448 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY CHAP. XXIII 



will give as unfeigned satisfaction to the whole body of the 

 Society as it does to me and your other personal friends. 



I have looked upon the affair as settled since our last 

 talk, and a very great relief it has been to my mind. 



There is no doubt public-dinner speaking (and indeed 

 all public speaking) is nervous work. I funk horribly, 

 though I never get the least credit for it. But it is like 

 swimming, the worst of it is in the first plunge ; and 

 after you have taken your " header " it's not so bad (just 

 like matrimony, by the way ; only don't be so mean as to 

 go and tell a certain lady I said so, because I want to 

 stand well in her books). 



Of course you may command me in all ways in which 

 I can possibly be of use. But as one of the chiefs of the 

 Society, and personally and scientifically popular with 

 the whole body, you start with an immense advantage 

 over me, and will find no difficulties before you. 



We will consider this business formally settled, and I 

 shall speak of it officially. Ever yours very faithfully, 



T. H. HUXLEY. 



I cannot place the following letter to Matthew 

 Arnold with certainty, but it must have been written 

 about this period. 1 Every one will sympathise with 

 the situation : 



26 ABBEY PLACE, July 8. 



MY DEAR ARNOLD Look at Bishop Wilson on the 

 sin of covetousness and then inspect your umbrella stand. 

 You will there see a beautiful brown smooth -handled 

 umbrella which is not your property. 



Think of what the excellent prelate would have 

 advised and bring it with you next time you come to the 

 club. The porter will take care of it for me. Ever yours 

 faithfully, T. H. HUXLEY. 



1 The most probable date being 1869, for on July 1 of that 

 year he dined with Matthew Arnold at Harrow. 



