Item 205 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Expresses her happiness at receiving his last letter. Reports that she received a letter from Mr Dale, and that there was no mention of Henry in i; is glad that he is well, and is enjoying his German life, in spite of his hay fever. Claims to like the neighbourhood very much, and to enjoy the physical exertions in which she takes part. Reports that the previous day she, Elizabeth, Arthur and William 'went the Wat[ ] expedition; she and Arthur on ponies, while the others walked. Refers to the scenery and to the weather. States that they have had heavy rain for some hours, which obliged them to stay in doors. Reports that Arthur 'looks weak and unequal to much', and believes that he has given up the idea of walking in Switzerland. Expects to be at Shipton by the end of the month, and thinks that Arthur might also go to see some friends in that direction, while William prepares for his Swiss trip. Does not think that she will let her house at all now.

Reports that she had a very pleasant letter from Minnie and Edward, 'dated Bâle 5th July.' They had been to Rheims, and then had travelled via Strasbourg to Bâle, and were to be at Lucerne on Sunday 10 July, at Grindelwald on Sunday 17 July and the following Sunday at Cham[ ]. They are to be at Cormayeur on 31 July, and at Bourges on 7 August, and home before 12 August.

Likes the Wrights very much; Miss Wright gives her any help she wants in the little Botany she can do. She thought that William was willing to look at plants with her, but finds that he does not seem to care at all about it now that they are there. Describes their physical activities, and reports that William and Arthur have been up Skiddaw, and refers to the Buttermere excursion, in which she participated. Claims to feel better since going there [to Cumberland], and to be pleased with C[ ] Church too, but 'not so much with Bp Villiers of Carlisle who preached for the Clergy [Aid] Soc[iety]' the previous Sunday.

Reports that Elizabeth came to them on Saturday after she had settled matters at home and taken her niece to Wellington College; she 'had the pleasure of unpacking dear Minnie' boxes which [they] had sent and of hanging up some of her smart gowns in her wardrobe!' Remarks that it seems to her 'even yet very like a dream' that Minnie has left her, and she resolves never to think of it painfully, thought she admits that it is hard at times. Discusses her thoughts on how one should conduct oneself at the end of one's life. Reports that she has just been hearing from Miss Wright 'a touching account of that [sad] 29th Sept. 1857. when that [ ] accident happened to the Bernards, in which a little boy [James Henry George Bernard] was apparently killed. In the account refers to [Charles?] Tawney, Alexander Laurence 'and his [insensible] brother]', and also to Dr Bernard and his wife. Reports that the whole family have now left and are gone to live at Harrow. States that the Wrights 'had just heard that Charles Bernard and Sir Alexander Laurence have killed a tiger near Bombay, and have received much praise for the same.

Encloses a letter for Mr Dale [not included], which she wishes Henry to give to him. Asks him to write again before he leaves Dresden, and to tell her where he is going. Thinks that they shall leave Keswick on 28 July, and then on to [ ], [ ], Furness and R[ ], and shall get to the Raikes on Saturday 30 July. Informs him that after that letters may be directed to her [at the Wrights in Cumberland].