48 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, in 



neglect my proper business all yesterday evening and all 

 to-day. 



The section devoted to Irish affairs is a model of lucidity, 

 and bears on its face the stamp of justice and fair dealing. It 

 is a most worthy continuation of the chapter on the same sub- 

 ject in the first volume, and that is giving high praise. 



You see I write as if I knew something about the subject, 

 but you are responsible for creating the delusion. 



With kindest remembrances to Mrs. Lecky Ever yours 

 very faithfully, T. H. HUXLEY. 



A few weeks later, the murder of Lord Frederick 

 Cavendish sent a thrill of horror throughout England. 

 Huxley was as deeply moved as any, but wrote calmly of 

 the situation. 



To HIS ELDEST SON 



4 MARLBOROUGH PLACE, May 9, 1882. 



MY DEAR LEONARD Best thanks for your good wishes.* 

 Notwithstanding the disease of A.D., which always proves mor- 

 tal sooner or later, I am in excellent case. . . . 



I knew both Lord F. Cavendish and his wife and Mr. Burke. 

 I have never been able to get poor Lady Frederick out of my 

 head since the news arrived. 



The public mind has been more stirred than by anything 

 since the Indian Mutiny. But if the Government keep their 

 heads cool, great good may come out of the evil, horrible as it 

 is. The Fenians have reckoned on creating an irreparable breach 

 between England and Ireland. It should be our business to dis- 

 appoint them first and extirpate them afterwards. But the news- 

 paper writers make me sick, especially the Times. Ever your 

 affectionate father, T. H. HUXLEY. 



It is interesting, also, to see how he appeared about this 

 time to one of a younger generation, acute, indeed, and 

 discriminating, but predisposed by circumstances and up- 

 bringing to regard him at first with curiosity rather than 

 sympathy. For this account I am indebted to one who has 

 the habit, so laudable in good hands, of keeping a journal 

 of events and conversations. I have every confidence in the 

 substantial accuracy of so well trained a reporter. 



* For his birthday, May 4. 



