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Reports that he went to Scotland with the intention of doing some fishing, but the weather has not been favourable for that activity, and he has gone to the Isle of Skye. Complains of the scarcity of meat. Describes the island as 'a wonderfully pretty place' but complains about the difficulty of traversing the mountains. Reports having climbed Sgùrr nan Guillean the previous day, and having found the cards of D[uncan?] Darroch, Trinity College, and --- Morgan, Jesus College, under a small [cairn], to which he added his own. Claims that Skye would be a good place for reading parties, and gives a description of its attractions. Uncertain as to whether he will be in town for [the Apostles'?] dinner, and expresses his displeasure with 'that Secretary [Charles?] Puller' for not having written to let him know when the dinner was to be. Writes patronisingly about 'these Highlanders' and their attempts to speak English, but claims there to be 'nothing like the jolly good Saxon civility', which, he maintains, recognises 'that true politeness does not ignore distinction of ranks.'

Entreats Sidgwick not to be persuaded by 'O.B.' [?Oscar Browning, representing Eton in the Apostles] or by anyone else that 'these lists represent the ordinary condition of the school.' Refers to mathematics, and a comparison with Rugby.

Appreciates Sidgwick's long letter. Reports that he has been well informed of Trinity, and more particularly, of 'Apostolic' news. Refers to his present illness. Asks for Sidgwick's advice in relation to whether or not he should take the Tripos examination or to stake his credit on some future Fellowship Exam. Asks whether he should study Pindar, Martial, Propertius and others. States that if he has any time it must be devoted partly to history and partly to '[Gk] Comp'. Asks if it is 'not fearful to forget the Greek for the simplest words, and to feel as well able to compose an air as an Iambic'. Reports that to him were sent three copies of Horace [at the University of Athens by G. O. Trevelyan?] which he discusses. Claims that '[Burnand] would have written a more telling piece for the stage, and Trevelyan should have produced something more worthy of his pen for the general public', but says that it nevertheless gave him an hour's laughter. Expresses regret that he missed 'the Professor's [Rhesio]', and asks if he was Platonical or ironical [W. H. Thompson, Regius Professor of Greek?]. Refers to a report in 'the Standard' about M. Milnes' attempt to canvass for Lord Palmerston in Cambridge within a few hours of the Chancellor's death [Prince Albert, Chancellor of Cambridge University until his death]. Expresses his contentment that Sidgwick [and others] 'have thrown the mantle upon [John?] Stanning', and supposes that the Duke of Devonshire 'is pretty safe of the Chancellorship'. Presumes that [Oscar?] Browning 'must have come down heavy upon [Sidgwick and others]...with his loyalty, during the last few days.' Refers to 'the great American debate', and is glad that the Arbitration [ ] will now be squashed. Refers to Miller's arguments, which he claims he could not have endured any more than Sidgwick. Tells him to remind Cowell, if he is still at Cambridge, that he promised to write to him.

Explains that he put off writing to Young until it had been decided whether or not Everett should be elected to 'the [Apostles] Society'. Announces that he had been accepted, and refers to him as 'a very clever man.' Refers to his declaration as 'very extravagant and Americans' and reports that 'old Martin was astonished.' States that now Trevelyan, Thompson and Jebb are gone down, a new and rather striking element is needed. Reports on recent discussions, including Trevelyan's speech criticising young men who give up their early ambitions and become schoolmasters. The latter being 'all for the edification of Fisher'. Remarks that Heathcote is 'still rather below the average of an Apostle but still he is improving.' Reports that there has been nothing heretical so far. Declares that he wishes to relieve himself of the charge of having recommended Goldwin Smith as a heretical work. States that it always gives him indigestion to read the Quarterly Review. Refers to the controversy between G. Smith and Mansel, which 'is rather metaphysical than theological'. Agrees with Young that illness has the effect of clearing away doubts. Declares that '[t]he Union is falling again rather'. [Incomplete]

Explains the delay in answering Cowell's letter, claiming that he had mislaid it, and had forgotten where Cowell would be; says that he could only remember that he would be at F[lorence] 'about the beginning of May.' Apologises for his carelessness, and claims that he was further delayed in writing by his having to research some lectures that he had to give on the Acts of the Apostles. Regrets that they could not have met up at Florence. Reports that [Henry Yates?] Thompson's failure in the Tripos took them all by surprise, and that the latter seems to have taken the result 'a good deal too coolly; and to have imitated [George Otto] Trevelyan's dangerous example of reading by himself and doing no composition, without having any of Trevelyan's classical intuition...' Reports that Thompson is now in Auvergne, having perfected his French at Paris, and that Trevelyan has returned from Paris. Expresses some doubts in relation to the latter's account of his and Thompson's sojourn in Paris.

