[on mourning notepaper]:- Is 'very sorry not to have written before', and does not have the 'excuse of trying for the cricket eleven'. As she knows, Georgie 'got his remove'; he is playing cricket in 'a new game... for those who would otherwise be unable to play', which Robert is glad. Cricket began 'quite early', last Tuesday; Robert cannot do anything this year, and probably will not play for his house as he did last year either. Is glad Sophie [Wicksteed] and Aunt Annie 'have been able to get away at last'; asks where they are going.
Mr Bowen's mother is not here now, though will visit him some time this term; Bowen is 'quite well now'. Robert is now getting on better with his Greek composition, and is 'reading a great deal'. Asks how his father is now; supposes they [the Liberal Party] 'will be badly beaten again on the 3rd reading'. Sees 'the Scotch Church did well'.
There 'were some Bronze things which did not come'; wonders if they were forgotten; perhaps Booa [Mary Prestwich] will know. Asks if his mother can give him and Georgie 'leave for a second pair of flannel trousers each', as they have to for a home order; everyone has two pairs, though Robert 'used not to before this year'.