Additional Manuscripts c

In relation to Easter, states that his plans are uncertain. Is glad that she is interested in Lecky. Gives his thoughts on reading and thinking; believes that 'it is not so easy as people think to choose reading that really sets the mind to work and makes it grow.' Remarks that Mary has not written to him lately, and that they have 'in a sort of way dropped out of correspondence'. Claims that it was not he who objects to gossip; asserts that he has always maintained that 'it was the only way most people [had] of exercising their minds really, originally, on moral and social questions'. Claims to be interested in the Ritchies; wishes that his mother could see them 'and ascertain whether the interest is due to [his] very limited acquaintance with [feminine] human nature.' Asks what she thinks of Mrs Gretton; thinks that she must be livelier than most Rugby people, but that 'she is to be taken "cum grano" '. Reports that Macmillan won't say who wrote 'Ecce Homo', but has promised sometime to ask twenty people to dinner including HS and the author. Reports that Gladstone wrote to Macmillan 'a letter acknowledging a [presented] copy and calling it a "noble book".' Relates that some of the younger men, including Myers, are 'tremendously stirred by it', but that HS is 'not quite in the same way', and quotes Carlyle. Claims that the author tries to credit what is to his readers incredible. Expresses surprise at Mrs Gretton preferring the eldest Miss Ritchie, and declares that he does also, although he does not think most people would. Refers also the second Miss Ritchie, 'Cornish's betrothed', as 'more unworldly perhaps.' Declares that when he comes across girls who interest him he uses his opportunities with considerable eagerness, 'because they are necessarily so few.'