1S89 DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER BILL 233 



at the February Nineteenth I hope you will think that my brains 

 are none the worse. But perhaps that conceited speech is evi- 

 dence that they are. 



We came to town to make the acquaintance of Nettie's 

 fiance, and I am happy to say the family takes to him. When 

 it does not take to anybody, it is the worse for that anybody. 



So, before long, my house will be empty, and as my wife and 

 I cannot live in London, I think we shall pitch our tent in East- 

 bourne. Good Jack offers to give us a pied a terre when we 

 come to town. To-day we are off to Eastbourne again. Carry 

 off Harry, who is done up from too zealous Hospital work. 

 However, it is nothing serious. 



The following is in reply to a request that he would 

 write a letter, as he describes it elsewhere, " about the wife's 

 sister business — for the edification of the peers." 



3 Jevington Gardens, Eastbourne, 

 March 12, 1889. 



My dear Donnelly — I feel " downright mean,'' as the 

 Yankees say, that I have not done for the sake of right and 

 justice what I am moved to do now that I have a personal in- 

 terest in the matter of the directest kind; and I rather expect 

 that will be thrown in my teeth if my name is at the bottom of 

 anything I write. 



On the other hand, I loathe anonymity. However, we can 

 take time to consider that point. 



Anyhow I will set to work on the concoction of a letter, if 

 you will supply me with the materials which will enable me to 

 be thoroughly posted up in the facts. 



I have just received your second letter. Pity you could not 

 stay over yesterday — it was very fine. — Ever yours very faith- 

 fully, T. H. Huxley. 



The letter in question is as follows : — 



April 30, 1889. 



Dear Lord Hartington — I am assured by those who know 

 more about the political world than I do, that if Lord Salisbury 

 would hold his hand and let his party do as they like about the 

 D.W.S. Bill which is to come on next week, it would pass. Con- 

 sidering the irritation against the bishops and a certain portion 

 of the lay peers among a number of people who have the means 

 of making themselves heard and felt, which is kept up and 



