Reports that Arthur told him before Easter that he would prefer to have Henry's later reminiscences [for Arthur's Life of Edward White Benson], in spite of the difficulties that they had discussed. States that he wrote them and sent them to him about ten days previously, and that the first part of them has arrived in proof that morning. Wishes her to tell him if there is anything that he has said which she does not quite like, and suggests that it might be possible to remove such parts altogether, and that it would certainly be possible to modify the work. Believes that the first part is 'disagreeably egotistical', but thought it necessary to convey 'both the point of view from which, and the conditions under which, the ideas [he wishes] to convey about Edward were formed'. States that he has told Arthur that he is quite free to modify the work as he sees fit, but reiterates that he would like to have Minnie's view before he sends the proofs back. Asks if she will come to visit him and Nora the following summer. States that they shall be in Cambridge almost all the time until the end of August, and could take them in any time during term 'except Sundays and any time after term is over.' Refers to 'the question of the House', about which Minnie is still undecided, and to her aspirations which '[ ] Thomas S[ ] does not satisfy.' Explains that the news was obtained from Edward Sidgwick. Sends Nora's love.
Nora will write to her about the wedding arrangements. The relatives on his side coming to the ceremony are 'A.S.' [Arthur Sidgwick],' C.S.S.' [Charlotte Sidgwick], 'E.W.B.' [Edward Benson], 'M.B.' [Minnie Benson], 'E[dward] Sidgwick, Lucy Sidgwick, W. Crofts, 'Mr W. C.', 'and perhaps Ellen with Miss Clough (Uncle John and Etty declining)', and that all the others he invited have declined. Besides these guests there are four or five friends of his, including Miss Clough, who are definitely coming, and one or two more who are probably coming. There will be about four times as many guests on Nora's side. Sends his love to Mary.
His activities in London the previous day, including his attendance at a debate in the House of Lords prevented him from writing to her to say that he and Nora have fixed on 4 April for their wedding day. Asks her advice on whom he should invite: Arthur Balfour has practically left it up to Henry to decide. His own idea is to ask his uncles and aunts 'and the Edward Sidgwicks and perhaps Ellen Crofts... one or two of [his] most intimate friends and Miss Green'. Wonders whether the other first cousins may feel aggrieved at not being asked. Will write to his Aunt Henrietta himself, and asks his mother to clarify the address for him. A formal printed invitation can be sent to the others. Does not expect his relatives to come from Yorkshire. Hopes that [Dr] A[ndrew] C[lark]'s last treatment has had better success, 'and that the trouble about the teeth is over. Says he is 'still supremely happy - sometimes quite overwhelmingly so.' Does not wish to be 'singular', and states that he would like to think 'that [nearly] all mankind were as happy, at least once in their lives.'
Thanks her for 'the Life' [Henry Sidgwick: a memoir] which is to him 'a priceless possession', and which 'reveals phases of [Henry's] long life-course and sides of his mind which one had not known or not seen the full meaning of'. Hopes to write to her again when he has finished reading; describes it as being 'as simple, and as perfect, as it could have been made.' States that Mr Dicey and Mrs Creighton and others concur with him in the latter sentiment.
Bryce, James (1838-1922) Viscount Bryce of Dechmont, politician