LETTERS FROM 1866 TO 1872. 71 



but little, which was a dreadful privation for 

 him. And he was most anxious lest he should 

 lose his post on the paper. 



Later on he tells the good news that 

 Mr. Piper will give him another fortnight so 

 that he may get a change of air and a visit to 

 Sydenham. 



He goes back to Swindon apparently 

 strengthened and in his former health and 

 energy. Besides his journal work he reports 

 himself engaged upon an " Essay on Instinct." 

 This is the first hint of his finding out his own 

 line, which, however, he would not really dis- 

 cover for a long time yet. 



" The country," he says, little thinking what 

 the country was going to do for him, "is very 

 quiet and monotonous. There is a sublime 

 sameness in Coate that reminds you of the 

 stars that rise and set regularly just as we go 

 to bed down here." 



His grandfather old Iden of (< Amaryllis " 

 died in April, 1868. 



He speaks in June of his own uncertain 

 prospects. 



" My father," he says, " will neither tell me 



