nd I have had a fortnight in bed with bad,
periodic neuralgia, which has particularly disabled my right arm and
head--two important matters in letter-writing. It put an entire stop
to my Christmas greetings. I made a little effort for the nephews one
day, and had a terrible night afterwards. The lovely blue (china) Dog,
who reminds me of an old but incomprehensible Yorkshire saying, "to
blush like a blue dog in a dark entry,"--which is what _I_ do when I
think that I have not yet said "thank you" for him--is most
delightful. You know how I love a bit of colour, and a quaint shape.
He arrived with one foot off, but I can easily stick it on. Thank you
so much. I must not say more to-day, except to hope you'll feel a
little stronger when we see more of the sun; and, thanking you and
Francie for your cards--(I was greatly delighted to see my friends the
queer fungi again)--and with love to your Mother--who I hope is
getting fairly through the winter.

Yours gratefully and affectionately,
J.H. EWING.

TO MRS. JELF.

January 22, 1885.

DEAREST M.,

I am _so_ pleased you like the brazen candlesticks.

I have long wanted to tell you how _lovely_ I thought all your Xmas
cards. Auntie's snow scene was exquisite--and your Angels have adorned
my sick-room for nearly a month! Most beautiful.

I know you'll be glad I had my first "decent" night last night--since
December 18!--No very lengthy vigils and no pain to _speak_ of. No
pain to growl about to-day. A great advance.

Indeed, dear--I should not only be glad but _grateful_ to go to you by
and by for a short _fillip_. Dr. L---- would have sent me away now if
weather, etc. were fit--or I could move.

After desperate struggles--made very hard by illness--I hope to see
"Laetus" in May at _one shilling_. Gordon Browne doing well. Do you
object to the ending of "Laetus"--to Lady Jane having another son,
etc.? Do the Farrants? My dear love to them. This bitter--sunless,
lifeless weather must have tried Kitty very much.

* * * * *

Your loving,
J.H.E.

[_In typewriting._]

_Taunton._ February 16, 1885.

MY DEAREST MARNY,

Rex is "typing" for me, but my own mouth must thank you for your
goodness, for being so ready to take me in. By and by I shall indeed
be grateful to go to you. But this is not likely to be for some weeks
to come. You can't imagine what a Greenwich pensioner I am. I told my
doctor this morning that he'd better