And his courage and energy were indefatigable.
In the year 1863, soon after the birth of their first son, they
moved into a cottage at Claygate near Esher; and about this time,
under manifold troubles both of money and health, I find him
writing from abroad: 'The country will give us, please God, health
and strength. I will love and cherish you more than ever, you
shall go where you wish, you shall receive whom you wish - and as
for money you shall have that too. I cannot be mistaken. I have
now measured myself with many men. I do not feel weak, I do not
feel that I shall fail. In many things I have succeeded, and I
will in this. And meanwhile the time of waiting, which, please
Heaven, shall not be long, shall also not be so bitter. Well,
well, I promise much, and do not know at this moment how you and
the dear child are. If he is but better, courage, my girl, for I
see light.'
This cottage at Claygate stood just without the village, well
surrounded with trees and commanding a pleasant view. A piece of
the garden was turfed over to form a croquet green, and Fleeming
became (I need scarce say) a very ardent player.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127