Pièce 204 - Letter from Mary Sidgwick to Henry Sidgwick

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Thanks him for his letter from Antwerp, which delighted her with its 'cheerful happy tone'. Refers to the letters that have arrived for him; one from Reginald Hanson, asking Henry if he could read with him the following term; one from Mr Bradley, asking Henry's opinion on Dakyns as a possible [headmaster] for his lower school; one from Miss Attersoll, thanking him for the wedding cards. Reports that she received a letter from Minnie and Edward, who are travelling in Europe. They had a very calm passage to Boulogne, passed through Amiens and Paris, and were moving on to Rheims towards the end of the previous week. Believes that they are now making their way to Lucerne. Lists the other location where they intend to be in the coming weeks, with the dates.

Reports that only herself and Matilda [Sidgwick?] are all that remain of their 'large party'. States that Matilda, who was in bed all Saturday from exhaustion, is to stay with her until the following Thursday or Friday. States that she has heard nothing of letting her house. Claims that she should prefer staying the year [at Rugby] to going anywhere else, if it were not for the expenses. Reports that Fanny Green left her that day, 'after employing herself most diligently in collecting + packing in a beautiful style, all dear Minnie's things - 9 large cases left for Wellington College [that day].' Discusses her feelings in relation to Minnie's departure. Remarks that as each of her children seem to be taking their place in the world, she can 'the more calmly contemplate [her] removal from it.' Relates that the previous day she, Fanny Green and Matilda heard the new curate preach.

Expects only news of Henry's arrival in Dresden 'and that all is [ ] and quiet there', as she knows how busy he will be. Asks him to give her kindest regards to Mr and Mrs [Henry and Fanny] Dale when he sees them, and tells him to let them hear about the wedding. Claims that she treasures up all that he tells her about foreign manners and customs. Expects to see William and Arthur on the following Wednesday or Thursday, and announces that the following day they are going to Keswick for three weeks, and that Elizabeth 'will follow [them] when she has made all comfortable at home', and will pay visits with her in Yorkshire. Reports that they have good weather in Rugby. Remarks that the house seems very quiet since the previous Monday. Tells him not to overwork himself, nor to sit up late, and to take plenty of air, rest and refreshment. Sends Matilda's love.