Page:The Story of the House of Cassell (book).djvu/65

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C,—I cannot tell you how much I was grieved and distressed yesterday at being prevented from having the great pleasure of passing the evening with you, although I was here alone. But the shock I had received made me fit company for no one but myself, and not very fit for that.

"I went down to the lodge at our gate this morning in hopes of shaking hands with you as you passed. But the coach had gone before I got down. I met Dr. W. afterwards, and learnt from him that you were to go on to-morrow to Paris, and he gave me your address there.

"I have to beg a favour of you. We have not here a copy of the Illustrated Bible, and I wish you could send me one by railway parcel, and one to my excellent friend Mr. Woolfield. His address is T. H. Woolfield, Villa Victoria, Cannes. Of course, he and I will thankfully pay the carriage of these copies, and if you happen to have them at Paris, so much the better.

"Excuse all this trouble, and believe me—Ever most truly yours, H. ."

'''Brougham's last letter to his friend was of a different sort. It is interesting for its reference to the venerable lawyer and politician who survived into the third decade of the twentieth century as the Earl of Halsbury:'''

"4, Grafton Street. "6th July, 1863.

,—I write this for the purpose of introducing to you my excellent friend Mrs. Lees Brown. She is daughter of the late learned and honest Dr. Giffard, formerly Editor of the Standard newspaper, a man highly esteemed by all scholars and by the members of the great Conservative party, to which he belonged. His daughter is governess in our family, and we have the greatest esteem for her. Her brother is an eminent lawyer, and well known in the courts where he practises.

"I am sure your kindness towards me will induce you to give her a favourable reception.—Believe me, most sincerely yours, H. ."