Typewritten copy. Believes that he is 'progressing in convalescence', but is having his 'ups and down '. Has read with much interest the report that Bryce sent, and thinks it to be 'decidedly improved' by the additions. Awaits the result with interest. Presumes that the report will be published at some stage, and asserts that 'even if the Council decides against action, it will be a good thing to have some discussion of the matter....' He and Nora return to London for a day or two on the following Monday or Tuesday, and then go to the Rayleighs for a few days, and then to Cambridge. Adds that 'it still seems very uncertain what degree of working faculty' he shall get back to when his convalescence is completed.
Sympathises with Myers in relation to his anxieties, and confesses to feeling guilty about his own happiness, while those around him are unhappy. Reports that his mother is 'ill and depressed', partly due to loneliness; refers to his brother William's prospects; while he himself 'cannot but feel [himself] in the Garden of Eden every week from Wednesday to Saturday' [visiting his fiancée, staying with her sister Lady Rayleigh at nearby Terling Place]; begs Myers not to 'tell anyone' Sidgwick gets 'away [from Cambridge]] for so long'. States that he shall be glad to see Myers 'on 14th'. Hopes that A[rthur] will be able to come 'on the 1st.'
Reports that he and Nora have now got their affairs regarding 'the Education of Women' into order for the term. Has much to do, as he is to lecture on Shakespeare, Bacon, and perhaps Milton in addition to his usual work. Reports that when they left her the previous Monday week, they saw Worcester Cathedral, the restoration of which he 'did not much admire', and then went on to Cheltenham, where they went skating. States that they had a pleasant week at Cheltenham, and that he believes that Mrs Myers [mother of Frederick Myers] health is worse than it was; she 'was much interested about fighting the corporation of Manchester who are trying to turn Thirlmere Lake into a big ugly reservoir for Lancashire towns.'
They had a very pleasant night at Rugby [with the Arthur Sidgwicks]. Declares that Rose [his niece] is 'a charming creature', and reports that the other baby [Ethel, just over a month old] was 'thoughtfully kept out of [his] sight'. '[Jex]-Blake has raised nearly £10,000 for buildings at Rugby', such as an observatory and library, which Henry says 'shows great energy in dignified mendacity'; he himself has donated thirty pounds. They then spent a couple of nights with the Rayleighs, and then went home. Reports that [his cousin] Alfred Sidgwick has sent him another essay, 'which is also not bad'. Hopes that the weather has not troubled her, and reports that they found their 'ill-built house very cold' when they got back to it. Sends on Nora's love.
Announces that they are all going to London 'on the 6th', and he proposed to attend regularly from that time forward. Adds that he will come 'on the 4th', if Myers really wants him. States that five of them (including Lady Rayleigh and Nora) propose to attend 'from 6th to 17th, at Holland's invitation'. Reports that because he had not heard from him he 'concluded to put off Dakyns.' Reports that he has just heard 'the terrible news'. Asks Myers to write to him.
Thanks Nora for the reviews of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which he returns to her [not included]. Agrees that the people who did not know Henry or his work are the people who disapprove of the book. Adds that they could not accommodate everybody. Also returns [letters from] J.B. Mayor, 'O[scar] B[rowning]' and Lady Rayleigh [not included]. Lists the publications from which he has reviews of the book, and undertakes to send Nora any that she has not got. Has already given away five copies of the book, and has 'not quite finished yet'.
Sidgwick, Arthur (1840–1920), educationist and classical scholar