^T. 72.] TO R. W. CHURCH. 737 



Well, hard upon six weeks ago, I managed to break 

 the top of my right shoulder-blade. It was done 

 by a bit of carelessness, not to say foolhardiness, by 

 continuing to do at seventy-two what I have done in 

 former years, relying too much on my quickness and 

 sureness of foot in stepping off a horse-car (anglice, 

 tram) when in motion. In the darkness I supposed 

 it had slowed up, which in fact it had not, and so a bad 

 fall. Well, the bone is thought to be well mended, 

 and I use the arm for certain purposes almost as well 

 as ever, but cannot yet get my clothes on and off 

 without assistance. My wife, as you will believe, has 

 been a capital nurse, and she credits me with a most 

 unexpected amount of patience. . . . 



But if you don't come soon I shall despair of you. 

 And Gladstone, I know, will be tempting you ; but I 

 doubt if you will budge, except he would place you in 

 more sunny quarters than the Deanery, a place 

 which corporeally I know is not at all good for you, 

 nor for Mrs. Church. 



I read that you have preached a sermon in commem- 

 oration of Dr. Pusey, at Oxford, which I hope you 

 will print, and I count on receiving a copy. I prize 

 very much a copy of a discourse by Dr. Pusey, given 

 me through Acland when we were there a year and a 

 quarter ago, addressed to me in a very flattering way. 



By the telegraph we learn you are having a very 

 severe snowstorm, attended with suffering. We are 

 now having our sixth of this winter ; but we do not 

 mind it. 



I rejoice with you at Gladstone's success. He and 

 Dufferin have earned laurels. Let us hope he will 

 hold out several years yet, and continue at the helm. 

 But how cordially he is hated ! 



