CHAP. VI.] SCHOLAR OF TRINITY. 187 



It is pleasant work and very strengthening, but not nearly 

 finished. 



FROM HIS FATHER. 



Glenlair, 24th June 1853. 



I have just received your letter and Mr. Tayler's. You ^st. 22. 

 may be sure I am thankful to hear of your recovering, 

 although not previously made anxious about the illness. I 

 cannot but think of the fever fit you had in Edinburgh after 

 an Academy exam., when we had settled to go to Melrose 

 that was in 1846. 1 Nothing can exceed the kindness of 

 Mr. and Mrs. Tayler, and I hope you will not need long 

 nursing. If you are well and not much hindered, you can 

 let me know more fully how you are getting on. Neither 

 you nor Mr. Tayler mention the day you were taken ill. 

 Mr. T.'s letter is dated 22d. 



Glenlair, 28th June 1853. 



I am most thankful and happy to hear of your con- 

 valescence through Mr. Tayler's most kind and daily 

 bulletins. I know not how sufficiently to thank Mr. and 

 Mrs. Tayler for their very great kindness. I think you may 

 be best to come home, when fit to travel, for further 

 recreation. 



Glenlair, 1st July 1853. 



Mr. Tayler says, both truly and kindly, "You must be 

 his guest till you are fit to travel." . . . 



With yours I have Mr. Tayler's letter of 28th. I do 

 not write to him to-day. My only subject is thanks, and 

 these are not to be measured in words the strongest that I 

 can use ; so at present give my respects and highest regards. 



1 From the Diary: "1846, July, W., 29. (Day of the prize- 

 giving at the Edinburgh Academy). Made all ready to start on journey 

 to-morrow morning. At night James complained of the light of the 

 candle hurting his eyes. Th. 30. Bad, wet day. Jas. awoke at six ; 

 eyes weak and headache ; . . . seems to be a disorder from excitement 

 of school examinations." 



