248 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, x 



mended." As usual, the epidemic was due to culpable 

 . negligence. In the construction of some drains, too 

 small a pipe was laid down. The sewage could not 

 escape, and flooded back in a low -lying part of 

 Kilburn. Diphtheria soon broke out close by. 

 While it was raging there, a St. John's Wood 

 dairyman running short of milk, sent for more to an 

 infected dairy in Kilburn. Every house which he 

 supplied that day with Kilburn milk was attacked 

 with diphtheria. 



But with relief from this heavy strain, his spirits 

 instantly revived, and he writes to Tyndall. 



4 MARYBOROUGH PLACE, 

 May 20, 1878. 



MY DEAR TYNDALL I wrote you a most downhearted 

 letter this morning about Madge, and not without reason. 

 But having been away four hours, I come home to find 

 a wonderful and blessed change. The fever has abated 

 and she is looking like herself. If she could only make 

 herself heard, I should have some sauciness. I see it in 

 her eyes. 



If you will be so kind as to kiss everybody you meet 

 on my account it will be a satisfaction to me. You may 

 begin with Mrs. Tyndall ! Ever yours, T. H. HUXLEY. 



Professor Marsh, with whom Huxley had stayed 

 at Yale College in 1876, paid his promised visit to 

 England immediately after this. 



4 MARLBOROUGH PLACE, N.W., 



June 24, 1878. (Evening). 



MY DEAR MARSH Welcome to England ! I am 

 delighted to hear of your arrival but the news has only 



