Thanks her for the report of Eusapia Paladino's performances. Declares that it is 'deeply interesting', and claims that he 'cannot conceive where a flaw in the evidence is to be discerned.' Asks if 'E.P.' would rebel at the proposal of putting handcuffs on her wrists and ankles'.
Cecil, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne- (1830-1903), 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, Prime MinisterTypewritten copy. Nora hoped to have had an opportunity yesterday to explain to Bryce the sudden change in their foreign travel plans. There is a crisis impending in the affairs of the Society for Psychical Research: three chief members of their group of investigators, F.W.H. Myers, O. J. Lodge and Richet, 'have convinced themselves of the truth of the physical phenomena of Spiritualism', and have been experimenting with an Italian medium called Eusapia Palladino on a small island in the Mediterranean. The Society has for some years had a reputation for 'comparative sanity', and fears for it now if its most representative men 'come forward as believers.' He and Nora, therefore, feel bound to accept Richet's invitation to go to the Île Roubaud and, if possible, obtain personal experience. The length of their stay is indefinite, but they hope to have time to go to Switzerland afterwards. Suggests that Bryce send him a postcard when his plans are fixed. Gives his address on the island, and undertakes to write to Bryce from there. They intend to return to Cambridge on the following Saturday.
Typewritten copy of letter. Her letter has just reached him at Var on their return from the island [the Île Roubaud]. Regrets that he and Nora will not be able to join her, as they have two necessary visits in Switzerland, and he must be in England again on 17 September. He and Nora are to attend two more 'experimental evenings' [involving Italian medium Eusapia Palladino and some prominent members of the Society for Psychical Research]. Wrote a letter to her husband, James Bryce, the previous morning, but fears that it will have just missed him. Their stay has been longer than had been previously anticipated, but believes that the prolongation has been of use. Refers to the Mediterranean island on which they have been staying, which is a delightful place to live, apart from the presence of mosquitoes. Wishes her and her husband a successful tour, and expresses his regret that he and Nora cannot join in it. Sends Nora's kindest remembrances.
Thanks Lodge for a packet and two letters: will answer these in the order in which they arrived. He and Nora were both much impressed by Lodge's having found conviction in the matter of Eusapia [Palladino]; they did not hesitate to alter their plans and accept Richet's invitation to the 'Isle Roubaud'. Concedes that they 'shall have to accept as a "working hypothesis" the reality of "telekinetic" phenomena', and admits that although he doesn't like the incidents of the investigation, he likes 'the excitement which the new departure will give to the business of Psychical Research.' In relation to a complaint made by Lodge in one of his letters regarding a 'confession which removed all doubts as to "Mr Z.", attempts to explain why there was a delay in informing Lodge of the circumstances, referring to to Frederick Myers and Richet. Refers also to 'Mrs Myers [sic] letter, and explains that it never occurred to him that he would wish to have his name brought forward in relation to the matter. Offers to introduce a reference to him and his instruments 'in the next Journal' [of the Society for Psychical Research]. States that Page H[opps] has written a letter which will give Sidgwick an opportunity of returning to the subject. He and Nora have read Lodge's account of the seances in the Île Roubaud left with them by Myers; feels that had he been there he would have been 'absolutely convinced'. They propose to leave London for the island on Thursday 16 August.
MS note by Nora explains that the letter did not reach her until after the biography of Henry was printed, and that Lodge sent her other letters, but this one seemed to her the only one of any biographical importance.