The letters at which we have now arrived are those written during 1857.
The first is dated March, and I quote some passages from it to show the
Professor's own views as regards evening home preparation for boys who are
working at school during the day, because it seems to me that his opinion
in this matter should carry weight:--

"I much dislike a boy having _both_ his work at school and _then_ evening
work at home, when he is getting sleepy and ought to have relaxation. It
is the nuisance of day schools, and quite hurtful to study, if there is
nobody at home to answer questions. Besides, Harry" (this is Harry
Nicholson, mentioned two or three times in these letters as attending
University College School) "is so studious of himself that it is very much
to be desired that he should have time for _voluntary_ work. I regard this
as having been very beneficial to _me_ at school, where I never had work
enough set me to fill up half my time."

The letter which follows is dated April, and in it we find that "Harry"
had just returned home, and that his report had testified to his diligence
and progress. At the end of the letter comes this little touch as to some
of the schoolboy belongings which had been left behind in Professor
Newman's house. "Harry has left divers snail-shells fastened on
pasteboard. Perhaps he did not know how to carry them safely."

On 6th May mention of the owner of the snail-shells recurs again:--

"Mrs. Newman was rather disappointed at the unceremoniousness of my
parting with Harry. It seems like a dream his vanishing. I suppose she is
like Hecuba, grieved that she could not make the funeral of Hector. (I did
not even kiss Harry _by proxy_ for her!) Most gladly does she give him up