Item 50 - Letter from J. J. Lias to Nora Sidgwick

1 doc

Explains that he did not like to write to her earlier, when her great loss 'was in its first freshness', and when she was sure to be overwhelmed with letters of condolence. Recounts some memories he has of Henry from Cambridge in their undergraduate days, including sitting opposite him 'at Frost's' with whom he [Lias] read until he 'succumbed to an attack of nervous prostration.' Claims that 'none could forget him who once came under the spell of his sweet attractiveness.' Relates having surprised him one day by predicting that his brother-in-law would be Archbishop of Canterbury. States that they used to work together at the Ethical Society, where he had 'at once to admire his deep interest and ripe judgement in matters of morals, and his wide tolerance and deep sympathy.' Compares life to a school, where 'those who work well...will be promoted to another grade where there are things well worth the learning, and where [one's] opportunities of usefulness will be indefinitely augmented.' States that his wife joins him in sending expressions of sympathy 'for the loss of one of whom, as a distinguished member of her father's College [E. J. Mortlock attended Trinity] she has often heard.' Fears that the chances of their meeting are small, as he seldom comes to Cambridge. Regrets his loss of contact with his old undergraduate friends, male and female, whose acquaintance he made at St Edward's. Prays that God may give her comfort and peace during the remainder of her life on earth, and 'a happy reunion with the loved and lost hereafter.'