Announces that he is going to Cambridge 'on the 3rd', and is thinking of going to visit her for a night or two 'after the 11th and before the 18th if convenient.' Remarks that the Rugby news was a shock, and states that he ceases to advise acquiescence [a reference to the troubles with the head, Henry Hayman?]. Reports that Arthur was skating on the Downs.
[Sent from Cambridge]:- Regrets that he cannot accept his Aunt [Henrietta?] Croft's invitation as he is engaged every morning from 8 to 2. Hopes to be able to go over to Bedford sometime, but it must be in vacation time. Talks of arrangements for meeting in winter, but announces that he wishes to spend the last month of the vacation in Cambridge learning Hebrew. Reports on Arthur's health and states that he is very cheerful and jolly. Hopes that William is coming to stay with him at the end of term. Comments on the weather, which had turned that day into 'what foreigners call "English weather".' Remarks that he was often taken for a Londoner in Germany. Reports that he is engaged now six hours a day 'in pure talking', and teaches for two hours a week at the Working Men's College; amongst others there, he instructs 'a converted Jew in the rudiments of Latin', who was 'brought by a queer enthusiastic Syrian traveller' whom they have among their fellows. Sends his love to his aunt and uncle [William and Stephana], and sends Arthur's love to his mother.
Thanks her for her letter. Announces that he has just resigned from his assistant tutorship and has informed the authorities that he intends to resign his fellowship very soon. Remarks that it is not impossible that they may appoint him lecturer in spite of his actions, but he does not expect them to do so. Advises her that the matter is a secret. Reports that the Master 'expressed himself very kindly about [Henry] in communicating [his] resignation to the College.' Remarks that everyone is very kind, and believes that if he is not reappointed 'it will not be from want of goodwill, but from a conviction that the interests of the College do not allow it.'. Claims to be happy, and believes that he has done the right thing.
Asks her to tell Arthur that he thinks they had on the whole, successful meetings at the Free Christian Union. States that Paul's sermon was very good, and is misrepresented in the Pall Mall Gazette. Reports that he has been staying with Mrs Clough, whom he likes 'very much' and that 'the new book' [The Poems and Prose Remains of Arthur Hugh Clough] is due out in about two weeks. Announces that he will come down to his mother about the end of the month or the following month. States that if she has Miss [Alice?] Horton staying with her, or if there is any other particular reason, he does not mind coming, however his hay fever is.
Reports that he has just finished reading Arthur Sidgwick's biography of Henry Sidgwick, which, he claims, 'had a purifying and ennobling influence' on his heart. Explains that he is a Methodist preacher, and does not have the same attitude to Christianity as Henry Sidgwick had, but asserts that the latter 'found his abiding place on earth in it. Compares the effect of the book on him to that which he experience on reading, as a young man, the biography of Charles Kingsley. Adds that he lived in Oxford not long before, and claims to have known Arthur Sidgwick's face on the street, and so read the book for his sake.
Reports that the authorities at Trinity College have offered him the post of 'Lecturer on Moral Sciences' at £200 a year, on the understanding that he repudiate all dogmatic obligations. Intends to resign his fellowship. Reports that he has had a conversation with [Bishop] Lightfoot about his situation, and announces that he has been 'partly determined by his advice not to secede from the Church of England.' Discusses his position with regard to his beliefs, including his attitude towards the Apostles' Creed. Asks her to show the letter to Arthur. Admits to be very glad to be 'free from the anxiety of weighing pros and cons.' Mentions that his income will be seriously reduced, but that he shall have much more than enough to live on.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Will send back some of Robert's books: the Chaucer; Conrad's "Lord Jim", which Sir George has read before; and Belloc's book, which Caroline 'can manage better' than Sir George. Arthur Sidgwick, who is 'very well and cheerful', and his wife are here; there has been much toboganning down the hills behind the house by 'all the very large pleasure society of Stratford', though now snow and Stratfordians are gone. Delighted to have news of Elizabeth and the baby [Paul]; Aunt Annie [Philips] is very pleased at the news; she is at Palermo and has been to Segesta, which was a hard journey of eleven hours.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Begins the letter 'Dear as a daughter', which she says was used by 'an old Medici lady' in the book Robert has lent her ["Lives of the early Medici as told in their correspondence", by Janet Ross], which she finds interesting but has not yet finished. Annie [Philips] is here and seems well. Is more or less recovered from her 'little feverish attack'. Glad to have good news of Julian. Asks if Elizabeth can send back 'the Shetland scarf' if she is not using it, as it 'does not look as "invalidy" as a shawl'; glad she is better. The 'A.S's' [Arthur and Charlotte Sidgwick], Janet and George 'amalgamated well'. Asks if Elizabeth's maids have recovered, and hopes the nurse [Mrs Catt] is sleeping better. Miss Richardson is here and is going with TitBits [the horse] 'to see sights accompanied by Annie's maid'. Sir George was very pleased to get Robert's letter; he has had a correspondence 'with "the master" [of Trinity, Cambridge, Montagu Butler?] on classical things'.
