358 THE LIFE OF JAMES D. FORBES. [CHAP. 



land is highly irritating. For instance in the Times, &c. 

 the professorial system is described and discussed as if it 

 existed nowhere but in Germany, 



' We had a most agreeable visit from Auguste Balmat.' 



To the Same. 



* CLIFTON, February, 1854. 



' . . . In all our trials, be they greater or less, 

 wrenching the memories of the past or embittering the 

 enjoyment of the present, let us strive to realize the 

 great blessings and comforts we have ; the conviction 

 surely an increasing one that a life of mere worldly 

 enjoyment does not conduce, as we imagine, to even 

 temporary happiness, and that the time is surely coming 

 when all these things will sink immeasurably in import- 

 ance in our eyes/ 



To the Same. 



(Written in pencil.) 



4 CLIFTON, April. 



' We have indeed been in much trouble, but are now 

 relieved and better. My disorder was pleurisy, quite 

 distinct from my old complaint. George has had severe 

 gastric fever. I could not ask you to come and see me for 

 more than half an hour. We sleep in the drawing-room. 

 These continued afflictions are heavy to bear. May we 

 learn to read their intention aright ! We have received 

 much kindness from persons we knew but little : but to 

 Dr. Symonds and the G. Fowlers, we are unspeakably 

 indebted. We are brightening now, and may yet see 

 better days if such be good for us/ 



In June 1854 Forbes' health was so far restored that 

 he was able to leave Clifton and return to Edinburgh. 

 'A few days after/ his journal records, 'Dr. Symonds 

 joined us, and we spent a happy week in his company 

 and that of other friends. His letters to me at that time 

 and after showed a depth and sincerity of attachment on 

 his part, of which I had previously no idea ; while acting 

 simply as a physician he concealed it/ 



