The letter is date-stamped 28 June 1902. Ruth Derham explains the context:

"On 1 May 1902 Frank introduced his first divorce reform bill to the Lords - the full text of which can be found here: Hansard HL Deb 01 May 1902 vol.107 cc.389-409.

"In it, he referred to the fact that nine tenths of the population were effectively excluded by the system - despite the provision for paupers (free counsel) - due to other hidden costs, such as travelling to London and bringing witnesses and housing them for the duration. He estimated that the average cost of an undefended divorce case was then £50-£150 and considerably higher for defended cases and proposed in his bill to introduce county court jurisdiction over cases with an income of £500 p.a. or less.

"His speech was, of course, very badly received by the house, as one would imagine. My favourite quote from the papers was that the Lord Chancellor's face 'betokened storm' as Frank spoke - Mollie watching from the gallery - and that when he stood to make his customary response the ‘bellicose little Lord Chancellor did not mince his words’! He accused Frank of insulting the house with his outrageous ideas and recommended the bill be rejected out of hand, which it was. Interestingly though, as time went on, it was this part of Frank's policy that was regarded as being sensible and of value and was implemented - from 1920 paupers and some undefended cases could be heard at local Assizes."