Reports that he has discovered that the sea air does not cure hayfever. Describes Southend as 'not a bad little place', with no beauty, 'but cheerful enough and no Smells, to speak of.' States that he pays £1 a week for two little rooms, with an eating house next door, where he dines for a shilling. Reports that he is reading political economy and [Gewter], and that his eating house 'only takes in the Standard, where Protestantism is breathing less fire and slaughter than [he] had expected.'
Hopes that she has sent him his letters, because among them is 'an examination paper for Ladies' about which he is rather anxious. Remarks on the visitors to the area. Reports that he had considered going to Margate, but was afraid of being sea-sick. Resolves to come to similar places regularly in June, 'get iodized and then go back to London until the hayseason is over.' With regard to Mr Horton, undertakes to pay one third of £60 in two instalments of £10 per annum [for the education of Horton's son Fred], and states that when he agreed on their scheme he had in view his prospective decrease in income. Reports that he has just earned £10 by taking part in an entrance examination. Asks her to ask Arthur whether a Warrington whom he has examined [Thomas Rolls Warrington?] was a new boy in his form 'when he had a Boil.' Claims that he thought that he recognised his signature.
States that by Herbert [her son]'s kind help she is in time to greet Nora the following day. Sends their love to her and best wishes that she may have comfort and the joy of knowing her work is of increasing value. Remarks that Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir seems to be occupying much attention. Has just come from a visit to the O[gles] in London; reports that everybody she met spoke of the great pleasure the book was giving them. Liked the review of it in the Times Literary Supplement, but did not like the one by H. Paul. Adds that those to whom she spoke in London said that the effect of the book was to make them feel as though they had been talking to Henry again.
States that the effect of melancholy to which the reviews allude could not be avoided 'because the letters naturally deal so much with his theological feelings and his deep thoughts on life.' Claims that he was 'so bright and happy in his intercourse with his friends', and how he showed his best side when he felt 'the answering sympathy'. Refers to his complaint of the want of humour in George Eliot, and declares that she has just been reading some of her work, and 'had been feeling this so much - in spite of Mrs Poyser [in Adam Bede] and the 4 aunts'. Declares that they are glad to see that Arthur Balfour 'is so much better for his sea air' and hopes that Monday night won't try him too much. Reports that she had lunch with Nevil the previous day at Lincoln College, and that he could only spare her three hours. Refers also to Arthur. Has been reading [Memoirs of] Archbishop Temple , and remarks on how carelessly it has been edited [by E. G. Sandford]. Remarks that Henry's memoir is 'a charming size', and that one volume is much more likely to be read than two.
Sidgwick, Sarah Isabella (1832-1918), wife of William Carr SidgwickAnnounces that he is going to Paris for the Easter vacation. Remarks that he has not received any letters from her, and presumes that she is busy 'on domestic cases'. Reports that he has not heard anything about Wellington College for a while, and asks how many boys there are there. Mentions that he saw a paragraph in the Times 'about chapel', and hopes that they have not all caught cold in going in and out. Asks after Martin, and wonders if he would remember Henry if he saw him. Reports that Arthur is leaving them now for the continent; thinks that he is wise in going abroad instead of going home before the Tripos list is out, 'because at home he would brood over it so much more.' Claims that he will be surprised if Arthur 'is anywhere else than 2d.'
