We had a fairly good 'Long' in spite of the miserable weather. Congratulate me. I won my first athletic distinction last 'Long'--a ten-shilling prize. I am thinking of chucking work and becoming a professional. It was a second prize in a tennis tournament. I had (I must own) the best player in College as my partner. I want to get a very conspicuous object as prize. What do you suggest? _To C. T. W._ St. Thomas's Hospital: September 1903. I am getting on first-rate, and I hope to be up early next week. I believe you are right. We should do well if we had more regularity and self-discipline in our life at Cambridge, and we should have more power over others. Pray for me. . . . You needn't pity me. I am having a very good time. It is jolly to do nothing, and not even to have to dress and undress--both exhausting and monotonous occupations. It has been a glorious day, and although it is almost 7 P.M., I am still out on the balcony enjoying the cool breezes. {188} _To W. O._ Alassio; December 1903. Death has come near to my family lately. I told you that my sister--the Deaconess--had passed away from us.[1] It is not all sorrow, when we know that the life has been spent in walking with God, when we know that this corruptible puts on incorruption, and that what is sown in intense bodily weakness is raised in strength--eternal strength. I am so glad that God has given to you His highest blessing. I long to meet your future wife. It makes me very happy to think of the happiness in store for you--to know that you are in the best of all schools. I thank God. Love will bring you both nearer to the source of Love. . . . This new blessing, as you say, is 'the gathering up of the best that God gives.' I can't express my thoughts as I would, but I am very, very glad. . . . Illness teaches one many lessons. I trust I have learned some. I have been amazed at the goodness of my friends! [1] His sister, Deaconess Cecilia, 'passed away' at the Deanery, Westminster, on September 8. _To W. P., an officer in the Army._ Hotel Salisbury, Alassio, Italy: December 21, 1903.