Letter: TO MRS. SITWELL



[SWANSTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 1875.]

MY DEAR FRIEND, - I have been so busy, away to Bridge Of Allan with
my father first, and then with Simpson and Baxter out here from
Saturday till Monday. I had no time to write, and, as it is, am
strangely incapable. Thanks for your letter. I have been reading
such lots of law, and it seems to take away the power of writing
from me. From morning to night, so often as I have a spare moment,
I am in the embrace of a law book - barren embraces. I am in good
spirits; and my heart smites me as usual, when I am in good
spirits, about my parents. If I get a bit dull, I am away to
London without a scruple; but so long as my heart keeps up, I am
all for my parents.

What do you think of Henley's hospital verses? They were to have
been dedicated to me, but Stephen wouldn't allow it - said it would
be pretentious.

WEDNESDAY. - I meant to have made this quite a decent letter this
morning, but listen. I had pain all last night, and did not sleep
well, and now am cold and sickish, and strung up ever and again
with another flash of pain. Will you remember me to everybody? My
principal characteristics are cold, poverty, and Scots Law - three