Asks if she has played any more chess, and states that he has had a game or two since he came up to Cambridge, but finds that it has always interfered with his work. In relation to his Arabic, claims that 'it has languished rather of late', and believes that the only place where he can work well at a subject of that kind is a place like Dresden, where he can isolate himself completely. Nevertheless, he hopes to be pretty well advanced both in Arabic and in Hebrew by the end of the Long Vacation. Remarks that he has heard that 'there are ten volumes of Les Miserables', but that he has hitherto been able to read only the fourth. Believes that there are two volumes of Kinglake's history of the Crimea, but that he read the first three weeks previously, and has got no further.
Is going down to Rugby for a day or two at the end of the week; undertakes to avoid politics, and to discuss only 'the more interesting subject of Matrimony.' Reports that lately he has been reading ' "Ladies' advice to each other" in several little books, and flatter[s himself] that he knows a thing or two of [her] sex'. Claims that he did so because he hates 'being taunted as a Fellow of a College with ignorance of the female character'. Sends his love to Edward, and remarks that he has not heard 'that he is found out yet.'
Thanks her for her letter. Reports on how his days are spent. Mentions William's visit to his family home. Is glad to hear his mother's good account of Minnie. Reports that he had a letter from Edward [Benson] some days previously; believes him not to be 'the right man in the right place', and thinks of him as 'thrown away' in his role as headmaster. In relation to a proposed stay at Sydenham declares himself to be 'tolerably indifferent', and states that he only wants to be able to see her and have the opportunity of quiet study. Thinks however that it might be a bore 'going and settling down for a short time [especially Xmas time] in a place' where they know nobody and have no introductions. Asks if her idea includes Edward and Minnie. Gives his own ideas in relation to how the time should be spent; 'paying visits vaguely and spending the rest of the time at Cambridge', and a week or so at Rugby. His idea, however, does not include William. Admits that he would enjoy being near London. Reports that Arthur is very well 'under his gymnastics' Announces that he is going on Tuesday to stay a night with a friend 'who has been among the D[ ] and [ ]'. Informs her that there is a little book about the latter by Lord Carnarvon. Asks if she has seen Dr [Joseph?] Wolff's life.
Thanks her for sending back the letters from Henry Sidgwick. Undertakes to see if he can find any more from him, but doesn't think there are many, if any. Hopes that his uncle Arthur Sidgwick will cut back on some of his other work, of which he believes he does 'far too much', in order to devote himself to the writing of the memoir. Declares that '[t]he great desideration is that the writer should want to [write] more than anything else in the world - and everything is quickly and well done when that is behind.' Advises Nora to ask Maggie if she can find any letters, and states that there are a good many papers at [ ]. Undertakes to look there when he goes back there in August.
Benson, Arthur Christopher (1862-1925), poet and college headDiscusses the 'Temple case' [about the controversy regarding Temple's essay in Essays and Reviews in 1860, re-ignited by his appointment as Bishop of Exeter]. Claims that he is not surprised that 'High Church men and Low Church men...are vexed at his appointment.' Remarks that nor is he inclined to blame Pusey 'for his passionate appeals to those who think with him'. Refers to his letters, and states that he thought that 'on the whole his position is quite reasonable and intelligible'. Believes that he [Pusey] 'is ready to accept Disestablishment with all it's [sic] disadvantages.' Feels indignant with 'certain Bishops, Deans, Canons etc who cling to the advantages of a National Establishment and yet kick against it's [sic] most obvious obligations...'
Does not yet know about his movements at Christmas, and has not quite made up his mind about going to Florence with Arthur. Thinks that Abbott would be a suitable candidate for the position of headmaster [of Rugby], but hears that he has no chance. Thinks that of those who do have a chance he would prefer Percival.
The editor of Mind [G. F. Stout] has asked him to write an obituary notice of Henry Sidgwick for the January 1901 number of the journal. If the article were to be essentially an estimate of Henry's philosophical work, he would prefer to leave it to someone else, and would prefer to write of him on a personal level: due to his [Stephen's] absence from Cambridge 'from a very early period', he knows very little at first hand of Henry's work as Professor [of Moral Science] or his work in relation to the promotion of women's education. Asks Nora if she would care to assist him by referring him to others who could be of use to him in this matter. Intends to be in Cambridge the following Tuesday. Has also written to Nora's brother [Arthur Balfour], and to Arthur Sidgwick.
