366 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. XV 



his troubles ; he writes in answer to a string of semi- 

 official inquiries from Sir J. Donnelly : 



HlGHCROFT HotTSE, MlLFORD, 

 GODALMING. 



SIR In reply to your letter of the 9th Aug. (666), I 

 have the honour to state 



1. That I am here. 



2. That I have (a) had all my teeth out ; (6) partially 

 sprained my right thumb ; (c) am very hot ; (d) 

 can't smoke with comfort ; whence I may leave 

 even official intelligence to construct an answer to 

 your second inquiry. 



3. Your third question is already answered under 2a. 

 Not writing might he accounted for hy 26, hut 

 unfortunately the sprain is not had enough and 

 " laziness, sheer laziness " is the proper answer. 



I am prepared to take a solemn affidavit that I told 

 you and Macgregor where I was coming many times, and 

 moreover that I distinctly formed the intention of leav- 

 ing my address in writing according to those official 

 instructions which I always fulfil. 



If the intention was not carried out, its blood be 

 upon its own head I wash my hands of it, as Pilate did. 



4. As to the question whether I want my letters I 

 can sincerely declare that I don't would in fact 

 much rather not see them. But I suppose for all 

 that they had better be sent 



6. I hope Macgregor's question is not a hard one 

 spoon-meat does not carry you beyond words of one 

 syllable. 



On Friday I signalised my last dinner for the next 

 three weeks by going to meet the G.O.M. I sat next him, 

 and he was as lively as a bird. 



Very sorry to hear about your house. You will have 

 to set up a van with a brass knocker and anchor on our 

 common. Ever yours, T. H. HUXLEY. 



