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[Sent from Lincoln]:- Explains that he has been putting off writing because of 'a sense of incompleteness' about his life. Considers his life 'in three aspects'; in relation to his book [The Methods of Ethics], in relation to his enquiry into Spiritualism, and in relation to 'the holiday-making which may be supposed to be the proper business of the month of August.' Reports that Macmillan has decided to take on his book, and to give him half profits. Had urged Macmillan to show a portion of the MS to Mr John Morley, the editor of the Fortnightly Review, because it is 'written in a rather obscure and technical style, intended primarily for students', he [Henry] feared that it was unfair on Macmillan to ask him to take the risk of publishing the book, but Morley said that the book ought to generate a fair amount of interest, and to pay its expenses. Reports that since then he has been correcting proof sheets.

States that he has plenty of time to spare and has been researching Spiritualism. Reports that he went to stay with Lord Rayleigh early in August to meet Mrs Jencken, 'one of the original Fox girls, in connexion with whom these singular phenomena first attracted attention in America in 1848.' Declares that they heard 'an abundance of "raps" ', but that the experiment that they were trying did not succeed. After leaving Rayleigh he spent a fortnight at Hallsteads. Reports that 'many remarkable phenomena had occurred there before [he] arrived, which were all the more interesting because there was no public medium', and gives details of these incidents. Declares that Hallsteads [home of Walter and Annie Marshall] to be a charming place, and that he enjoyed his stay there very much. Reports that all at Lincoln [new home of his sister and brother-in-law] are well, that Mary is apparently very well, and that the boys are 'in excellent spirits.' Offers his 'sincere commiserations on the matrimonial engagement', and hopes that she is bearing up against the blow.

Refers to '[t]he enclosed' [not included], which, he claims, will show Myers 'that the Plot thickens'. Reports that, on receipt of Myers' letter, he wrote at once to Mrs Fay, proposing the following Sunday, but offering 2 August as an alternative. Intends to go and see her on Thursday afternoon. Suggests that Myers should go up early on Thursday to advise him. Declares that he is not surprised that Myers wants to go to Hallsteads [home of Annie and Walter Marshall] at once. Claims that he does not care for Livingstone.

Has decided not to go to Newcastle, mainly because he does not want to cut himself off from Terling [home of Lord Rayleigh] 'till the last moment, having made the arrangement.' Arranges to go to Myers at Hallsteads [home of Annie and Walter Marshall] 'on Monday 17th', unless he hears from Terling first. Asks Myers to explain Sidgwick's behaviour to his [Myers'] mother and uncle. Tells him to write to the enclosed address [not included] if he is disposed to go to Newcastle alone. States that Mrs Burns does not know the names of the mediums, but says that she believes that they are private. Also sends a [piece] of last [Medium] [not included] that may interest Myers.

Thanks him for his 'services with the Millionaire [regarding subscriptions for building a hall of residence for female students at Cambridge]' Reports that they are trying two or three of them. Refers to 'a little circular' to be printed, in which Miss Clough's 'naïve, earnest, slightly incoherent appeals' are strangely mixed with the 'colourless, ponderous, semi-official prolixity' with which Sidgwick 'inevitably treat[s] such matters'. Announces that he intends to 'make an attempt on H.H [possibly William Henry Hoar Hudson?]' as soon as the proofs arrive. Refers to 'another who bears these initials' [Henry Hayman, at Rugby] on whom a Governing Body sat the previous day. Does not know the outcome however.

In relation to spirit-rapping, declares that he has the same attitude towards it as he has towards religion, i.e., that 'there is something in it', but does not know what. States that John King is an old friend of his, but that 'as he always came into the dark and talked at random', their friendship refrigerated.' States that he shall be glad to accompany Myers 'on any favourable opportunity.' States that in relation to 'A[rthur?] there is nothing to tell' and that the 'thing has been deferred for 3 weeks.' Predicts that there will be 'a Homeric conflict...' Claims that he is very affected by what Myers tells him about his cousin [Annie Marshall?] and her letter.

Note. Reports just having received Myers' letter, for which he thanks him. Undertakes to send him 'a line again for [Myers] to forward to Annie [Marshall?], when there is really anything to say.' Includes the rhyme: 'Grief, joys in Time's strange dance/Interchangeably advance' [from The Search after Proserpine: Fountain Nymphs, by Aubrey de Vere]. Refers to 'an immense amount of business mixed in which the [poets] do not recognise, but which is perhaps useful as a diluent.'

Declares that the 'enclosed' [not included] will explain why he must defer his visit again. Refers to Morley's praise of his book. Sends his love to 'A' [Myers' cousin Annie?], and hopes that she is not going away before he comes. Announces that he is going to Cambridge on the following Thursday.