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Written on the occasion of Henry's announcement of his impending marriage. Letter interspersed with 'periodical iambics' in Greek. Wishes blessings upon him, and hopes that he will deserve connubial felicity as much as he does, 'and obtain it more'. Annotation in the hand of Arthur's wife Charlotte: 'I'm not going to read any further, but write C.S.S.' Refers to his reaction to the news, and mentions the fact that he saw Arthur Balfour, 'a young slender blackeyed person of a soothing tendency, outside Eton chapel (or St Georges perhaps) about four years ago', and guesses him to be a brother of Henry's future wife. Asks him to inform him of the details of the wedding and where he proposes to live. Tells him to mark his future wife 'in the old Myerian categories.' Refers to Henry's letter to the Spectator, which, he claims did great good; '[i]t twisted old Plug round again like a bobbin, and made Wilson cease from troubling and [Arthur] at rest.' Observes that 'four times two is eight, and if you add the 6 Bensons and Nevil that equals 15.' Declares that he is glad that Henry is going to be at Symonds'.

Asks her to forward the enclosed [not included] to Hugh. States that the story he sends 'is certainly one worth keeping, 'if the boys are sure of the detail[s] of the coincidence.' Reports that their evidence 'is growing very bulky: but the quality is...very various.' Hopes that she and her family are all well, and states that he and Nora had a good account of them on Tuesday from Miss Temple. Reports that Arthur and Charlotte were in Cambridge on Sunday 'in a prosperous condition', and that William and Isobel are expected 'in a few hours'. Hears that William is well and is in good spirits. Reports that he [Henry] went on a Psychical Research tour in the west a fortnight previously, 'and squeezed out a day at Clifton and walked about Durdham Down with Graham Dakyns.'

Asks whether Arthur [Benson] is coming up to Cambridge for the Trinity Scholarship Exam, and states that he and Nora shall be delighted to take him in at Newnham College. Announces that they shall be staying up until the end of Easter week 'and can offer him a selection among about 35 eligible apartments.'

Says that she should write and congratulate him 'on the distinctions which the Learned World is conferring' on him: the University of Glasgow is to make him an L.L.D. 'about April 29th', and that Trinity College has just decided to make him an Honorary Fellow. He and Nora are well; the North Hall [at Newnham] 'is apparently prosperous'; Nora 'is rather overworked but cheerful'; and he is 'putting through the press a book on the Theory of Political Economy.'

Refers to 'the triumph of the 24th of February', and claims that he 'shall never forget the astonishment with which [he] realised that the Senate House was full of about 400 M.A.s and that...they were all going to vote on the right side [in favour of the education of women at Cambridge]' with 'the Enemy' only about thirty in number States that he does not feel elated by the proceedings, as he claims 'a natural aversion to responsibility', and does 'not underestimate the difficulties and perils of the future'.

Reports that Arthur and Charlotte [Sidgwick] have both been over that term, but separately, the latter having come with Margaret Arnold, 'who has been performing at a concert with Joachim.' Mentions that 'her young man [Hugh Frank Newall] wants a post as scientific-mathematical master in some school', and tells Minnie to suggest him if she hears of such a post. States that all was well at Oxford when they last heard news from there; that William is fairly well, and that the alarm about Nevil is over. Asks for news from Minnie, including 'the last particular of Church work. Sends his love to all. Adds that [Thomas Edward] Brown's poems Fo'c's'le Yarns are out. Suggests that she buys them, or persuades her friends to buy them.

Has just returned [to Oxford] from Manchester, and is off the following day for a week's holiday. Will be back in Oxford by 1 July, and probably earlier, and from 5 to 8 July he shall again be in Lancashire. After that he will be working on - he hopes - 'the letters' at Oxford until 31 July. Will be at Nora's service any time either at Oxford or Cambridge; suggests that she should reply to Charlotte if she intends to come to Oxford. In relation to how Henry is to be referred to in the book, proposes that they should consider the reader, who will think of him as 'Sidgwick', as that is the most natural to him. Is taking away the Shakespeare articles. They all hope that Nora is better, and 'are made rather anxious by what [she tells] them'.