Reports that he himself has been spending his vacation in England, trying to cure his stammering. States that he is an M.A. now, and is getting to see more of the authorities of the College, whom he describes as 'a kind of big children.' Remarks that W.H. Thompson 'improves on acquaintance', and is 'so much more genial than one would have thought.' States that he [Henry] is getting over his old objections against fellow-commoners. Admits that his is a very nice life, and that he actually gets through 'so very little work.' Wishes that he could shake off his laziness and begin to write. Claims that his views on religious and philosophical subjects are 'in a state of change', and wishes that he could talk to Cowell on these matters. Claims to have given up a good deal of his materialism and scepticism, 'and come round to Maurice and Broad Church again...' Claims to be 'deeply impressed by the impotence of modern unbelief in explaining the phenomena which Christians point to as evidences of the Holy Spirit's influence.' Discusses his interpretation of the words 'religious' and 'irreligious' as applied to men.

Hopes that Cowell is 'getting happily and delightfully convalescent' in 'the famous city of Dante' [Florence]. Wonders when he is to return to England, and if his 'distaste for the law and...devotion to philosophy' will continue when his health has improved. Remarks that he always thought that Cowell was made for the practical rather than the speculative life. Reports that the ' [Apostles] Society' flourishes, and that the only new member is [William] Everett, who has considerable interests in Metaphysics. Refers to his 'declamation in chapel', with which the old Dons, especially [William] Whewell, were 'enraptured. Asks for the name of Cowell's guide for [E.E?] Bowen, who plans, with [E.M?] Young, a Swiss tour.

Covering sheet with note in ink: 'Almost certainly written for Apostles and if so probably for 20 Feb 1864 "Is it natural for a [ ] to petition for grace" being the subject vote on that day.' Contains amendments and emendations.

States that he was glad to hear from Cowell, and very sorry to hear of his bad health. Admits that in the question he proposes he 'can only give an answer [apolitically obscure].' Refers to the group known as 'the "Apostles" ', and his perception of it during his time at Cambridge. Claims to believe that 'a certain amount of reserve' is an indispensable sign of the well-being of the Society. Maintains that the portrait of the Society in Dr [Coughlan's] [ ] religious [ ] 'shews how little the real character of the "Apostles" was known in his time and implies both the [ ] and some disadvantages resulting from it.' Concludes that he sees 'no good to be [ ] by talking much about the Society to the general world who are most likely to mistake its objects and misunderstand its principles.'

Trinity College, Cambridge.—Lists and discusses recent elections [to the ‘Cambridge Apostles’]. At the last Congregation Sedley Taylor proposed that money should be raised for a chair of physics by abolishing heads of houses.

Expresses his surprise at being invited to the [Conversazione] Society's dinner. Gives his address in North Devon. Invites Sidgwick to his home, where he could ensure him, 'absolute seclusion for literary work, with very good air on high ground, plenty of shade, cool rooms. No dust or flies or formalities.' Refers to the visits of Montagu Butler, who had brought a man called [John Henry?] Pratt with him the previous year. Hears reports of Sidgwick through another guest. Also mentions the visit of Frederick Pollock and his wife. Announces his intention of being in Zurich during the month of July, but intends to be 'fixed' in his home in Devon for the rest of the year. Claims that he is 'not rich enough to go to London' that he 'shrink[s] from "society" out of the neighbourhood in which [he has] business to transact'. Claims that he never 'was fit to be a member of the C.C.S.'

Thanks him for dealing with his book. Remarks that Sidgwick is 'very hard to please'. Refers to his sentiment about philosophers, and states that he meant to make a second speech at the d[inner] [Apostles' dinner?], to reply to those who were offended by the epithet that he used, but didn't. Compares his experience to 'the story of Sheridan'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Not surprised that the Apostles are considering whether they should 'take notice of JECW' [James Edward Cowell Weldon, who had cancelled the annual dinner with little warning], but expects there is 'something to be said on both sides'. Is interested in both [Crompton and Theodore Llewelyn] Davies, and hopes they will both get fellowships next year; supposes postponement is 'not as bad a thing' as it was in his time. Glad that George is doing so well. Is rather busy; has never seen less game around the lower estate, but does well without it.

