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Conduit Head - visit to London, death of Uncle Ernest [probably Ernest Crofts, artist]: Conduit Head

Claims that her days are busier as she has 'these two dear boys [Martin and Arthur Benson] still' with her, and they have 'small lessons daily.' Reports that Minnie is much better, and gives a description of her daily activities. Complains that William has not written to her since he was at Wellington College early in August. Reports that Arthur has written, and determines to go and see William if Arthur's letter brings no answer.

Is unsure as to whether she has written to Henry since returning from Leeds, and refers to 'that sorrow' [of her sister-in-law Ellen Croft's death]. States that Henry's Aunt Henrietta 'is with them now', and thinks that her present is a great comfort to his Uncle John and the children. Relates that a lady is being sought to take charge of his household, and that she has heard of 'an admirable Swiss Lady, with more than all the requisite qualifications....' Reports that William Crofts returns to Merton on the following Friday or Saturday, that Ernest will stay with his father until Christmas, and that Arthur is to live at home and 'go to business at once'.

Reports that Minnie has Miss Edwardes- 'a younger companion - staying with her. States that they have been expecting Dr Goulburn to preach for the Fox Memorial Sermon at Rugby the following day, but that he had a accident and is now confined to bed, and that Dr Temple has asked Edward instead. Reports that she has just had to send a very unfavourable report of Alfred Sidgwick's health to the Raikes, and his mother is to arrive that day. Relates that Mr Helm thinks he should go to some warm place for the winter. Expresses the wish that Henry might come to Rugby for a Sunday during term time. Adds that Trevelyan arrived at Rugby the day she came from Leeds and stayed nearly a week there. [Incomplete.]

Reports that Mrs A.H. Clough called on her that afternoon, and mentioned a proposed scheme for the furtherance of female education, which her sister-in-law, Miss Clough, is very anxious to carry out. She suggested that several schools in a large town could unite and be lectured to by a 'well-educated man from one of the Universities' on a given subject. She asked Mary Sidgwick to mention this scheme to William, having been told by Arthur that there was no such man available at Rugby. Announces that Miss Clough is to go down to Liverpool soon to make enquiries about the schools there.

Reports that Mrs Clough is staying at the Schoolhouse in Rugby, and that she enquired about William, and was anxious to know how Miss Brooks was received at Stone Gappe. Mary Sidgwick passed on news of her, which she had learnt from William Lace. Is glad to hear that William is 'better in spirits', and that his work is not too much for him. Reports that Mrs Acland informed her that Lady Brodie was sending her eldest daughter to the Miss Louis' school near London, to which Miss Cannan sent her 'little charge' Mary [ ]. Adds that one of the Moult[ ]'s 'musical cousins - a Miss Salt' has been giving lessons there....' Reports that Ernest Crofts has been staying at Rugby for a few days, and remarks that he seems really in earnest about his occupation. Reports that Arthur is very well, and that Mrs Symonds has been at Rugby for a few days. [Incomplete].

Claims to feel ashamed at not having written to him for so long. Reports that she has had a succession of friends, including Miss Attersoll, Mrs Plunkett, Henry's Aunt Henrietta, and Uncle William from Bedford, in Rugby for short visits, and these occupied a good deal of her time. Mrs Plunkett stayed on her way to Switzerland; her son Willoughby has got his commission and is gone to India with a regiment of the Royal Artillery. Announces that she expects Eleanor soon, and Henry's Aunt Ellen from Leeds on Saturday, and that the latter and his Aunt Henrietta go to Brighton on the following Tuesday.

Reports that Arthur is much busier than before, and so she sees less of him. Claims that she is now trying to 'get into regular ways of occupying' herself, and reports that she has her pupil for English twice a week, to whom she reads French. Remarks that all of her lady visitors 'rather shrink from discussing any of the many subjects which are interesting to intellectual people' and 'are content to express their fears as to where this "idolatry of intellect" will end.' Reports that she has heard from William, whose work, he claims, does not weigh on him. Remarks that Arthur 'looks quite strong'. States that no new master is yet appointed and Mr Phillips' brother is again at Rugby to help.

Assumes that Henry will be glad to hear of Mr H. Lee Warner's fellowship. Asks him to thank his Aunt Ellen for her letter, and to tell her how his mother should enjoy seeing all her 'north-country friends' again, but fears that it will not come to pass that year. Asks him also to send his love to his Aunt Henrietta, and thank her for her letter. Regrets that [William] Crofts cannot come back to the Schoolhouse for the quarter as the houses are very full. Tells him to tell Ellen also that she has 'a great dal to say to her about Welsh scenery', and that Ernest must go and sketch there some day.

Reports that she has found 'abundant occupation' at Wellington College. Remarks on Minnie's activities there, and refers to the baby [Margaret] also, a description of whom William accuses Mary of failing to give. Claims that she and Martin get on well. Reports that Edward appeared very well, but that he had a few cases of serious illness in the Sanatorium. Reports that the 'house question is revived'. States that Ada had returned to Wellington College about a week before she [Mary] left, and claims that it was 'scarcely long enough for [her] to penetrate that [ ] of increased reserve....'

Reports that Eleanor [Benson?] and the [Osleys] are at Florence now, and have spent some time in Venice. Adds that Mr [Osley]'s little boy had a serious accident at Strasbourg, but it now recovering, and that they suffered from sore throats at Venice. Reports that Mr G. Woodhouse and Emmeline and their children are at Budleigh Salterton for the winter, refers to an offer of a house in Madeira made to Woodhouse by some friends of Lord Brownl[ ]. Reports that Henry's Uncle John [Crofts] has just taken his second son Ernest to a school in Germany for two or three years, and that Alfred Sidgwick 'just escaped being classed with the 25 "unplaced" boys in the Rugby scholarship examination....' Refers to her 'poor sister [Elizabeth] Lace', of whom they have not yet had 'any really improved account.'

Announces that she goes home on 27 November, and that on 28 November William brings Mr Conington and Mr Ellis to spend Sunday with them at Rugby. Remarks that James T[ ] appears to like Wellington College much. Reports the many of Edward's 'rather grand neighbours', such as Lord Calthorpe and Lord Gilbert Kennedy, invited him to dinner, and that he 'got some amusement from what he said and heard, and was all the better for it. Remarks that she found Wellington College decidedly healthy in the autumn time. [Incomplete]