Wallington. - Likes Julian's poems: he 'evidently has a good ear, & can Rhyme very prettily'. Had a 'great party to tea yesterday from Cambo' which 'looked like a school treat'; does not know how they all fit in the house. Glad Elizabeth has had friends; is very interested about Mrs Tovey; thinks [Donald Tovey's] decision to 'have a sensible person to look after him' was very wise. Glad that Miss B[arthorp, the new governess] and Julian are getting on. Mrs Sidgwick and the Bryces are coming next week, then Dr Hadow. They can only have two or three people staying as they have 'few servants & one sitting room', and Sir George gets too tired when 'there is anyone to talk to'. Sorry Elizabeth has had to change her 'girl'; they have trouble getting them. Sir George is reading her "These Twain", the last of Arnold Bennet's "Clayhanger" series.

Letters dated 14 Aug. 1862 - 11 June 1907.

Thanks Myers for his verses, which impressed him very much, apart from the third one, from which, he claims, he does not seem to derive any idea 'except of the girl's complexion'. Longs to see Myers. Reports that he has 'simply vegetated brooded and written a page a day of a stupid book [The Methods of Ethics]', which will appear the following year.

Announces Arthur's intended marriage to James Wilson of Rugby's sister [Charlotte], who is described by their mother as 'simpleminded and intelligent'; is curious to see her. Sidney Colvin told him that the Lewes' 'were not [to be] in the Chiselhurst house till October', and so Sidgwick has decided to defer his visit; mentions 28 September as a possible date. Is going to Rugby from 22 to 27 September inclusive; asks Myers to send him a line as to his movements as soon as he arrives. Will stay [in Cambridge] until Monday 22 September, and asks Myers if he will go there, and/or meet him in London on 28 September. Encloses 'AS's Communication' [announcing Arthur's impending marriage; not included], and states that he will never forgive him for not putting it on a postcard.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Hopes that Elizabeth and Robert have got through the heavy snow in Italy, and that Ravello is warm. She and Sir George leave on Wednesday for London and hope to start for the continent on 16 January, staying at Paris for a couple of nights then reaching Milan by 21 January before travelling on to Florence, Rome, and Naples. Would be glad if Elizabeth and Robert could spend a few days with them at Naples; they will then go to Sicily for three or four weeks and stop at Ravello and La Cava [de' Tirreni] on the way back. Has been very busy packing, and is going this afternoon 'to say goodbye to poor Mrs Young'; reports that Canon [Edward Mallet] Young has died suddenly. Had a 'pleasant visit' from the Sidgwicks and Mr Whitley and have been alone since Thursday; the servants enjoyed their dance on Friday very much. The Queen [of the Netherlands]'s marriage 'seems a very pretty and natural affair'; hopes it will be very happy.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad to get Elizabeth and Robert's letters and to 'hear a better account' of Elizabeth's aunt. Hopes their visit will do her good. Trusts the Grandmonts will manage the long journey, and that he will be better for southern sun. The Arthur Sidgwicks are paying a visit; he is Henry Sidgwick's younger brother, a 'great friend' of Sir George's, and 'very clever and amusing'; she is 'very excellent & enthusiastic & badly dressed'; they have brought 'a nice young son & daughter with them'. George's friend [Frederick John?] Pollock is also staying, and [John Henry] Whitley, the new MP for Halifax, is coming on Monday. Will give the servants a dance after the guests leave next week, and spend a week in London before starting their travels. Thinks they will reach Naples at the end of January then decide which way to take to Sicily. Thanks Robert for his letter and 'the names of books &c'; New Year's wishes; expects the Hague is 'much excited about the Queen's marriage'.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Christmas wishes from Sir George and herself; they hope Elizabeth and Robert are having a good time, and send 'kind and hearty greetings' to the 'family party'. Glad they crossed earlier in the week, as there was a 'terrible gale' on Thursday which did much damage to trees and buildings. The school children's party has been held; it was a German [?] tree this year and 'looked very pretty in the Hall'. They hope to see Charles tomorrow, and the Arthur Sidgwicks, 'with two of their young people' and a friend of George's are coming to stay a few days. They will go to London on 9 Jan before starting [for Sicily?]. All has been quiet; Sir George and George did some shooting yesterday and much enjoyed it. Hopes Elizabeth found her aunt better. Says in a postscript that she has paid a bill; Elizabeth must ask her for the eighteen shillings when they next see each other; does not think it was dear.

