222 SIR WILLIAM FLOWER CHAP. 



is assured for five years, though, judging by past experience, there 

 is not much chance of our "building up a fund." Sir Edward 

 writes very kindly to me, strongly urging me not to think of 

 returning for the Trustees' meeting of the 27th of February, and 

 offering to take the business of the meeting himself. I must 

 wait a little before I can decide. Of course, I very much want 

 to be back, and yet, on the other hand, I am not getting on quite 

 so fast as I hoped. 



It is pleasant, though rather pathetic, to note 

 how frequently in those last letters he wishes that 

 he could be back in his beloved Museum, if only 

 for a few hours : 



I wish that I were going home, and was able to walk into the 

 Museum, but I am afraid it will require this other month (March 

 1897) before it will be safe to do so; and then I shall have to 

 begin by degrees before falling into my regular work. 



And again : 



I often wish to know something of all that is being said and 

 done in the Museum, but I find it necessary for my peace of 

 mind and health to think as little as possible of it at present. 



I suppose you have been able to pay for the pedestal [of the 

 Owen statue] this year? [The sculptor] will want the rest of 

 his money, but until I can get at work winding up the accounts, 

 which I must do soon after my return, I cannot say exactly what 

 it will be. Should he say anything about wishing payment I 

 could send him a cheque from my own bank, though it may 

 make a little confusion. 



Artists who are kept waiting for payment for work 

 done will appreciate this last considerate offer. 



In February 1898, though able to go to the 

 Museum, he was evidently very unwell : 



I had a good day at the Museum yesterday (he says on 

 February 18), but stayed too long in the Entomological and 



