398 ILLNESS. [1896. 



watched for any untoward symptom, and his visit was 

 eagerly looked forward to as the event of the day. 

 The tedium of the sick-bed was also lightened by the 

 frequent sight of near and dear relatives : his sister 

 Eliza (Mrs Tomkins) was constant in her visits, as was 

 his attached niece Annie l (daughter of Mrs Thurburn), 

 while his sister, Emily Prestwich, had throughout 

 his illness remained in the house. There was never 

 a morning without, some letter of affectionate in- 

 quiry, the reading of which brought the shining 

 light into his eyes, none giving keener pleasure 

 than those from his friend Evans. Again and again 

 Sir Archibald Geikie sent long letters with accounts 

 of all that was passing in the geological world, to 

 every word of which he listened with delighted 

 interest. "No letter from Rupert to-day?" was 

 an inquiry often made, referring to his old friend, 

 Professor Rupert Jones. Then there were the letters 

 from Sir Henry Acland, expressing, as they ever did, 

 the old brotherly affection. From abroad, too, came 

 frequent inquiries, for the news of his illness had 

 spread. It is not too much to say that these proofs of 

 affectionate interest coming constantly, as they did, 

 were a solace and comfort to the frail invalid : they 

 made him remember that he held a place in many 

 hearts. It should be mentioned, too, that letters from 

 Mrs Etheridge invariably cheered him : they always 

 brought brightness to him, telling perhaps of a step 

 forward made by some other invalid, something to 

 think of and look forward to. Then there were the 

 little visits from Mr Bullen, who occasionally brought 

 a newly found flint implement in his pocket, and when 

 it was a sight to see the flash and eager look of delight 



1 Wife of General Wm. Percival Tomkins, RE., C.I.E. 



