That morning Sir Henry Thompson telegraphed recommending me to call in Dr. Willoughby Furner, but as Dr. Jowers was already in attendance, and my husband liked him, there was no reason to change. That day he was in much pain, afraid to move a finger because of it. He heard from Sir Henry Thompson and, after I read the letter to him, he said: "You see, sweetheart, I was right; Thompson says just what Jowers does; there's no need to have him down." After my husband's death I received the following letters from Sir Henry Thompson:-- 35 WIMPOLE STREET, W., _October_ 7, 1891. DEAR MRS. PARNELL,--I am indeed shocked and distressed by the news which the afternoon journals announce here to-day. {331} So little did I think when I received the letter written by my old esteemed patient, dated October 3, that his end was so near. With the feelings which this shock have aroused I cannot do otherwise than ask permission to express my sincere sympathy and condolence in the terrible and, I imagine, even to you who must have known more of his health than anyone else, this sudden affliction. The more so as I think you accompanied him once, if not more than once, in his visits to me in Wimpole Street. Of such expression of feeling towards you in this great trial you will at least find multitudes ready to join, and may find some slight consolation in the knowledge that sympathy with you will be widely felt both here and in America. Under present circumstances I cannot expect or wish to trouble you to communicate with me. But I should be deeply interested in knowing (for my private interest in him and in what befell him) what followed the communication I made to you, whether you had attendance (professional) on the spot before my letter arrived, and what was said, or supposed, to have been the cause of the fatal result, or any details which some friend could send me. With renewed assurance of my deep sympathy,--Believe me, yours truly, HENRY THOMPSON. I think I must have received one of his very last letters, if not his last. 35 WIMPOLE STREET, W., _Saturday afternoon, October_ 10, 1891. DEAR MRS. PARNELL,--I am very glad you have written me, if the doing so, or if the reply I may be able to send you, can in any way help to mitigate any one of the numerous and infinitely painful circumstances, or their influence, rather, on your mind just now. Such inquiries as those which suggest themselves to you are so natural that it is impossible to repress them. One never knows exactly what might have happened in any incident of life had some other course been taken. But whatever course may be supposed, it is useless to pursue it, {332} since only one can ever be taken in this life, namely, that one which is chosen by the individual in every case.