406 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP, xvi 



senna, which grows wild there, and gives the soil its 

 peculiar pigmentary character. 



But unfortunately I forgot to bring any with me, and 

 the effect went off during the first few days of our 

 residence here, when I was, as the Italians say, "molto 

 basso nel bocca." However I am picking up again now, 

 and if people wouldn't call upon us, I feel there might 

 be a chance for me. 



I except from that remark altogether the dear Walpoles 

 who are here and as nice as ever. Mrs. Walpole's mother 

 and sister live here, and the W.'s are on a visit to them 

 but leave on Wednesday. They go to Venice, but only 

 for two or three days. 



We shall probably stay about a fortnight in Venice, 

 and then make our way back by easy stages to London. 

 We are wae to see you all again. 



Doctor M [Mrs. Huxley] has just been called in to 



a case of sore throat in the person of a young lady here, 

 and is quite happy. The young lady probably will not 

 be, when she finds herself converted into a sort of inverted 

 mustard-pot, with the mustard outside ! She is one of a 

 very nice family of girls, who (by contrast) remind us of 

 own. Ever your loving (to all) father, PATER. 



Mrs. M has just insisted on seeing this letter. 



To His YOUNGEST DAUGHTER 



HOTEL BEAU SEJOTJB, SAN REMO, 

 March 30, 1885. 



DEAREST BABS We could not stand " beautiful Venice 

 the pride of the sea" any longer. It blew and rained 

 and colded for eight-and-forty hours consecutively. Every- 

 body said it was a most exceptional season, but that did 

 not make us any warmer or prevent your mother from 

 catching an awful cold. So as soon as she got better we 

 packed up and betook ourselves here by way of Milan 



