390 LIFE OF PKOFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, xvi 



We are very prudent here, and the climate suits us 

 both, especially my wife, who is so vigorous that I depute 

 her to go and see the Palazzi, and tell me all about them 

 when she comes back. Old Eome is endlessly interesting 

 to me, and I can always potter about and find occupation. 

 I think I shall turn antiquary it's just the occupation 

 for a decayed naturalist, though you need not tell the 

 Treasurer I say so. 



With our love to Mrs. Foster and yourself Ever 

 yours, T. H. H. 



HOTEL VICTORIA, ROME, VIA DEI DUE MACELLI, 

 Jan. 18, 1885. 



MY DEAR DONNELLY Official sentence of exile for two 

 months more (up to May 12) arrived yesterday. So if 

 my lords will be so kind as to concur I shall be able to 

 disport myself with a clear conscience. I hope their 

 lordships won't think that I am taking things too easy in 

 not making a regular application, and I will do so if you 

 think it better. But if it had rested with me I think I 

 should have got back in February and taken my chance. 

 That energetic woman that owns me, and Michael Foster, 

 however, have taken the game out of my hands, and I 

 have nothing to do but to submit. 



On the whole I feel it is wise. I shall have more 

 chance if I escape not only the cold but the bother of 

 London for a couple of months more. 



I was very bad a week ago, but I have taken to dosing 

 myself with quinine, and either that or something else 

 has given me a spurt for the last two days, so that I have 

 been more myself than any time since I left, and begin 

 to think that there is life in the old dog yet. If one 

 could only have some fine weather ! To-day there is the 

 first real sunshine we have been favoured with for a 

 week. 



We are just back from a great function at St. Peter's. 



