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8, Grosvenor Crescent, S. W. - Saw [Edward] Chandos Leigh recently, 'a sad wreck after some terrible medical experiences'; he is old enough 'to have played against Winchester at Lords, when the Winchester eleven wore tall white beaver hats!', and spoke in a most friendly way about Robert. The "Manchester Guardian" praises "Winter", by C[harles] Shannon, at the Academy; does not know whether it is he who is Robert's 'principal friend' or J. J. Shannon. Had a 'famous' lunch at the Courtneys' on Saturday: Lord Courtney, Henry James, Lord Welby and himself, as well as 'the grand figure of old Lady Airlie'. Caroline looked 'quite juvenile', as she always does to him. The Sargent portrait of Henry James is 'very fine indeed'. They look forward to seeing Elizabeth.

Asks if she could take him in for a night, as he is having his portrait painted on the following Thursday and Friday. States that he likes his artist [James Jebusa Shannon?], and claims to find the process of being painted 'much more reposeful and agreeable' than he had imagined.

Reports that he and Nora have come to London for some days, and that various meetings will occupy them both until the following Thursday. Suggests that they might go to lunch [with Minnie and family] on the following day, 'or Thursday or to tea on Wednesday, or...any time after Thursday.' Announces that the following week he shall be busy - having his portrait painted [by J. J. Shannon], and finishing his book. Claims to be much interested in a general way in Edward's Trial [of Edward King, bishop of Lincoln, accused of ritualism] but admits that he hasn't yet had time to read the arguments.

Writes in relation to the predicament of the Vicar of St Luke's in Chesterton [George Hale], who is in the process of trying to persuade the Ecclesiastical Commissioners to give a Population Grant to his district parish. Its members, comprising mainly of College servants and small tradesmen, have increased, resulting in the need for financial assistance. States that the case is briefly stated in the enclosed paper [not included], and more fully in a pamphlet that he himself has read. Believes that the Commisioners could relax the rule that prevents them from giving a grant, and that, in doing so, no dangerous precedent would be set; rather a 'substantial justice' would be done. Asks him to tell Minnie that he has news of Psychical Research to impart to her when they meet, and that Nora has been having her portrait painted by an artist named Shannon, 'who is believed to be "on the rise" '.