The Strand Magazine: Vol. 07, Issue 37, January, 1894.: An Illustrated MonthlyVarious
General
The Strand Magazine: Vol. 07, Issue 37, January, 1894.: An Illustrated Monthly
Various
English literature -- Periodicals; Short stories, English -- Periodicals
"Die to live," was a favourite saying of Sir Andrew's. "In congenial
work you will find life, strength, and happiness." This certainly was
his own experience. Only in July last he said to the writer of this
notice: "I never know what it is to feel well now, but work is the joy
of my life."
He could, however, place strict limits as to how much a _patient_ might
work. It is well known how docile and obedient a patient he had in Mr.
Gladstone. One evening, coming downstairs muffled up to avoid a worse
cold, he was met by Sir Andrew with the greeting, "Where are you going?"
"To the House," said Mr. Gladstone. "No, you are not," replied his
friend; "you are going straight to bed!" and to bed he went. Sir Andrew
also limited the time Mr. Gladstone should speak. On one occasion,
however, notwithstanding the fact that the peremptory adviser was
present, watch in hand, Mr. Gladstone, after throwing down the written
speech as the clock struck, went on for another half-hour![A] This
disobedience was the exception which proved the rule.
[A] The substance of this anecdote which I quote from memory,
appeared in the _Daily News_, and happened at Newcastle.
Mr. Gladstone was a friend for whom Sir Andrew had the highest respect
and veneration, and hardly ever passed a day without going to see him.
Shortly before he was taken ill he said: "For twenty years I have never
heard Gladstone say an unkind or vituperative word of anyone."
[Illustration: NURSE HARRISON--LONDON HOSPITAL.
(The nurse who tended Sir Andrew Clark in his last illness.)
_From a Photograph by Mavor & Meredith._]
With respect to fees, he always took what was offered: sometimes he
would receive £500 for a long journey, sometimes two guineas. The
following is no doubt but one of many similar experiences. After a hard
day's work he was urgently summoned to a place 120 miles from London. It
was a very wet night. There was no carriage to meet him; no fly to be
had. After walking a mile or two he arrived at a small farm, and found
the daughter suffering from an attack of hysteria. Sir Andrew, with his
usual kindness, did what he could and evidently gave satisfaction, for
when he left the mother said: "Well, Sir Andrew, you have been so kind
we must make it double," and handed him two guineas. He thanked them and
said: "Good-bye."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account