This all applies to Arthur just as much. He has read German
exclusively most of the time, and knows as well as I do that it is
not possible to work at home. If I could go on just as well as with
Mendelssohn ringing in my ears, it would be different, but I can't.
You remember how pleasant, but how very idle, last vacation was, and
especially the last six weeks of it!'

Then, after much about family matters, commissions, and little gifts
which he was collecting for all at home--

I should like to get something for everybody, but that is not
possible. Luckily, my lessons are less expensive than I expected,
and, considering the work, wonderfully cheap. I make good progress,
I can say; but the difficulty is great enough to discourage any but a
real "grinder" at such work. I have written a scrap for Father, and
you will see that I am working away pretty well. I have finished my
introductory book, consisting of forty-one fables; and though
difficulties present themselves always to really good scholars from
time to time, the Bible is not one of the hardest books, not so hard,
e.g. as the Koran. Now I can at any future time, if the opportunity
comes, go on with these things, and I hope find them really useful.
I know you like to hear what I am doing; but be sure to keep it all
quiet, let no one know but Father and Joan. You might carelessly
tell it to anyone in fun, and I don't wish it to be known.
Especially don't let any of the family know. Time enough if I live
out my Oxford year, and have really mastered the matter pretty well.
Remember this is taken up with a view to elucidate and explain what
is so very hard in Hebrew. Hebrew is to be the Hauptsache, this the
Hulfsmittel, or some day I hope one of several such helps. It is
very important to accustom one's mind to the Denk and Anschauungswerk