Stephen, Sir Leslie (1832-1904), knight, author and literary criticAsks her to ask Mr Horton what is the exact nature of information he requires, since he cannot ask [George Granville?] Bradley for information generally 'when he has given in the printed paper what [HS supposes] he thinks enough.' Suggests that Arthur could ask 'a [United] Usher.' Comments that the poem Lady Grace by Miss Smedley 'though not great is good reading.'
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Likes to think of Elizabeth in Ravello. Has been very busy since coming to Welcombe on 3 January; has been arranging a room for her own use in the mornings, which is 'quite comfortable' though has 'no view' and, currently, a 'hideous paper'. The Arthur Sidgwicks and their daughter [Ethel] came on Monday, Sidney Lee joined them. On Wednesday the library opened; has sent Elizabeth a Stratford paper with a report. The ceremony was 'nicely arranged' and went well; likes the building, which is in keeping with the surroundings. [Andrew] Carnegie gave the building and fittings, which are 'in good taste', then maintenance of the building will come from rates, and there is a subscription fund for buying books. Hopes it will 'do good': there is 'room for "sweetness & light" in Stratford'. Miss Corelli did not appear but 'must be very angry'; is sure she will 'do something malicious'. Mary Booth says in a letter that Charles will probably bring Meg to Elizabeth; gave a 'cheerful' account of the family. Is going to London on Monday, and will spend the evening with Janet. Pleased to hear Mrs Enticknap has had a little girl [named May]; has sent her a coat and hood. Has never read [Stendhal's] "Le Rouge et le Noir", but knows "La Chartreuse [de Parme]". Has Madame [Juliette] Adam's memoirs, and has been 'delighting in Burne-Jones life [by his wife]'. Hope Robert's work is going well; asks whether they are continuing their translation; whether the road is mended yet, and whether the Capucini Hotel at Amalfi goes on 'as before'. They are taking a trip to Rome next winter. Sir George is well; he took a week's break from his book, 'travelling & doing his speech', and now happily at work on it again. C[harles] and M[ary] are at Cambo; they celebrated their wedding anniversary by catching the train to Woodburn and walking back by Sweethope Lake, and enjoyed this 'immense expedition' very much.
Explains that he did not hear of the birth of Mary's baby [E.F./Fred Benson] until some days after the event. Sends his love to her. Does not expect that [J.W.?] Hales will have time to see him. Reports that he has had Arthur to breakfast that morning. Relates that he seems 'lively enough', that he is staying with Symonds, but not in his house, and that he goes to the Lakes on Thursday morning.
Writes to say that he cannot come the following day due to his hayfever. States that he will probably 'leave town' for about a week - the second week in July - for the seaside, if he manages to shake it off entirely. Undertakes to write again when he knows where he shall be when she passes [London], so that she may write and tell him the exact time she will be there. States that he has decided not to go to Tawney, because of his hayfever. Reports that he has been spending most of his time seeing friends, and that there are more to see. Asks her to tell Arthur that a cousin of E.E. Bowen's - Reverend C. Bowen - will probably [be calling on him].
Thanks her for her letter of 12 September. Regrets to say that he has been in the habit of destroying letters; however, he has usually kept one from each friend, and adds that he has one written by J.J. Cowell. Sends one to Nora [not included]. Undertakes to send more if and when he comes across them, but explains that in cleaning out his rooms in Calcutta he used to destroy letters. States that he walked about too much in the hot weather in the Isle of Wight, and has not fully recovered. Regrets that he did not pay a third visit 'to that place near the Langham. States that he may be able to recall facts about Henry's early life, and adds that [C.E.?] Bernard was also with him at Bishop's College. Claims that then Henry was 'as good in mathematics as in classics.' His wife sends her love, and hopes that some day Nora will be able to go and see them. Declares that Annie Latham has often talked to him of Fontainebleau. Adds that he still possesses the Hippolytus [by Euripides] that Henry and he read together 'at that house in Redland', and recalls that they 'all used to play in a sort of alley with trees behind it, Bernard, Lawrence, W. Sidgwick and Arthur S.'
