To
their association, Fleeming brought the valuable element of a
practical understanding; but he never thought or spoke of himself
where Sir William was in question; and I recall quite in his last
days, a singular instance of this modest loyalty to one whom he
admired and loved. He drew up a paper, in a quite personal
interest, of his own services; yet even here he must step out of
his way, he must add, where it had no claim to be added, his
opinion that, in their joint work, the contributions of Sir William
had been always greatly the most valuable. Again, I shall not
readily forget with what emotion he once told me an incident of
their associated travels. On one of the mountain ledges of
Madeira, Fleeming's pony bolted between Sir William. and the
precipice above; by strange good fortune and thanks to the
steadiness of Sir William's horse, no harm was done; but for the
moment, Fleeming saw his friend hurled into the sea, and almost by
his own act: it was a memory that haunted him.
CHAPTER IV. 1859-1868.
Fleeming's Marriage - His Married Life - Professional Difficulties
- Life at Claygate - Illness of Mrs.
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