P.S.—I shall be back on Wednesday or Thursday.
Sunday.
In case any alteration should have been made in the arrangements of the Schools during my absence, and that teaching is not expected as part of the duties of a curator, I send you a letter to the Council, as I should be sorry you lost any fair chance by my absence.
You heard from me no doubt yesterday.
Care of Mrs. Walker,
Nealinmore, Glen Columbkille,
Co. Donegal.
15th.
I have got your note, in regard to which I feel some little embarrassment. I am, as you know, always pleased when it is in my power to be of any use to you, and I should therefore wish to help you in this matter concerning which you write. I own, however, to having some hesitation in asking this favour of Mr. Hodgson, because I fear that the granting of it would be a source of a good deal of inconvenience to him, and he might, out of his old friendship, be put in an awkward position; he would be equally loth to say "yes" or "no." The picture hangs in his dining-room, and cannot possibly be moved. The copy would be a lengthy affair, for there is an enormous amount of work in the group you speak of, and you would have, therefore, to be established for a long time in a room which is in daily use by the family. I do not at all say that he might not grant the favour you ask, but I own I feel that I cannot, discreetly, ask it of him. I am sure you will not misinterpret my declining, and I shall be very sincerely glad if you yourself succeed in your direct appeal.
I trust you and yours are thriving, and that you have not suffered lately from your leg.
This is a wild, wind-swept corner of Ireland in which I am staying, and abounding in matter for studying, especially rock forms, but the inconstancy of the weather puts sketching almost out of the question.
This is a matter of comparative indifference to me, as I came here purposely for rest, and not for work.
Give my love to Nan and the chicks.—Sincerely yours,