I read the papers,

the face of the dying poet. giving an account of him, on my way to lecture on Shakespeare at High Barnet. And so is removed another great landmark in one's life on earth.

To-day, October 12th, 1892, I went to Tennyson's funeral. I noticed on my way to the Abbey that there were not more than about 8 or 9 shops with any sign of mourning: the blinds were down at the Government Office next to Dover St., but in none of the others; there was one flag halfmast high opposite Parliament St. Till I got within sight of the Abbey there was no sign at all of anything unusual. But just before the Abbey there was a large crowd. My ticket was for the triforium and after passing through the East turret doorway we got into the abbey where there was a great crush. I saw Mrs H. Ward and Lyttelton Gell who spoke to me and introduced me to his wife. At last I got up into the triforium from which was a clear view of the grave. At half past twelve music began to play-the Abbey bell tolling shortly before. After two or three hymns, and one-Dr Bridge's setting to Crossing the Bar-which was perfect, the coffin came in sight of where I was; i.e. in the triforium looking down on the grave. It was covered with wreaths -the Union Jack being on it. The most striking effect was the lowering of it into the grave. It seemed to sink into a black abyss-the mass of white which were the wreaths upon it sinking slow, slow, slow down the inky black, but not disappearing and remaining at last stationary— then a handful of dust was thrown on it and one could hear the grating splash. I had a very good

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view standing on a chair nearly opposite the grave. The only figure I could distinguish was Jowett's. I left before the last hymn was sung. The only really impressive part of the ceremony was Bridge's music to the beautiful verses, the effect of which was most solemn and affecting. It is strange and weird to think that this is Tennyson's first night in the grave. I am writing this at twenty minutes to two A.M. of October 13th.

This day, May 4th, 1893-the day on which the betrothal of the Princess May to the Duke of York appeared prominently in the newspaper posters may be a memorable day with mefor I discussed with George Macmillan a proposal for a History of England in several volumesfrom the accession of George I. to 1789-the beginning of the French Revolution: and from to-day I shall probably begin to direct attention to it, as I can, in moments of leisure. I may add too that to-day I received an invitation to go and lecture in America.

Another landmark gone-this, October 6th, 1893, is Jowett's first night in the grave-a familiar figure in my past life: kind and good he must have been to others: and a man to respect and admire my experience much otherwise- but admire-my pax sit illi. His death seemed to have made a great sensation in London, leading articles in every newspaper I saw except the Standard. I am writing this at 10 minutes to two on October 7th (Saturday). I saw in one of the newspapers that his last words were " Farewell to the College' which explains much, perhaps his real measure.

1 See note to p. 87.

CHAPTER VIII

HIS VISIT TO AMERICA

A

T the beginning of May 1893 he was asked by the American Society for the Extension of University Teaching, if it would be possible for him to lecture in America. The invitation was gladly accepted-though it necessitated his spending Christmas on board, and for the first time spending it away from his family.

He left behind him this letter to be opened after his death :

Dec. 22nd, 1893.

MY DEAREST CHILDREN,-Everything in this world being uncertain, and I being on the point of going a long journey, I thought I would like to address a line to you in case it should be the will of God that I should not return. You have had the best mother that children could ever have and I the best wife a man ever had. You will never know all you owe to your dear mother. I entreat you all of you to be good and dutiful children to her as long as you live and she is with you. I exhort you earnestly to love and cherish and to obey her in all things, and to pray always that God

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will aid you to do your duties well and faithfully all your lives, YOUR LOVING FATHER.

66

He landed in New York, December 31st, 1893, and went on to Philadelphia. Like many other visitors he was much surprised at the height of the buildings in these two cities. He decided to stay the night at the Hotel Bellevue, and was allotted a room almost at the top of the building. He relates that when he finally reached his room, the black attendant who showed him in, pointed to something lying near the window, which he discovered to be a huge coil of rope. In case of fire" the attendant explained. My father was much impressed with this thoughtful precaution for his safety; at the same time he could not help feeling some misgiving as he eyed in cold blood this means of escape. It is probable, however, that with a fire at our heels the least athletic of us might make some use of even a rope. Happily the necessity for such an ordeal did not arise, and the next morning he left the hotel to become the guest of Mr Frederick B. Miles the Treasurer (now the President) of the American Society for the Extension of University Teaching.

It is to be regretted that the impressions which my father wrote at this time of his stay in America have completely disappeared, and there is no

record whatever to be found of this memorable visit. Certain it is that he thoroughly enjoyed himself, that he was delighted with the warm reception given him, and that he came back full of enthusiasm about everything he had seen.

I have fortunately been able to obtain from Mr Miles an account of his visit, and Mr Miles' interesting reminiscence is now given in his own words :

On the morning of January 1st, 1894, I called upon him at the Hotel Bellevue, and brought him up to my house, No. 1718 Walnut St.-where he was cordially welcomed by my family-and invited to stay with us while in Philadelphia. It was New Year's day, and accordingly, he was promptly regaled with the appropriate American beverage for that festival-namely "Egg-Nogg -a sort of punch made of brandy and sugar, with eggs beaten to a froth! He was much amused by this, and evidently pleased with his very cordial reception.

In the afternoon we had a drive in the Park, showing him also somewhat of the City, and in the evening had a few friends to meet him at dinner. We had, most of us, been in England and could talk with him about "the things at home!" After resting a day or two, some receptions were given him; by Dr William Pepper, the Society's President, and the introducer of Extension Teaching in Philadelphia. He was also the President of the University of Pennsylvania. He was also given a Reception by Mr Charles