CHAPTER XIII. 



THE CLOSE. 



IN May 1867, though his cough continued unabated, he 

 undertook a journey to London, and two journeys to and 

 from Cambridge, with the view of choosing a College for 

 his son George, who accompanied him. It was a more 

 than usually cold and ungenial May, little likely to 

 benefit the health of an invalid. On returning to Scot- 

 land in June, instead of retreating at once to the shelter 

 of Pitlochrie, he made a detour by St. Andrews for pur- 

 poses of business, and in doing so met with one of those 

 bleak north-easters which St. Andrews alone can blow 

 in June. 



Summer and early autumn passed at Pitlochrie with 

 not only no improvement, but with a gradual decline of 

 strength. A winter abroad was recommended by the 

 physicians on whom he relied. Towards the end of 

 September the Principal left his home at Pitlochrie, 

 passed through Edinburgh, where he halted for a day 

 or two, and thence set out with Mrs. Forbes and his 

 three daughters for Cannes. 



To E. C. BATTEN, ESQ. 



' VILLA JOSEPHA, CANNES, FRANCE, 

 October 29th, 1867. 



* ... As I am tired of the labour and expense of 

 moving, it is probable that we shall remain here, unless 

 driven to Mentone or San Remo by the spring winds. I 



