[On headed notepaper for Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland]:- Thanks his mother for her letter. Is 'very interested in the Times business' [a reference to the Parnell Commission's proof that the letters published by the Times in 1887, alleging that Parnell had supported the Phoenix Park murders, were forgeries by Richard Pigott], and now regrets his usual neglect of the newspapers, through which he has 'missed all the excitement of the things as they happened', especially since nobody in his house 'seems to care much about them'. He is glad, however, that 'the Tories are getting it hot'. Has 'been out running a little', but not much as there is still 'footer' twice a week in his house: 'a very good sign that they are getting more interested'. Does not think he will 'go in for sports'; or only for a couple of house sports in the future.
Canon Fleming read to the school yesterday, and 'was certainly a success', though Robert 'did not care for him altogether'. Is getting on well in his form, and continuing his reading; is beginning his hexameters and hopes to have most done by the end of term. Thinks that it is a good thing for him to try for the scholarships, but that he is 'too weak in mathematics and scripture', even in Greek composition, to 'have much chance. Has just done [Virgil's] Eclogues, with 'Judge [Charles] Bowen's English translation, which is quite worth reading'. Charlie is well.