02Aug1880, Gladstone Convalescent

LONDON, August 2nd-8th, 1880.
—A notable week; dear Uncle W.'s fever ran on, down in the morning, up in the evening, till Wednesday; nothing bad developed itself, however, tho' Clark on Tuesday was in constant dread of typhoid. Temp. only once for a short time higher than 103. We came up in much suspense, getting grubous papers at Hazlemere, and I underwent a dreadful qualm at the sight of a policeman stopping carriages at the entrance to Downing Street.

—Tues. Arthur and Kathleen's [FN: brother Arthur married Kathleen Clive, younger sister of his father's second wife.] wedding—to think of my having to squeeze it in!! On Wednesday temp. fell to 99, and since then he has mended steadily; quite free of fever and congestion Thursday. Wednesday morning he insisted on seeing A. Godley and dictating a letter to Ld. Granville on the Irish Disturbance Bill (which was thrown out by the Lords on Tues. by an unheard-of majority, including 60 Liberals ! 51 was the minority). Instead of being worse, he went to sleep afterwards and began improving from that moment. F. saw him Fri. and didn't think he looked amiss; they had to talk Savings-banks Bill, and Uncle W. did a small but difficult little calculation off-hand. His head has been perfectly clear all thro'. The streams of inquiries, cards, and letters have been marvellous, Queen, Lords and Commons, Opposition and Government, friends and foes, high and low, men, women, and children, Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. He dressed and came down Saturday—convalescent. Thank God.