Wallington, Cambo, Northumberland. - Glad Elizabeth liked the things [presents?]; amused to hear about St Nicholas Eve in Holland; hopes she has a happy Christmas in her old house and that her aunt is a little better. Tells her to write every week while abroad. She and Sir George are staying at Wallington till 9 Jan; will keep Elizabeth informed of their plans. Sir George is 'working steadily' and keeping well; he is re-reading Mary Shelley's life aloud to her, which is 'so amusing & curious'. Hope the violin lessons continue to be satisfactory, and that Elizabeth's sister and Mr [Julius Engelbert] Röntgen will think her improved. Sends regards to Jan [Hubrecht]; wishes they could see him, but it is too far for him to come in the dark of winter. Next week they will have a Christmas tree, and the Arthur Sidgwicks are coming after Christmas Day.

[Sent from Whittingehame, A. Balfour's house in Lothian]:- He and Nora were very busy up to the end of the previous year, until they escaped to Prestonkirk on New Year's Eve. They arrived in Cambridge on 26 December, on Thursday morning they were completing their arrangements for the Conference of Schoolmistresses on the following day, and their friends arrived that evening 'and educational talk began lasting without intermission till Friday evening...' On Saturday he began to prepare his answers for the Cambridge University Commissioners, and finished them on Monday morning, before his journey to Scotland.

Reports on the conference itself, which 'made up a compact and business-like meeting at the Townhall.' States that he was impressed with the schoolmistresses, who 'said what they had to say in a clear, short, practical way'. They 'fixed a limit of ten minutes for the speeches, but the only speaker who showed the least desire to exceed it was a Man..' Mentions that among the speeches made was one by Professor John Mayor. A short paragraph about the conference was sent to the newspapers, and got into the Times. Among those who came were James Wilson from Rugby with his sister Annie, who is head of a school at Grantham; Annie Marshall from Leeds, Professor Green from Oxford 'with his professorial honours fresh upon him', and Eve 'who used to be at Wellington College. States that Arthur was not able to come because Charlotte was not well enough to be left.

Reports that they have 'delightful weather' there in Prestonkirk, and that his brothers-in-law are all assembled. Claims that he has got the burden of his article pretty much off his mind. Describes the 'lovely winter view' from his window. Sends on Nora's love. Adds that they did not hear any political secrets at Hatfield, but reports that Myers, whom they had seen in London 'had seen Dizzy at Windsor Castle and reports that he bore a remarkably swaggering and triumphant aspect', and they are afraid that 'that Hebrew has been brewing some ill for his step-native land!'

Says she was glad to receive his letter the previous night, and knew nothing beyond the fact that he and Nora were at Rugby. States that she would have joined their 'happy quartette' if she had been feeling better. Refers to Dr Andrew Clark's treatment, which she has begun. Reports having given up cocoa, and having changed her diet. Claims to be much more comfortable as regards her teeth, and hopes that she will not have to see Mr Rogers again for some time. Reports that she had a very pleasant letter from Charlotte [Sidgwick?], who seemed to have enjoyed Henry and Nora's visit. Refers to their imminent marriage, and suggests that he might like her to be there. States that Lucy Sidgwick has asked her if she will stay there all the time, but that she 'could only thank her and leave it uncertain.'

Reports that William has not been well, and that this has made him anxious to get away from Guernsey, but that the Head Master there depends on him, and has been unable to get a substitute. Refers to Isabel's last letter, in which she expresses the hope to be back by May. Asks Henry to accept the watch and chain [not included],and states that she will think of something else that he will like quite as well. Adds that there is his Uncle Lace's ten pounds and five pounds from his Uncle Robert, which he wishes her to help him in spending. Reports that he wrote very kindly about Henry's marriage.