Tawney, Charles Henry (1837-1922), Sanskrit scholarClaims to have meant to send 'these [articles]' sooner, but has been puzzling over the lectures on sociology, which she had mentioned, intending to send them also. Feels that she had better get 'a clearer picture of them and of their relation to published papers' before sending them.
With regards 'the Classical Review article' returns Dr Jackson's letter to Ward [not included], and sends one from J. B. Mayor to Henry Sidgwick . Asks him to return the latter at his leisure. Thinks that it would be a mistake to print the article in a collection of Henry's papers, as 'his part is so very short'. Adds, however, that Miss Sharpley, to whom she showed it 'is much charmed with it as an imitation of Plato'. States that Henry's part 'only brings out one point and [one has] no means of knowing whether he admitted Grote's answer to it to be sufficient - whether the G[ ] of the latter part of the whole paper can be considered as representing Henry's view or not.' Speculates as to the circumstances under which the discussion took place, and suggests it took place at Trumpington. Thinks that the article should be referred to in any bibliography and that a bibliography 'ought to be given either in the volume of fragments or in the biography....'
Also sends him the 1871 number of the Contemporary Review, 'containing the article on Verification of Beliefs...and one in the Nineteenth Century for 1880 on Historical Psychology'. Remarks that Henry was rather dissatisfied with the second one when it appeared. In relation to 'Miss Jones', states that she believes that Henry 'intended her to judge about publication [or] republication of Ethical matter in the same way that he asked [Ward] to do about philosophical work.' Thinks that she is 'a little too much inclined to publish' and considers trying to argue with her about any particular paper before a final decision is come to.' States that 'of course the question of republishing all the papers in Mind or all the notices of books is not purely a question of Ethics. Adds that 'in deciding about Ethical or Philosophical papers or anything else [they] must have regard to the whole amount to be published and the arrangement of volumes and must therefore talk it over all together to some extent.'
Announces that she envisages the publication of two volumes; one of 'philosophical and ethical etc fragments and essays for students' and one of 'more literary essays suited to the general public, and no more', and that the second would probably be entirely reprints. Lists the works possibly to be included in the first volume, including Kant lectures, Green lectures, Ethical papers, lectures on Sociology, articles on the Sophists in the Journal of Philology, the 'Dialogue in Mind on Time and Common sense', 'the articles in the Contemporary and XIXth Century sent with the letter [not included], Ethical articles in Mind, and 'some lectures on Kant's Ethics'.
States that the 'popular volume edited by A[rthur] S[idgwick] would probably be small', and would probably contain a review of Clough in the Westminster Review of 1869, an article on Bentham in the Fortnightly of 1877, 'Political Prophecy and Sociology for the National Review of 1899', the address on Economics 'to section F. of the British Association 1885', 'The Theory of Clerical Education from the volume on Liberal Education 1867', 'Idle Fellowship[s]' in the Contemporary [Review] of 1876, '[A] Lecture against Lecturing' from the New Review of 1890, an article on [Seeley's] Ecce Homo in the Westminster Review of 1866, 'The Prophet of Luther' in Macmillan's Magazine of 1867, 'The Economic Lessons of Socialism' in the Economic Journal of 1895, 'Economic Socialism' in the Contemporary Review of 1886 (though Nora thinks that the latter 'is probably practically superseded by Elements of Politics), a short appreciation of J.S. Mill's work on his death in 1873 (of which Mrs Marshall gave Nora a copy) in the Academy of 1873, and an article on sociology.
Sidgwick, Eleanor Mildred (1845-1936), college headThanks her for the books, and tells her that he still has two pots of marmalade. Asks her not to send just yet the 'John Baptist', which he is thinking of having framed. States that if he can find time he shall go down to Rugby 'in the course of the term.' Reports that the Provost of King's [College: Richard Okes] asked him to dine 'to meet the Moul[ ]s. Refers to a conversation he had with 'the Rector', who 'talked about old Cambridge - Macaulay, Praed etc'. Asks her to tell Arthur that 'the book on the bible is Exegetisches Handbuch zum Alten Testament', which is in 'innumerable parts by different authors'. Announces that Cambridge 'is getting lively', and that they are to have a University Gazette 'and become very vocal.'
Letter declining invitation to the 1905 Apostles' dinner.
