i90i.] MISS ORMEROD'S REMINISCENCES 315 



seldom of consequence, but this time my doctor told me 

 (after two or three days) that he did not remember excepting 

 from external circumstances that he ever knew such a great 

 breakage. So I was an absolute spectacle for some time, 

 but the sight is not at all injured, and the organ recovering 

 well, and I may write as much as I like. I now enclose six 

 more illustrations I think in their way they are all nice. 



January 27, 1901. 



As you kindly say that even more than a good report of 

 " Reminiscences" you would like to hear I am better, I am 

 truly thankful to say that I am quite as usual again, and my 

 eye recovered. There has been some sort of illness about 

 but I had it very lightly. I hope the very bad day for His 

 Majesty's Proclamation brought no serious harm to your- 

 self. An Edinburgh "inquirer" informed me that he 

 thought numbers of the spectators would catch their deaths 

 of cold. I was truly pleased to see that the King duly 

 promised to support "The Church of Scotland," a matter 

 I have more at heart than on my tongue here ! You will 

 value Her Majesty's approval of your "Indian Famine" 

 lecture more than ever now. I certainly should have liked 

 myself to have a tiny bit even of approval. 



" Reminiscences." This is just for your best leisure 

 (and pleasure) to advise me on, but I very much need 

 a good " paper talk " with you to start me on a reasonable 

 plan. I quite believe that in a fortnight or sooner I may 

 begin regularly. 



But now publisher ! Messrs. A - B - wrote me 

 that the book would be so sound it would be sure to com- 

 mand public approval and they would like to publish. Mr. 

 Newman wrote he thought I had best go to the top of the 

 tree, and suggested John Murray. I answered that in real 

 truth the very idea of applying to such a leading man made 

 me quite uneasy and yesterday he replied that as he 

 understood you were aiding me in the work, that my best 

 course would be to ask you whether when the time comes 

 you would act on my part with a publisher. I am sure he 

 is right I am as ignorant as a reasonable person can be of 

 how to " approach " a publisher, but, if I am not asking too 

 much, it would indeed be a relief to my mind if you think 

 fit to give me this help. 



If it is possible I certainly should much like to print with 

 Messrs. West, Newman & Co. Is it possible to have a part 

 of the book printed before beginning negotiations just to 

 show what it is like ? 



