22 November 1886 – 28 November 1886

To Aldworth. Tennyson spoke gloomily (as usual) about the future of England — war, etc, I said, ' We could escape from nearly all chance of War by a bold and honest step.' ' How .^ ' asked T. ' Step out of India.' T. — ' That would be ruin.' W. A. — ' Not at all. Bind Australia and Canada to you — your own people : India you never can.' T. — ' We are doing everything possible for them in India, and they roar and rage against us.' W. A. — ' Just so, and will be your destruction at last' I tell him I have written a ballad on the ' Banshee.' T. — ' I intend to write one. I have always been much struck with the " Banshee." ' W. A. — ' I must take care to get out before you ! ' Christmas Day, sunshine, 89° in the sun.