[Sent from Liverpool]:- Hopes that Arthur 'settled about the bill all right.' Writes to inform her of his travel plans. Goes to the Isle of Man that day to examine there for a week, and in about a fortnight intends to go to Marlborough for another examination. In the meantime intends to call at Wellington College. Asks if they [Edward and Minnie Benson] can take him in, and if not he will go on to Eton after seeing her. When he shall come depends on his hayfever. Anxious to hear about her plans for the summer. Announces that he is going abroad after the Marlborough exam and will come home earlier than he otherwise would if she has a house. Reports that he has not heard from Rugby in a long time. Is not looking forward to a long sea voyage. Wishes now that he hadn't taken the examination. Refers to the Cambridge prizes and to the fact that Arthur won the prize for the composition of a Greek ode. Claims to be very glad that James Rhoades got the English verse, and believes that the disappointment 'will do Myers a great deal of good.' Asks her to tell Minnie that he got the papers all right. Hopes they are all well. Has ordered 'parcels and things' to be sent to Wellington College. Reports that he has been researching the Isle of Man. Asks her when she is going to see the Exhibition, which 'is only like a big shop-window', and claims that the day he spent there with Graham Dakyns he was more bored than he has been for a long time. Asks her to write to him in the Isle of Man.
Welcombe, Stratford on Avon. - Sends belated New Year good wishes. George arrived on Friday from Wales and has been in bed ever since with 'a return of the influenza'; he is now recovering but cannot go abroad this week. Hopes Janet will be able to change the tickets; she is coming this afternoon. Sorry that Julian is troubled with constipation; important not to neglect it, but it will probably go when he can do more 'walking exercise'. Hopes Elizabeth's sister [Mien Röntgen] enjoyed her visit; they had the A[rthur] Sidgwicks and Sidney Lee this week. They have just been watching a tree being cut down; the men are very clever.
Thanks Nora and Arthur Sidgwick for sending him a copy of Henry Sidgwick: A Memoir, which he wished to finish reading before writing to her. Read the book with profound interest, and says that every word in it is precious to him. Feels that 'the book as it is done is done in [Henry's] spirit', and that Nora has carried out his wishes, and avoided all inessential personal matters'. Praises the work, but states that he could never be satisfied by any biography of Henry, because it was written by members of his family. Declares that he wants 'the man himself just so much - or not only, the philosopher, the philanthopist, the conscientious struggler for [ ] religious conviction.' Recalls a conversation he had with him once while they were taking a walk, in which he touched on 'intimate personal facts of life - with his own absolute candour', and observes that the book does not reveal anything of this trait, nor of his humour and 'essential humanness'. Claims that he is not criticising or complaining, but 'writing truthfully as [Henry] would have liked' him to do. Declares that there are two theories of what a biography should be, one being 'the objective, less personal, "epistolary" form', and the other 'includes the real personality', which, he claims, letters 'hardly ever give'. Suggests that Nora and Arthur could not produce the latter, and hopes that 'some friend, endowed with artistic insight and sympathy and literary powers of reputatio], will some day do it, to supplement [their] excellent work.'
Walston, Sir Charles (1856-1927), Knight, archaeologistWrites from 'a really very comfortable apartment' which he is renting for twenty francs a week. Reports that his hayfever is keeping itself 'at a respectful distance.' Describes Ostend as 'the dullest and unloveliest of resorts', but declares that it has 'a fine spacious promenade along the sea', and that the air is good. Reports that he stayed a day or two at Dover, 'but found it not so good.' States that he has 'just been up to the "Digue" and watched the moonlight on the breaking waves.' Asks her to send the enclosed [not included] on. States that he has asked the Porter to forward his letters to her, and asks her to open them, keep bills and circulars and to forward the letters to Ostend, or to Berlin, to which he intends going towards the end of the month. Asks her to tell Arthur 'to see "Home" at the Haymarket instead of "M.P.". Declares the latter to be 'almost too ridiculous.' Would like to know where he will be in August.
