Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/36

 fifth Baron Gwydyr, and has three sons and one daughter.

This then, in brief, is the Hfe story of the Postal Reformer, Sir John Henniker Heaton.

It has been thought best to divide the book into chapters illustrating the different characteristics and divers interests of Sir John as Postal Reformer, Politician, and Traveller.

Some one once said to him that his great work would never be forgotten.

"Perhaps not," he replied, "but all my good stories will be forgotten, even by my children."

An endeavour has been made in these pages to preserve some of his favourite stories of his fellow-men and their doings.

It may be urged that, in trying to paint a picture of Sir John and his contemporaries, the canvas has become so overcrowded that there is a danger of being "unable to see the wood for the trees." I can only say that it is impossible to visualize Sir John as a solitary figure. Always one sees him surrounded by a crowd of friends, always one hears his hearty laugh ringing out above the rest. So clear grows the vision that even as I write I can almost see the familiar group—almost hear the happy voices.