Says that she would like to be 'an old Rugbeian on Sunday evening, to see that kind, good face, and hear those delightful harsh tones....' Relates that Mrs Talbot of Keble is very friendly with Ada [Benson], and that when Mrs [Agnes?] Wickham was staying with her 'she called upon Ada and told her everything delightful of Nora.' Reports that Mrs Vernon Harcourt came to see her the previous day and that 'she said she had often hear her sisters in law the Miss Harcourts speak of her as they lived in Carlton Gardens.' Refers to the fact that Oxford is 'going to keep' Professor Max Muller. Reports that Ada 'heard all the Discussions in [conversation] thro' Mr Bradley's kindness and then dined with the Max Mullers....' Adds that Mrs Muller is a great friend of Ada's. Expresses the wish that some professorship could be raised for 'poor William'.

Has just been with Nora, who has returned from Paris. The 'Secret [of their future marriage] may be now considered altogether public', as Nora has told all her relatives. Tells her that she may tell who she likes. They are going to Nora's brother-in-law's house in Essex [Terling Place, home of John William Strutt, 3rd Baron Rayleigh] the following day, and states that he will probably make that place his 'headquarters' until about 10 January. Will be in London on 4 January for a night, and probably another night in the same week. If his mother has to be in London after 10 January, she will find them all - Nora, Henry, Arthur and Charlotte Sidgwick, H.G. Dakyns and J.A. Symonds - there.

2, Cheyne Gardens, S.W. - Did not get Bessie's letter at Welcombe, but at Stocks, where she was from Saturday until returning to London, so she could not pass on her 'tender messages' to Caroline. Her cold was 'at its height' when Janet arrived last Wednesday; she 'nursed it in bed' and did not come downstairs to entertain the Sidgwicks [Arthur and Charlotte] until Friday morning; think the cold had gone by then but 'she looked white & drawn', knows Mrs Sidgwick was worried about her. Has had no news of her since they left on Saturday morning, but she was better then and intending to take some sun. She did not call in Dr Burt, and 'doctored herself in the most primitive way' with bed-rest and 'bread & milk'; Janet thinks she should try 'some form of "sour milk" now', which sometimes has a 'wonderful effect on old people', and Caroline has not been strong since her illness in the spring.

Wishes Bessie could see her children more often; she must come to stay with them at Stocks Cottage in May or June; meanwhile she is back in London in case Bessie is coming up for the day soon. The little photograph [of Julian] was 'very sweet, with Booa [Mary Prestwich] as the angel of benevolence'. They have not 'read about the Dowager Empress' and Janet's own history has not 'got on very well at Stocks, which [she always finds] a hopeless house for working in'.

Is in Cambridge again, 'reading in a lazy way, and taking a little real holiday.' Finds that he cannot take a holiday in London, as it is 'too exciting', and declares that he craves uniformity in his life. Is glad to hear from Dr Bateson and Mrs C. Bowen among others 'that everything went off charmingly at Rugby'. Reports that his hay fever 'has been wonderfully absent' that year. States that he wrote to Mrs Howell, and that he did not happen to find anyone who knew about Oban. Announces that he is going to London on the following Monday, and gives his address on Savile Row. Reports that everybody speaks to him in praise of Arthur's wife. Declares that he has been investigating Spiritualism, and asks if she is interested.

Refers to her last letter, which he was glad to get. Reports that he is living 'uneventfully and somewhat lazily' in Cambridge, trying to write something for a book that he is working on. Hopes to go to Rugby about 22 September. Is glad to hear that Isabel 'is getting on; thinks 'Nevil' a very good name for the new baby [Isabel and William Sidgwick's son]. Asks her to tell him something about 'Arthur's young lady [Charlotte Sophia Wilson]'.

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.

Announces that he has written to Barrett 'in the sense that [Myers'] letter indicates', but stresses that he did so reluctantly as he deems it very improper to dictate from a distance what ought to be done in the matter.

Reports that he is still having some health problems. States that they expect his brother Arthur and the latter's wife to arrive there [in Florence] that evening. Anticipates that they [Henry and Nora] will go away, either with Arthur and his wife, or by themselves 'about the end of the week and get to Livorno a day or two after'. Asks Myers to send him a statement of the position of Corresponding Members, and states that he will ask Ferri to become a member himself. Refers to Myers' brother [Ernest]'s marriage.

