Pièce 180 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Thanks him for his last letter, which she found very interesting. Reports on the situation of the Horton family, who include six children and a sick father. Refers to three of the children - Alice, Frank and Lucy - and to their occupations and incomes, and to the fact that his father wishes Frank to be prepared for the Indian Civil Service 'as likely to afford the best maintenance for himself, and assistance to the family hereafter', but that his salary is not sufficient for this purpose. Refers also to the three younger children Rose, Marian and Fred. States that the family are getting into debt, and that that they could not pay for any portion of Fred's education, even if he were to get a scholarship, and that Mr Horton's chance of getting pupils has decreased since the appearance of Malvern College. Asks Henry's opinion on whether they should contribute to the boy's education, and suggests that the older son will also need some assistance when he leaves his present employment. Adds that the latter is known to the former headmaster of Christ's Hospital, Dr Jacob. Refers to Mr Horton's plans to move southward on account of his health, and his difficulty in finding pupils.

Reports that she received a letter from William, who wrote from Mentone, saying that he hoped to reach San Remo, Genoa, Florence and Rome in the following days and weeks. Refers to his enchantment with the country, and to his ascent of the Berceau and M[ont] Agel. Reports that he met Colonel and Mrs Ogilvie at Nice. Sends Minnie's best love to Henry, and her gratitude for his letter. Reports that she and Edward went to see Mr Cubitt at Denbies the previous Friday on their way from Brighton, when she [Mary Sidgwick] came to look after the children at Wellington College. Adds that Edward and Minnie also went to London for a few days. Announces that she intends to go home around 5 February, and suggests that Henry will be able to write to her there, and asks to be remembered to Mr Symonds if the letter reaches him at Clifton.