Announces that he has undertaken to write a short life of his brother [J.F. Stephen], and is beginning to get together a few materials. Would like to know something about his career as an Apostle. Being unaware of the record-keeping practices of the society, and asks Sidgwick to inform him of the name of the person to whom he should apply in relation to this matter. Expresses his deep regret at the news of Robertson Smith's death.

Speaks about the death of his brother, [Charles Bowen], and speaks of him with affection. Discusses having a picture of him done. Regrets that he can't come to the [Apostles'?] dinner this year.

Tells Bob to write if he does not get his boots: George would be sorry to see him 'like a French grenadier of 1796'; ads that he himself 'would have fought with greater pleasure in that army than in any other... just for the first four or five glorious years'. Had a 'great field day' here last weekend; wisely Sir George did not come to the meeting, which would have been 'rather an ordeal' as there were so many people, but 'held his own at a breakfast' in George's rooms on Sunday. Has discovered that almost everything by Swift amuses him; spends an hour on the Backs reading Swift or Pepys every day; would not advise Bob to try as the 'political allusions' are crucial, but it is a 'splendid insistence' of what Bob said about 'history as - what shall we say - the dressmaker [emphasised] of literature'. Is busy reading and thinking, as he is giving a paper to the 'Sunday Essay [Society]' this week and 'a greater society' [the Apostles?] the week after, the first papers of the sort he has written.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Has just read 'our dear brother's novel' ["Gerald Eversley's Friendship" by Welldon, their fellow Apostle], which is 'not so bad as [he] expected': the 'commonplaceness of the story and the setting is so bold and unconventionally conventional' that it is not laughable. About half the book is set at Harrow, and this is 'good, that is true to life'; he 'knows more of boys' than George thought. Versions of Van [A. G. Watson, known as 'Vanity'] and [Charles] Searle appear. The two main characters are a 'young barbarian' and a 'swot' who make friends; the swot's 'religious doubt' is the subject of the last half of the book, and must be respected as written by 'one of the last of the old style [emphasised] of Xtian brethren', as he takes Welldon to be. The morals of this part seem to be that 'religion may be false but it is necessary to happiness and conduct', and that a young man should 'go to Trinity, not Baliol [sic]': the swot goes to Balliol, 'finds people making epigrams instead of talking apostolically', suffers religious doubts which are not taken seriously and attempts suicide; clear that Welldon views the swot's 'reversion to Xtianity rather a poor job'; George thinks Balliol people 'will be very angry'.

Glad that Robert is coming back soon; thinks that their mother is inviting 'McT' [Jack McTaggart?], to whom their father is eager to show the Macaulay books, but she will not do so before Bob returns. Is getting 'very fond of the West Wood', and wishes there were such a place to walk in Cambridge: the Backs are 'too academical and not solitary or secluded enough'. Is 'beginning to find imagination of unreal company or circumstances very refreshing for a few minutes each day'. Describes how the battle [involving toy soldiers] is going in detail, with suggestions as to how it should proceed; sketches out a map for this.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Apologises for not replying sooner to Bob's letter; blames the weather, which 'has brought germs of indolence'; has done no work for a fortnight except reading Euripides' "Medea" and "Electra". Stops writing as his 'hands were dripping with heat'; continues on Monday morning when it is cooler. Has been to breakfast with [Jack?] MacT[aggart], who sold him Dal[housie] Young's "Defence of Oscar Wilde"; this 'makes the mistake of imitating Oscar's style' so readers will 'say that the good sense of it is discounted because it is obvious that the writer was under Oscar's influence'. Says he will not talk about the [General] elections; asks if Charley minds; was very sorry [that Charley was not elected], though he did not want Lord Rosebery to be in again just yet, and expects 'the enormous majority will bring the Tories to grief sooner'. Wonders if Bob is still at Wallington; hopes he was not 'awfully tired' by their trip to Shap. He himself had a 'pleasant journey' reading "Lord Ormont [and his Arminta]"; does not think he has ever read anything 'so exclusively spiritual... nothing of what George Moore calls exteriority, & scarcely any action'; could call it 'the revolt from naturalism' except that [George] Meredith has never been in that movement. Enjoyed their time in the Lakes very much; shame 'we & the weather weren't in better form', but they saw some 'beautiful things'. In London, saw Duse in her 'finest part, Magda' [in Sudermann's "Magda"]. They have been "very frivolous" in Cambridge, and '"Gerald Eversley's Friendship" has been a great delight' and has been read aloud; is afraid their 'brother [in the Cambridge Apostles] Welldon has done for himself.' Is reading "Don Quixote", and finding 'delicious things every now & then, but much dulness [sic]; has a 'wretched old translation', whose only recommendations are that Swift was one of the subscribers, and there are 'some funny old pictures which open out like maps'. Is leaving today; will spend tomorrow night with the Russells and start for Germany on Thursday evening; gives his address for the next month in Hildesheim. Gives a limerick beginning 'There was a young man of Madrid...'