Asks him to propose Gerald Balfour on his behalf as a member of the Society for Psychical Research, and to second him. Claims that he is the 'only "Hegelian" ' whom Sidgwick has found in sympathy with the Society. Discusses Balfour in relation to his 'system' and his philosophy, and adds that he sends Myers his 'kind remembrances' from Florence, where he lives. States that his book [Principles of Political Economy] is due out at Easter, and claims that he and Nora are very interested to hear of Myers' book, 'and wonder what the series is'. Sends on Nora's love to Myers' wife.

Wwould have written before, but was expecting to hear from her about her impression of Dr Andrew Clark and of the success of his treatment. Hopes that the last arrangements of Mr Rogers are answering. Has been at Rugby with Arthur and Charlotte, and Nora has been staying there too for a week; believes that Nora gets on well with Charlotte. His and Nora's plans are still quite uncertain: they do not know whether Arthur Balfour is coming home immediately or not, but believe that he is, and until he comes Nora does not like to settle absolutely the time of their wedding.

Asks whether she has heard from William: Charlotte says he has 'quite fixed to come back to Oxford at Easter'. It has been hinted to him that some of his friends are thinking of giving him a watch and chain; mentions this because she said she was saving up his birthday presents for one. Suggests that she should 'divert them to some other object', but offers to intimate to his friends 'that Destiny has already a Watch in store for [him].' Announces that the Bishop of Exeter [Frederick Temple] is coming to dine with him that evening; he is preaching at St Mary's, and 'all the old Rugbeians are coming in afterwards to see him'.

Expresses her delight at receiving word from Henry, and at knowing that he is not ill. Explains that she came to Budleigh Salterton to be with Miss Temple 'who has been poorly for many weeks'. The latter was disappointed that she could not go to Rugby for the Speech Day with her brother and nieces. Reports that William wrote to say that he was glad she was coming and thought 'that it was imprudent not to compress the business of moving into as short a space of time as possible'. States that she reached Exeter on 27 June with Katie and Agnes Temple, and came to Budleigh Salterton having spent two nights at the Palace, to which she returns on Saturday. Hopes to be at Rugby again the following week. Describes the scenery and the beneficial effects of the sea air.

Reports that she left Arthur and Charlotte well, and that Mr Whitel[ ]d 'is so poorly in a sort of low fever, as to be quite unequal to his work'. Adds that Mr J. Wilson's brother Charles 'is come to do what he can to help'. Reports that Mr Phillpotts has been away 'owing to the illnes of his eldest boy who is away from Rugby', suffering from some kind of fever also. States that Miss Temple read her 'part of a letter to the Bishop [her brother Frederick] from a clergyman of the name of Hawkins', who asked the Bishop's opinion on the subject of spiritualism, and promising to send him some 'Photographs of "Incarnate Spirits"' Adds that she has not seen the Bishop since, but hopes to ask him about the matter when she returns to Exeter. States that she talked to Mr George Woodhouse on the subject, and expresses her own interest in it.

Reports that Isabel's brother Reginald Thompson 'is lately married to a Miss de Morgan a daughter of the Mrs de Morgan who is a great spiritualist. Refers to Professor Clifton, who told Isabel and her 'some wonderful stories told him by the elder [Mr] de Morgan now dead.'

Relates that Minnie has been suffering from toothache, and that Edward is in full residence, and that they will not move away from Lincoln until the end of September or beginning of October. Adds that their boys, Martin and Arthur, are going for scholarship at Winchester and Eton respectively, about 21 July. Remarks that she thinks that 'C[harlotte] S[ophia] S[idgwick] is a great favourite with all who know her', and doesn't believe that Arthur 'will find any great defects of which he was not aware - such as want of higher culture etc.' Adds that she has 'a sweet gentle temper', which is 'very winning.' Is anxious to hear from Henry, and is glad that he wrote to Mrs [ ]well, from whom she has not heard since.

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'.

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.

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.

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'.

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.