HIGHER EDUCATION OF WOMEN 57 



to follow the general adoption of such a plan : " If other 

 people would do the like, the next generation would see 

 women fit to be the companions of men in all their pur- 

 suits — though I don't think men have anything to fear 

 from their competition." The letter concludes by 

 strongly doubting whether such an educational advance 

 would find general favour (Life, i, pp. 211-12). 



Unfortunately the year was not to pass without deep 

 personal sorrow, for on September 15, Huxley's first- 

 born son died very suddenly from scarlet fever. The 

 birth of a second son later in the year afforded some 

 consolation, nor was there wanting the sympathy of as 

 staunch friends as any man ever had. 



In a long and candid letter, in answer to one received 

 from Charles Kingsley, we find the principles of agnostic 

 philosophy fully set forth, and a statement of entire belief 

 in the absolute justice of Nature. 



