it from yourself not long
after. I shall like to hear a word about my old France, dear to me from
childish associations, and in particular of the Loire, endeared to me by
Sevigne; for I never saw the glimmer of its waters myself. . . .

It seems to me (but I believe it seems so every year) that our trees keep
their leaves very long; I suppose, because of no severe frosts or winds
up to this time. And my garden still shows some Geranium, Salvia,
Nasturtium, Great Convolvulus, and that grand African Marigold whose
Colour is so comfortable to us Spanish-like Paddies. I have also a dear
Oleander which even now has a score of blossoms on it, and touches the
top of my little Green-house; having been sent me when 'haut comme ca,'
as Marquis Somebody used to say in the days of Louis XIV. Don't you love
the Oleander? So clean in its leaves and stem, as so beautiful in its
flower; loving to stand in water which it drinks up so fast. I rather
worship mine.

_To W. F. Pollock_.

WOODBRIDGE. _October_ 20/82.

MY DEAR POLLOCK,

Pray let me hear how you and yours are after your Summer Holyday. I have
been no further for mine than Aldeburgh, an hour's Rail distance from
here: there I got out boating, etc., and I think became the more hearty
in consequence: but my Bosom friend Bronchitis puts in a reminder every
now and then, and, I suppose, will come out of his Closet, or Chest, when
Winter sets in. . . .

When I was at Aldeburgh, Professor Fawcett . . . came to see Aldis Wright
who was with me there for a Day. When Wright was gone, the Professor
came to smoke a Pipe (in his case a Cigar) with me. What a brave,
unpretending Fellow! I should never have guessed that a notable man in
any way. 'Brave' too I say because of his cheerful Blindness; for which
I should never have forgiven my Father and his Gun. To see him stalking
along the Beach, regardless of Pebble and Boulder, though with some one
by his side to prevent his going quite to Sea! He was on the Eve of
starting for Scotland--to fish--in the dear Tweed, I think; though he
scarce seemed to know much of Sir Walter.

_To S. Laurence_.

LITTLEGRANGE, WOODBRIDGE.
_Nov._ 8/82.

MY DEAR LAURENCE,

It is long since I have heard from you: which means, long since I have
written to you. But do not impute this to as long forgetfulness on my
part. My days and years go on one so like another: I see and hear no new
thing or person; and to tell you that I go for a m