radiant with good
wishes, poured in. Also, by hands unknown, the hall at night was
decorated; and after 'Boots at the Holly Tree Inn' the audience rose,
great people and all, standing and cheering until I went back to the
table and made them a little speech."

He wrote home constantly, giving frequent commissions for improvements at
"Gad's Hill," to be made before his return. He was much impressed on his
second visit, as on his first, I remember, with the beauty of the
American women. "The ladies are remarkably handsome," he wrote.

[Picture: The Empty Chair]

In the autumn of 1869 he began a series of farewell readings, which were
another heavy tax upon his health and strength. During his tour at this
time he writes to Mr. Forster after some rather alarming symptoms had
developed: "I told Beard, a year after the Staplehurst accident, that I
was certain that my heart had been fluttered and wanted a little helping.
This the stethoscope confirmed; and considering the immense exertion I am
undergoing, and the constant jarring of express trains, the case seems to
me quite intelligible. Don't say anything in the 'Gad's' direction about
my being a little out of sorts. I have broached the matter, of course,
but very lightly."

But even such warning as this failed to make him realize how much less
was his strength, and with indomitable courage and spirit he continued
his tour. The trouble in his feet increased, and his sufferings from
this cause were very great. It became necessary at one time for him to
have a physician in attendance upon him at every reading. But in spite
of his perseverance, he became so ill that the readings had to be
stopped.

CHAPTER VI.

Last words spoken in public.--A railroad accident in 1865.--At home after
his American visit.--"Improvements" at "Gad's Hill."--At "Gad's Hill"
once more.--The closing days of his life.--Burial at Westminster.

My father gave his last reading in St. James' Hall, London, on the
fifteenth of March. The programme included "The Christmas Carol" and the
"Trial" from "Pickwick." The hall was packed by an enormous audience,
and he was greeted with all the warmth which the personal affection felt
for the reader inspired. We all felt very anxious for him, fearing that
the excitement and emotion which must attend upon his public farewell
would have a bad effect upon him. But it had no immediate result, at any
rate, much to our