!34 LIFE OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. VI. 



A fortnight later, additional gloom is. added to the scene 

 by a return of inflammation in George's left eye. Mary 

 reports that, " though still a prisoner to bed, a very slight 

 improvement is visible in the foot. He is doomed to a 

 dark room, and Jessie spends every leisure minute reading 

 aloud to him. Alison's ' History of Europe,' and Madame 

 Junot's * Memoirs,' are the books at present in use. I 

 should have added to my account of the invalid life, that 

 George is ordered to the country as soon as he can bear 

 removal." 



Written at such a time, the following letters may serve to 

 illustrate the genial kindliness of his nature : 



"Monday, June 27, 1842. 



" MY DEAR JAMES, I have not looked out at the window 

 for five weeks, so of the outer world I can tell you nothing, 

 and my inner world is not worth the looking into. I am to 

 be shipped ofT to the country, Newhaven or Seafield, as 

 soon as I can bear removal, and then I shall hope to see 

 yourself among us. John Cairns has been most kind, has 

 called t\yice a week, and brought me books, and in every 

 way contributed more to my comfort than any other of my 

 friends. His friendship is a debt I owe to you, and I give 

 you a mountain-load of thanks for it. He was with us last 

 night, and had been called on while absent by some indi- 

 vidual, whom he supposed to be you. Have you been 

 somnambulizing, or making spiritual progressions along the 

 railway the body being left behind for the sake of coolness 1 

 I did not think it could be you, but would not be positive. 

 Make a clean breast in your next.'' 



"292$ Jttne, 1842. 



" MY DEAR DANIEL, I was prevented writing to you last 

 night by S. Brown coming to spend the evening" with me. 



