THOSE MOST ATTACHED to Mrs. Oliphant had been anxious ever since her last loss that she should find, temporarily at least, a home which would not at every turn and in every corner recall those gone from her. Her long nights of sleeplessness and tears were enough. We tried to persuade her to find new surroundings for her days, and at this time the scheme was carried out, and she moved to the little house on Wimbledon Common, where she spent the remainder of her life.
A sharp illness which attacked Mrs. Oliphant in the summer of this year should have done something to break her confidence in her own health. She was really in a condition to cause great anxiety, and her sufferings at times were most severe. The next letter is written by her much-loved niece and adopted daughter, who with Miss Tulloch and herself made up the little family at Wimbledon.
Miss Oliphant to Mr. Blackwood.
Wimbledon,
3rd July,
I think my letter must have crossed yours, but I know you will want to hear how my aunt is getting on. She has had internal inflammation, and though the acute pain is gone, she still suffers a good deal, and is very weak and pulled down — unlike herself in every way; and the doctor evidently thinks it will be some time before she is well again. I can’t help feeling very anxious about her, and the doctor has absolutely forbidden work or even talking; but she must be kept quite quiet, and she is too weak to wish for anything else. She said she had received what Miss Blackwood sent her, and it was only her illness prevented her acknowledging it.
After a week or two Mrs. Oliphant was able to resume work, though shaken and very feeble.
To Mr. Blackwood.
Wimbledon,
25th August.
...I have several times intended to speak of the very great vigour and fresh start which the Magazine seems to me to have taken during the last year. It has been more full of interesting articles, and altogether stronger than for a long time before. I have also for some time back intended to tell you, but always forgot, how much struck and amused I was by the pride and eagerness with which the young men jumped at the idea of being admitted to ‘Blackwood.’ They evidently looked upon it as a chance almost too good to be true, which I don’t think is at all the sentiment with which they regard the other magazines. What a very remarkable story that is in the last number of Sir James Brown! I don’t know when I have read anything so striking.
Wimbledon,
3rd October.
I have received the book,22 and will take care of it, as you say, till it is published. Mr. Lang sent me several chapters to read in the early summer, which I thought were rather dull — tell it not in Gath — with much virtuous indignation about ‘Maga’s’ personalities....He has been very good-natured to me, and I shall say all I can for him. The illustrations seem to me at a first glance hideous, — he said they were so clever.
Wimbledon,
6th October.
...Lang’s book contains a good deal of abuse of the Magazine as “a mother of mischief,” &c., as interfering seriously with Lockhart’s prospects, and committing him to a literary life when he might have done brilliantly at the bar, &c., which accusations are very easily met. I do not think there is any word of disrespect to your grandfather personally. He has profited more or less by the criticisms I have already ventured to make. He insists, however, upon saying that Dr. M’Crie and Sir David Brewster were early contributors along with Lockhart and Wilson. I have found no trace of them in the correspondence in this capacity, but I should like to be quite sure. As I am now out of work in respect to my more important business, I will do this review at once.
I have worked a hole in my right forefinger — with the pen, I suppose! — and can’t get it to heal, — also from excessive use of that little implement.
Wimbledon,
12th October.
...I hope you will like this, and that I am not going too far, either in banter or in praise....Has ‘Maga’ refused any communication of his? It looks very like it. But his picture of Lockhart’s last years is full of feeling, as I have said.
Wimbledon,
October 16.
...Thanks for the further letters; my heart sinks to hear of them! I received a note about a week ago saying that a box had been sent, from some one in your office whose handwriting I am quite familiar with, but no box has yet appeared....I have been much touched by finding several very kind allusions to my youthful self in your father’s letters. It is strange to look back upon the beginning of a career, when one is so near its end.
Wimbledon,
11th December.
I send you the enclosed23 without having taken time to read it over, and it will, I fear, want a great deal of revision. It has been written not from the head but from the heart, and I am unable to form any impression whether it is good or bad in the hurry of my feelings, but no doubt I can much improve its form in correcting it.
There is a quotation from Butler’s ‘Analogy’ to go at the head, which suggested the thought to me, though no doubt it has changed in passing through.
This letter is only inserted because it is a kind of return to the brightness of past times. The gifts alluded to were to be the last Christmas gifts of a very long series.
Wimbledon,
24th December.
My dear, — I really don’t know how to find words to thank you for the magnificent chair — nay, throne — which you have sent me, and which still overawes us all with its splendour. I hope by means of familiarity to get accustomed to the idea that it is for use, and a real seat to sit upon, and not an idol to which sacrifices of respect and admiration should be paid. Seriously, it is a most magnificent present. It looks in my little room so much more imposing than the other one does in the greater size of C — , that I feel as if it must be much superior, bigger, and grander, and that I had no idea how costly and luxurious it was.
And now, as if that were not already too much, here comes in a noble turkey fit for the biggest and the happiest Christmas table. Alas! we will do it no justice. I only wish the Queen or some other distinguished person would pay us a visit to sit in my chair and eat of my good cheer. You are too kind, and I don’t know how to thank you. The only thing I can do is to send you my love and best wishes for you and all yours for the coming year....
Much happiness and prosperity and every good thing. With love and thanks.