346 LIFE OF PROFESSOR HUXLEY ohap. xix 



To Mrs. W. K. Clifford 



Con-y-Gedal Hotel, Barmouth, Aug. 22, 1892. 



My dear Lucy — I am glad to think that it is the honours 

 that blush and not the recipient, for I am past that form of 

 vascular congestion. 



It was known that the only peerage I would accept was a 

 spiritual one; and as H.M. shares the not unnatural prejudice 

 which led her illustrious predecessor (now some time dead) to 

 object to give a bishopric to Dean Swift, it was thought she 

 could not stand the promotion of Dean Huxley ; would see * 

 him in fact . . . 



Lord S. apologised for not pressing the matter, but pointed 

 out that, as Evolutionism is rapidly gaining ground among 

 the people who have votes, it was probable, if not certain, 

 that his eminent successor (whose mind is always open) would 

 become a hot evolutionist before the expiration of the 

 eight months' office which Lord S. (who needs rest) means 

 to allow him. And when eminent successor goes out, my 

 bishopric will be among the Dissolution Honours. If H.M. 

 objects she will be threatened with the immediate abolition of 

 the H. of Lords, and the institution of a social democratic fed- 

 eration of counties, each with an army, navy, and diplomatic 

 service of its own. 



I know you like to have the latest accurate intelligence, but 

 this really must be considered confidential. As a P.C. I might 

 lose my head for letting out State secrets. — Ever your affec- 

 tionate Pater. 



To Sir Joseph Fayrer 



Con-y-Gedal Hotel, Barmouth, Wales, 

 Aug. 28, 1892. 

 It is very pleasant to get the congratulations of an old friend 

 like yourself. As we went to Osborne the other day I looked 

 at the old Victory and remembered that' six and forty years 

 ago I went up her side to report myself on appointment, as 

 a poor devil of an assistant surgeon. And I should not have 

 got that far if you had not put it into my head to apply to 

 Burnett. 



* This is a pun. 



