CHAPTER XVI. 

 WINTER IN THE RIVIERA. 



1878-1879. Age 57-5^- 



It is evident that by 1878 Mr. Youmans's vital 

 power had been diminished far more than I realized 

 at the time. He was not wont to complain or to talk 

 much about his ailments, and that glorious vigour of 

 emphasis which was the outcome of his whole-souled 

 enthusiasm never flagged. It was difficult to asso- 

 ciate such a voice and such energy with anything short 

 of giant strength. I remember once mentioning to 

 Mr. Spencer that I had lately found Youmans in fine 

 condition ; but when Spencer, in his next letter, reported 

 this to Youmans with congratulations, our friend tersely 

 replied, " If Fiske thought I was well it was because 

 he mistook noise for health." 



It was in the autumn of 1878 that I first noticed in 

 that face, usually so bright and beaming, a weary and 

 haggard look which gave me some anxiety. Too 

 many labours and cares, prolonged with little or no 

 respite, were doing their work. This led Spencer to 

 insist upon Youmans joining him in a vacation journey 

 in the south of France. How they fared will appear 

 in the course of the following correspondence : 



38 Queen's Gardens, Bayswater, London, July 22, 1878. 

 My dear Youmans : I have seen a good deal of Prof. 

 Marsh while he has been over here, and had the opportunity 



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