Wallington, Cambo, Morpeth. - Has arranged to go abroad early next month with [Lascelles] Abercrombie, his wife [Catherine], and [William] Arnold-Forster, 'the son of [Balfour's] War-minister'. They have been offered the Kerr Lawsons' house at Corbignano, and will probably go there, though he wishes they could find somewhere higher in the hills, either at or near Fiesole. Seems that Mr [Edward Strachan] Morgan cannot let Monte Fiano at the moment; this would have been perfect as 'Forster wants to paint the Arno valley from above' and there are splendid views there, but perhaps there is another house to let in the neighbourhood, or pension 'not too dear, nor too uncomfortable'. Very kind of the Kerr Lawsons to offer, but it is a way from the top of the hills; asks Benn to let them know if he knows of an alternative. Abercrombie says he had a 'very interesting letter' from Benn about his "[Sale of ] St Thomas", and seemed 'very pleased' by Benn's remarks.
Thanks her for letting him see 'these most interesting proofs' [of Nora and Arthur Sidgwick's memorial of Henry Sidgwick], and states that he quite understands that she will have to shorten the draft. Refers to some 'scraps' written to [Henry Graham] Dakyns, which are 'not worthy of insertion'. In answer to questions she had put to him, claims that he cannot remember the exact date of a letter about 'In Memoriam'; that the reference to Wilfrid Ward is to an article on his [Tennyson's] father; and that the reference to Leslie Stephen is to 'an attack of his on the Idylls of the King'. Suggests 'Tod' might refer to [Alpheus] Todd's Parliamentary Government in the British Colonies. Refers to notes in his father's autobiography - Memoir of Alfred Lord Tennyson - in relation to the interpretation of a letter. Adds that he hopes that Nora's brother - Arthur Balfour - 'will s[ ] Parliament soon - for the feeling of unrest [ ] to Arnold-Forster and Co is becoming rampant.' Sends his wife's kindest remembrances.