Item 31 - Letter from M.G. Fawcett to Nora Sidgwick

1 doc

Relates that the previous day she saw Lady Frances [Balfour], who told her of Nora's 'great sorrow' [Henry Sidgwick's illness]. Expresses her sympathy with her, and remarks that of course she and Henry and their families came before 'the work he has spent his life for'. Refers to the permanent good he has accomplished in his life up to now, and claims that he has 'put the whole of women's education at Cambridge on a firm and lasting basis', and although the work is not completed he has, with Nora's help, 'planned it and guided it on lines where it will develop in the right way'. Claims that no one 'without his great position at Cambridge as a scholar and philosopher could have done for [them] what he did.' Remarks that he did for women's education what Mill did in politics. Mentions the fact that Nora is going to London, and offers to help her in any way. Assures her that she and Agnes 'would be only too thankful'. Invites her to come 'for rest', and suggests that she [Fawcett] might go to see Nora.