All through 1881 Parnell was constantly paying flying visits to Ireland, and also to various parts of England, working up the "League," addressing meetings and privately ascertaining for himself how far the temper of the "reactionaries" could be trusted to do the work he wished without becoming too greatly involved in the tactics of the "Invincibles" proper. He came home to me now always between the times of his journeyings up and down {111} the country, and if it was not certain that I should be alone he would write me a formal though friendly note or letter that anyone could have been shown, in which was given some word or sign that let me know a place or time of meeting him, either in London or nearer my home. On some of these occasions my duties to my aunt would keep me, so that I might be an hour or more late in arriving at the place where he awaited me; but never once in all those years did he once fail me or leave the place of appointment before I came, even though it might be at the loss of the mail train to Ireland, and leaving some thousands of people waiting in vain for the speech he was too far away to make. Sometimes I would become conscience-stricken on such an occasion, but he would only comment that one speech more or less was a little matter, and what was lost by a speech not made was amply compensated for by the deepened impression of his mystery and power gained by the people. "For it is the strange thing I found out early in political life," he would say, "they think I'm much more wonderful when I do nothing than when I'm working hard." MORRISON'S HOTEL, DUBLIN, _September_ 10, 1881. MY DEAR MRS. O'SHEA,--Will you kindly address and post enclosed. I am quite recovered from my attack, and the doctor says that I shall be able to travel in a few days.--Yours very truly, CHAS. S. PARNELL. The enclosure was the following letter:-- MORRISON'S HOTEL, DUBLIN, _September_ 10, 1881. MY OWN WIFIE,--I know that you must have been much {112} worried yesterday by my failure to send you a few words, but my Beauty will forgive her own husband. Your wire has been put into my hand as I write, and shall have an instant answer. It gives me so much pleasure to know that your trouble has not returned since I left, and that my wires give you pleasure. Your King thinks very very often of his dearest Queen, and wishes her not to be sad, but to try and be happy for his sake. Everything is going on very well here, and your King is much satisfied. MORRISON'S HOTEL, DUBLIN, _September_ 25, 1881. MY OWN LOVELIEST,--I send you these few words to assure Wifie that her husband always thinks of her and hopes that she is well and happy. YOUR OWN KING. _October_ 4, 1881.