Hotel de la Plage, S. Pierre en Port, Sassetot le Mauconduit, Seine Inférieure. - Is still here 'imbibing good food, bad tobacco & French idioms', owes the last to the enthusiasm of Miss [Jane] Harrison, whom he should call 'Dr' since she has been made 'L..L.D.' [by Aberdeen University]. Has left La Roche Guyon, and joined [Dugald] MacColl, his sister [Elizabeth?] and Dr Harrison. Wishes Bob had been with him at La Roche; was alone for three weeks and reached 'a low kind' of Nirvana based on sun, wine, black coffee & two bathes in the Seine per day, as well as getting a lot of work done. Made friends with a peasant living in a chalk cave, 'a freemason atheist radical & general mauvais sujet'. Has now 'descended to civilization & villadom', though Miss Harrison mitigates these; she has 'a very masculine mind and is quite apostolic'. Finds that MacColl, however, is 'touched with Oxford & journalism'. Expects to return about the same time as Bob. Adds a postscript to say he is sorry Bob has been 'bad again', and hopes to be 'able to take care of [him] in time'.

Union Society, Cambridge. - Hopes Bob will be visiting soon. Is 'very busy' getting to know people, 'finding plenty of friends of a younger generation' so he will 'not feel shelved next year'. This is important as 'both [Ralph] Wedgwood and [G.E.] Moore are particularly lazy' about doing so: Moore is 'much more wrapped up in his metaphysics' and this 'seems to make him quite unconscious of the outside world'; he 'never says a word at Hall' or makes any effort to get to know anyone; it is 'really rather sad', for himself, and because he 'might be so very valuable' if he tried 'to influence people or educate them'; he is 'a king of debate' and they have 'grand meetings [of the Apostles' Society] largely owing to him. Hopes that their relation [Walter] Greg, 'a man of very great ability', will be chosen for the Society this year. Young [Felix] Wedgwood is 'very [emphasised] young, but very clever and original... If his brother is the Puritan he is the cavalier'. Was at '[Godfrey] Locker-Lampson's place' recently seeing their library; was most interested in the original Blake editions; the "Songs of Innocence" are 'most wonderful"; describes the "Tiger" in detail. Bob should try and see Blake's books at the B[ritish] M[useum], as they give a different idea of Blake than the '"Book of Job", where there is more thought and possibly [emphasised] less genius', though George himself likes that best. Would like to tell Bob about an interpretation he has of the "Book of Thel".

Announces that he is sending his second son 'to begin his life' at Trinity College. Asks Sidgwick to 'take a friendly notice of him', and expresses his wish that the boy adopts from Sidgwick every thing except his opinions. Doesn't know 'whether he will [ ] [ ] need to be an apostle.'

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Hopes Bob will come to Cambridge before the end of term: 9 December is Commem[oration], and 10 December the 'last Soccer [Apostles' Society] meeting this term'. Quite likely to elect [Sydney?] Waterlow before the end of term, so Bob would be 'extra welcome'. Verrall has done what Bob 'kindly offered', and has gone carefully through the first half of George's book ["England in the Age of Wycliffe"], 'prevented a lot of bad things', and will look at the second part soon. Will be very interested to hear how Bob's play is getting on.

Verse about Meleager. Draft of version of "Comatas and the Bees" - published in "Polyphemus and other poems", but numbered 'III' and with a reference to a lady with a fan omitted from the published version, suggested it was originally intended to form part of the the next draft "For a Fan", published in "Mallow and Asphodel". "Archilochus, serving as a hireling spearman, remembers Neoboule...". Draft of reply given by Trevelyan at a meeting [a dinner?] of the Cambridge Apostles on the subject of 'Exclusiveness': mentions Lytton [Strachey], who to 'the vulgar journalistic world' that does not understand him and his work has 'no doubt become a kind of type or symbol of fastidious exclusiveness', to [John] McTaggart and to James Strachey. Draft of part of "The Sumerian Deluge".

