Worried about interfering with Francesca; her recent drawings not worthy of her; teases Joan, Clemmie, whole household. 1s. (2p.)

Misc. advice; is beginning to win over Clemmie a little; very active. 1s. (2p.)

Misc. remarks; advice on drawing. 1s. (2p.)

(part of page 1 missing)

Working hard; Praeterita coming well. 1s. (1p.)

(page 1 missing)

Has been reading "Catina" [a story by Francesca] to his "little woodgirl"; finds much help in it; will work on it and "Polisscena" and probably bring both out by Christmas; has sent "Catina" to his God-mother to copy. 1s. (2p.)

Re his loneliness etc.; misses Joan; his chief pleasure working on plans for village school, but that takes much of his time away from writing, etc.

Enclosed: half a page from some other letter 2s. (4p.)

Mentions specifically many stories and characters that Francesca has written him. 1s. (2p.)

Encloses God-daughter's letter, expressing her enjoyment in copying Francesca's letters.

Enclosed letter from G.D. [Connie Oldham]; also letter from Ned [Burne-Jones] 4s. (13p.)

Letter enclosed, without comment, from Helen Gladstone, re drawings, November 21, 1886. 1s. (4p.)

Likes to tease Mrs. Alexander and confide in her; mentions letter from Miss Gladstone (see Novmeber 25, 1886)

(page 2 missing) 1s. (2p.)

Misc. remarks on letters, stories, etc. 1s. (2p.)

Explains how he broke his nose; mentions Lou Stroke; discusses beauty of women, and misc. subjects. 1s. (4p.)

Expl. "Ned" is Burne-Jones; encloses a photograph from his drawing of Miss [Helen] Gladstone [missing]; has written preface to Polissena, and is working; is sending friends, Mr. and Mrs. T. M. Rooke, to call on Francesca, while in Florence, drawing etc. for him. 1s (3p.)

Mentions Burne-Jones; discusses the kind of church service he likes. 1s. (2p.)

Re his friends in Italy that visited the Alexander’s [The Rookes? See letter November 30]; will try to do as Mrs. Alexander bids; encloses copy of exercise he wrote for the "little shepardess"-- has no words; mentions "Isle of Skye"

Enclosed: Music, December 1, 1886.

Mostly re Isle of Skye: gives words etc., explains who Argie is; mentions Clemmie; mentions specific stories. 3s. (7p.)

Mentions "Ethel", the Rookes etc.; tells about New Years tea and afternoon drawing class with the shephardness, milkmaid et al, singing Christmas hymns. 1s. (3p.)

Sending proof to her for corrections of Italien etc.; mentions Polissena and specific details of other stories; health good, but works best without sleep; feels agitated from quarrel with ? [crossed out]; 10th Praeterita finished. 1s. (3p.)

Illness better; re what upsets him and makes him ill in general [very much crossed out--probably names.] 1s (2p.)

Re health etc.; tells of afternoon spent with 7-girl class... who played outside later; mentions Lily, Rooke, Newman; and 2nd Folk and & 10th Praeterita gone to printers for proof. 1s (2p.)

Feels guilty at his own discontent, but wants "a pet all his own'; ashamed at failure of "all my great plans" etc.; tells anecdote about his "girl class"; will send some letters from girls tomorrow. 1s. (3p.)