 'very well disposed and industrious', and reports that his tutor 'thinks that he ought to get a first class in the College Examination at the end of the year, which will secure him a sizarship.' Sends his love to his aunt Henrietta, and hopes that his mother enjoys her visit to Brighton.
Asks her to forward the enclosed [not included] to Hugh. States that the story he sends 'is certainly one worth keeping, 'if the boys are sure of the detail[s] of the coincidence.' Reports that their evidence 'is growing very bulky: but the quality is...very various.' Hopes that she and her family are all well, and states that he and Nora had a good account of them on Tuesday from Miss Temple. Reports that Arthur and Charlotte were in Cambridge on Sunday 'in a prosperous condition', and that William and Isobel are expected 'in a few hours'. Hears that William is well and is in good spirits. Reports that he [Henry] went on a Psychical Research tour in the west a fortnight previously, 'and squeezed out a day at Clifton and walked about Durdham Down with Graham Dakyns.'
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.
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.
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.'
Announces that he and Nora have to begin their journey to England [from Switzerland] the following day, as they have engagements all the following week. Regrets that there is no chance of meeting up with Minnie. Is sorry to hear about Hugh's health. Reports that Nora wrote to Isobel from Italy, giving their favourable view of William's condition; thinks that any advice as to how to deal with the situation 'would be dangerous' as it might make Isobel feel that they had gone over to William's side. Reports that he has had another letter from William, 'who has achieved the ascent of the "Grand Paradis" in which he has failed twice before in previous years.' Hopes that things 'will go all right when he gets home', but fears that if there is a spell of bad weather immediately after his arrival in England, they may go badly.
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.