Notebook also used from other end in: draft verse by Trevelyan, first line 'Holding a myrtle branch and rosebud fair...'. Translation of Theocritus's "Idylls" 4, 10, 11, 14, 29; Sophocles's "Antigone" 988-992; Lucretius's "De Rerum Natura" 1.988 on.

Two book references in French on inside cover, along with addresses of shops where these books can be obtained [probably not in Trevelyan's hand, perhaps from his time in France in 1918-1919?]. Also list of topics [for verse?]: 'Septimius & Acme. (Meleager). Orpheus. Gilgamesh.' etc.

Expresses his pleasure at receiving Sidgwick's letter, in which the latter declared that he would preside over the Apostles Society dinner in 1900, if Holland desired it. Declares that he would rather hear Sidgwick speak than 'Sir W.V.H.[Harcourt]', but agrees that his name 'would be the most potent with which to draw a large gathering'. Suggests that Sidgwick write to him asking him to preside, and declares that if he declines, that he [Holland] will proclaim Sidgwick as 'the President of 1900.'

Expresses his contentment at the news that 'Sir W.H.[Harcourt]. gives a conditional acceptance for 1900' [to preside at that year's Apostles Dinner]. Declares his intention to announce the news on the 14th, and states that he will say that if 'Sir W.H. [Harcourt]' should fail' HS will undertake the role.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Is very glad for Bob's happiness. Had felt that he was 'restless & unsatisfied' about his work or something else, and sometimes thought it 'would be the best thing possible' for him to marry, but did not think this would happen as he thought Bob was 'not that kind of person'. Very glad that he is, and that he will now feel 'life is quite magnificent' and be able to write his poetry and 'not feel lonely'. Regarding the lady Bob has spoken of to him [Lina Duff Gordon: see e.g. 9/96], thinks Bob should 'write to her at one as an intimate friend saying that she will no doubt be interested' to hear about his engagement, 'making no reference to the possibility that she might have cared about [him]', as if she is in love with him she should hear as soon as possible that it is 'hopeless', and he thinks it would be 'nicer for her' to hear directly from Bob, not as gossip; tells him to 'write nicely'. If she does not care for him, it will still be 'polite', and help them to stay friends; understands he 'values her friendship'. He will tell people in the [Apostles] Society this evening. Asks him to pass on congratulations to Miss Van der Hoeven and tell her he thinks she is 'very fortunate' and that he is 'really rather cross with her' as now he will not see so much of Bob, and feels he will miss him 'dreadfully'. Does not think Bob's descriptions are 'enthusiastic' enough; perhaps he thought Sanger might 'scoff' if he 'rave[d] too much'; in fact he rather 'shocked' him by 'being able to write so reasonably'. Has been 'fighting the damned clerical [?]' all afternoon, and there was a 'good moral victory' as they 'only just missed the necessary 2/3 majority''. Realises now how 'very terrible' the [Second Boer] war must be for Bob, and hopes he has not said anything to 'really hurt' him.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Has just heard from [Charles] Sanger about Bob's 'great news [his engagement]'. he and his wife, 'after three and a half weeks experience, have agreed that marriage is even nicer than we had expected'; trusts that Bob will find the same as the '[Apostles] Society doesn't make mistakes in its marriages'. Did not catch Bob's fiancée's name, but asks him to tell her that 'many people will be eager to welcome her to Cambridge'; his wife also 'takes on herself' to send congratulations, since 'if your brother's wife is not your sister, she is at least not an alien'.

Trinity College, Cambridge. - Bob did not need to apologise: would know Moore would be 'extremely glad' to hear his news [of his engagement]; trusts his own 'good judgement & discernment' will stand the test Bob proposes, though he understands he was 'lately much dissatisfied with [Moore's] exhibition of those qualities'. Expects there is 'more than "often some grain of sense" in what Miss Van der Hoeven says'; reassuring that she is 'not "showy"' and is '"critical & reflective"', a type for which he has a 'strong preference' over 'brilliant & eccentric geniuses'. Sanger got Bob's letter here after Hall on Saturday, and 'made a public announcement of its contents to the [Apostles] Society'; Moore thinks Bob would have been most satisfied with the reception of the news. Only sorry they will have to wait so long to meet Bob's fiancée, and he himself 'for the opportunity of trying to follow her instructions on the piano'.

