1892 CREATED A PRIVY COUNCILLOR 249 



I have always been dead against orders of merit and 

 the like, but I think that men of letters and science who 

 have been of use to the nation (Lord knows if I have) may 

 fairly be ranked among its nominal or actual councillors. 



As for yourself, it is only one more kindness on the top 

 of a heap so big I shall say nothing about it. 



Mrs. Right Honourable sends her love to you both, and 

 promises not to be proud. — Ever yours very faithfully, 



T. H. Huxley. 



Cors-y-Gedol Hotel, Barmouth, 

 Aiig. 20, 1892. 



My dear Donnelly — I began to think that Lord 

 Salisbury had thought better of it — (I should not have 

 been surprised at all if he had) and was going to leave me 

 a P.P.C. instead of a P.O. when the announcement appeared 

 yesterday. 



This morning, however, I received his own letter (dated 

 the 16th), which had been following me about. A very 

 nice letter it is too — he does the thing handsomely while 

 he is about it. 



Well, I think the thing is good for science ; I am not 

 such a self humbug as to pretend that my vanity is not 

 pleasantly tickled ; but I do not think there is any aspect 

 of the affair more pleasant to me, than the evidence it 

 affords of the strength of our old friendship. Because 

 with all respect for my noble friends, deuce a one would 

 ever have thought of it, unless you had not only put 

 it — but rubbed it— into their heads. 



I have not forgotten that private and confidential 

 document that you were so disgusted to find had been 

 delivered to me ! You have tried it on before — so don't 

 deny it. 



But bless my soul, how profound is old Cole's remark 

 about the humour of public affairs. To think of a Con- 

 servative Government — pride of the Church — going out 

 of its way to honour one not only of the wicked, but of 