Expresses her delight at the receipt of his book the previously night. Claims that she will not understand its subject, but that if she could send it forth to the world 'with a mother's loving dedication, it would be that all the philosophical world would be the better for reading it.' Hopes that 'they' have written to him from Rugby to tell him that they are meeting on 4 January, and informs him that 'A[rthur] S[idgwick] and Charlotte have their visit at N[ ] and the Chancery first, and don't get home again until Sat: 2[nd] Jan[uary].' States that William's work was to end the previous day, but that he has had a bad cold, and Isabel and his [son] have also been ill. Invites him to go to Oxford, and suggests that they all go to Rugby together. Mentions Henry's friends, and declares that she doesn't know what the Greens' plans are. Reports that she has seen a good deal of them, and that 'they are most kind.' Reports that Mrs Symonds was with them a short time ago, and 'just as [she] was going to have a nice [ ] [ ] with her, a telegram came to say that one of her children was in scarlet fever and she must go home.' Adds that it turned out that the fever 'was of a mild kind'. Presumes that he is 'still engaged with work for the Ladies', and insists that he take a holiday. Reports that Arthur Benson has had a rheumatic attack 'just as he was going in for the Term's Examination at Eton - and so missed it - which grieves him.' States that he was expected at home on Thursday or Friday, and that Martin comes home from Winchester the following Wednesday. Adds that Minnie and Edward are both well, but that the family could not join the 'Rugby party'.
Thanks her for her letter. Claims to be divided between staying in Ostend for the quality of the air, and a desire to get to Berlin, which he wishes to see again as the capital of a united Germany: 'partially united, that is, "in shpots," as Hans Breitmann [in comic works by Leland] says". Thinks he shall start on Monday, and will travel from Cologne to Berlin by night. Thanks her for the information about Switzerland, and hopes that she will come. Intends to stay in Germany until the end of September. Reports that he is reading German books, and has an idea of making 'a sort of tour of the universities.' Intends to go to Heidelberg from Switzerland. Regrets to hear that Arthur is not well. Hopes that 'the remarkable unity of feeling among the masters...will make up to Rugby for the dullness or worse of the head [Hayman]'.
In relation to the young Horton, reports that he tried to find out about the civil service appointments, 'but have not yet made anything out', and states that the arrangements for giving them away by examination are probably to be published in the near future. Declares that his original plan of having him at Cambridge would not be suitable, but predicts that 'it may possibly be revived in a new form in connection with this examination - if nothing better suggests itself.'
Expects that his mother will get some dividends for him, and if so, asks her to keep them until she gets his addresss in Berlin and send them in a registered letter. Also asks her to ask his uncle John Sidgwick to pay his [Henry's] share into Mortlock and Co.'s Bank, Cambridge. Asks her to forward the enclosed [not included] to his uncle Albert.
Reports that Minnie kept her well-informed about Henry when at Lincoln, and that his own letter told her more. Refers to his activities with regard to his lectures and book. Asks him to go to Rugby around Christmas, 'when A[rthur] S[idgwick] wishes to assemble [them] for his house warming.' Adds that Minnie and Edward cannot go because their boys will just have arrived home from school. Expresses a strong wish that he should come to Oxford. Adds that Mr Green has been asking her when Henry is coming. Reports that William and Isabel are recovering from colds. Asks if he had told her that Captain and Mrs Go[ ] lived at Cambridge, and asks him to send her the address of Mrs Go[ ]'s sister Be[ ]. Informs him that his godson Willy [Longsden] 'has been doing better lately + is promoted to a "Top hat" ' at Merchant Taylors' school.
Reports that the Committee of the Association for the Education of Women at Manchester have asked Miss Cannan to be Secretary 'for that [work] where she lives - [ ] Prestwick.' Suggests that Miss Clough might like to be informed of this. Claims that she is 'still in rather a mess with carpenter + masons + painters to follow.' Adds that she has two comfortable beds to offer to friends, and tells him to bear it in mind if he wishes to go to Oxford. States that William and Isabel would be pleased to see him [and Nora] and that Mr Green and his wife always have a welcome for him. Reports tha the Symondses have come home from Switzerland. Reports that Edward Sidgwick wrote to her to tell her another daughter of his was born some weeks previously. States that he was much interested in what Henry had to say about spriritualism, and that their friends the Cooksons told them that Henry was at the Lakes and talking on the subject.
Sidgwick, Mary (d 1879), mother of Henry Sidgwick