London. - Heard the 'good news' [of Bob's engagement] today. Needs not 'wish him joy', as Bob knows he does so, and as he has 'got it without [Crompton's] wishing'. Calls him 'Dear friend and brother [as a fellow Apostle]'; is 'so glad'.

3, Hare Court, Inner Temple. - Thinks Bob cannot be 'in love a bit' - he is 'so disgustingly reasonable'; why is he thinking about 'acting wisely' when he should be feeling that he does not 'care a damn whether [he is] or not'. George has only seen [Elizabeth] once, and still gave him a 'much more favourable description' than Bob had managed with his '"tolerably accomplished for a young lady" and all that sort of thing'. Cannot ever remember being really pleased before that one of his friends was going to be married; hopes it will make Bob 'work properly which will be a splendid thing'. Asks him to send 'accurate details as to intellect & views of life of Miss van [der] Hoeven'. Expects it's 'still a secret'; announced it at the [Apostles] Society, and also told Goldie [Lowes Dickinson] on Sunday, who 'said "Good God!"' but Sanger supposes he will have 'sufficiently recovered from his astonishment' by now to write. All 'fog & rain & general damnation' here, with the 'climax of [Sanger's] miseries' being the party his mother is going to give, to which she will invite his friends and they will accept; asks if Bob agrees with his own loathing of parties, and hopes that 'there won't be many in hell'. Has not yet seen McT[aggart]'s wife, but reports of her are so 'rediculously [sic] favourable' that he is bound to be disappointed when he does. Has reclaimed something [illegible] for Bob, having 'meekly paid the money' as he 'felt too lazy to make a fuss'. Sends love to Roger and regards to Mrs Fry.

30, Bruton Street, W. - The news of Bob's engagement was 'most exciting and delightful'; found the letter as he was leaving home and was 'so thrilled by the first words that [he] read it under a lamppost, as Mr Gladstone read "Treasure Island"'. Bob's description is 'perfect', and Marsh has 'already chosen the costume to imagine [him] in, which will make [him] a Jarburg [?] young gentleman to the life'. Looks forward to meeting 'Mrs Bob', and as Bob says is sure they will have no trouble in making friends. Hopes Bob will draw as 'attractive a picture' of Marsh to her. Afraid this will give Bob an 'added reason for being miserable abt this awful war [the Second Boer War'; thinks he is lucky to be remote from news. The 'third bad defeat this week was announced this morning': London is 'deeply gloomy', all the conversation in the street is about the war, and his own 'official circle is even more despondent than the rest of the world'. This though makes it 'all the pleasanter' to think of Bob's happy feelings. Wishes he had said more of his future plans; hopes he will soon return to [his fiancée's] 'marshy fatherland'; wonders whether he will settle in England or near Amsterdam 'as Sanger hopes' and 'received the Brethren [Cambridge Apostles] from Saturday to Monday].

Pensione Palumbo, Ravello, presso Amalfi. - Edward's 'kind and charming letter' has given him much pleasure; has told Bessie a great deal about all his friends, Edward 'not least'; is sure they will 'both get on excellently'. Bob's use of the '[Gerard] Terborch-lady comparison' may have been 'a little dangerous'; if when Edward meets Bessie she is not as he was led by it to expect', he must imagine that Bob was referring to 'some pictures by that artist in private collections, which you have not seen'. Wonders whether Marsh's 'late-acquitted skill on the piano' will enable him to accompany Bessie; he himself does not mean to learn 'nor would she herself suffer it'. 'As to keeping a Sat. to Mon. Shelter for the [Apostles] Society in Holland', he doubts it; he and Bessie intend to live at Dorking. Finds the [Second Boer] war 'less distressing' than he would do in London or the Hague, but has not changed his opinion that 'these disasters are a deserved punishment for national ὕβρις [hubris]'; supposes they must win in the end, and 'have about suffered sufficient penance'; does not think that the whole empire is at stake, even if the whole of South Africa is lost. Has not yet lost any particular friends, but he is 'dreadfully afraid' for [Gerald] Barrett Hamilton, who is going out as a militia officer. Will return to Holland at the end of January, and Bessie is coming to visit his family in February; possible that Marsh may meet her then in London.