Professor Wallace to Miss E. A. Ormerod.
University of Edinburgh,
March 29, 1900.
Dear Miss Ormerod,—The box containing your most valuable contribution to the library arrived safely from Wesley & Son, and the ten volumes, [of her own works] all in excellent order, are standing on the Senate Hall table so that they may be seen. The Principal, Sir Wm. Muir, and the Secretary, Sir L. Grant, were the first, along with Professor Patrick and me, to inspect them in their present position, and all the others excepting myself were astounded at the magnitude of your work. I carried the books first into the library and had them entered in the catalogue before they went to the Senate Hall. They will have a shelf for themselves, so that they can be kept together as the “Ormerod Collection,” or rather “presentation.” I sent you a “Student” giving details of the Hall in which you will be capped. The capping is at 10 a.m., and after that, if you feel able, you will go on to St. Giles’ Cathedral. I enclose one of the ordinary tickets to give you an idea as to how the general public are admitted.—(R. W.)
March 30, 1900.
Dear Professor Wallace,—What can I say? I am very much used to work just quietly in the hope of being of some service, but this kind commendation from those whose opinions I hold in such respect as those of the chiefs, whether the high officials or professors in your great University, is indeed a gratification, a comfort for troubles sometimes not light, and an encouragement which I gratefully and deeply appreciate.
I should like, of all things, if you will take charge of me, to attend the Commemoration Service after the capping. It will delight me to be there, and if I am tired I can rest after. [The graduation ceremonial was found to be quite enough for Miss Ormerod’s strength, and no attempt was made to go to St. Giles’ Cathedral to the service.] I usually breakfast at 8.15, so that I should be all ready at 10 o’clock. It seems to me that if the “low-hung carriage” which you have kindly secured use of for me were in attendance to convey us to the McEwan Hall, and when wanted at intervals onward, this would be exceedingly comfortable for me. But in everything of the arrangements I am hoping that all I have to do is to quite precisely obey as well as benefit by most thankfully all that you are good enough to arrange for me, and will instruct me about presently.
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh,
April 12, 1900.
I earnestly hope that Dr. E. Lipscomb will find you better. It is a real grief to me that you should be going through such a painful illness [an influenza cold which developed at a most inopportune moment]. And, secondarily, not having all your kind advice and help and your companionship in all, does take away much of the pleasure of my honour.