Athenaeum Club, Pall Mall. Saturday, Feb[ruary] 27 /[18]75.
My dear Lady Jardine*1, I have just returned from your dear old friend, Sir Charles Lyell's funeral in the Abbey, where I walked next to your father as Pall--bearer. The order was :-- on the left, Duke of Argyll, J. Evans, Huxley, Justice Grove; on the right, Sir E. Ryan, myself, your father, Carrick Morne. I saw many faces of Ladies whom I knew in the crowd, --Mrs Crawshay threw a beautiful wreath on the Coffin -- and thought much of you and the few old dear friends who had his absolute confidence. This is now the 4th funeral of those most dear to me that I have attended in as many months, and I cannot tell you how it seems to draw me towards the very few that are left behind. I am sure you will let me rank you amongst those few. I walked with your father*2 back, he leaving me at this door. He was much affected, talked of you, and asked if we had heard of you since you left. I told him we had, from Paris -- that you had had a tiring journey, but had not been over--fatigued. I assure you that Harriet and I thought and talked much of you when you were crossing the Channel, and congratulated you on the fine weather. Now may I claim my privilege of an old friend to urge you, my dear Lady Jardine, not to expose yourself to cold or fatigue on arriving at Cannes. A complete change of climate is always

a trial to any constitution, and, weakened as yours is, it will be a severe one. Let me beg of you to rest well, eat well and not bustle about for lodgings or Pension till you have not only recovered your fatigue, but tried your strength. Your father is visibly very anxious about you, so are others I assure you. I write in the fulness[sic] and freshness of your, his, and my loss, you will excuse my apparent urgency in this matter of your health. You are yet young, have a sound constitution, but are ardent, easily led to believe in your being stronger than you are. The spirit over--rules the body with you -- a most dangerous, though delightful condition when in good health and spirits -- under the contrary it is doubly depressing, doubly dangerous. I am reading the Curé ; it is not easy French, how I wish that I had your help ! I have not got beyond 40 pages, and am puzzled about Sir C.L. I asked Leonard if he had read it; he said no, which surprised me as I think you told me that Mrs Lyell had. I have promised to go to Pendock at Easter with Charles*3 and Brian*4 (if possible). Your father came up from the Isle of Wight and had to buy black clothes; he returns there tonight and to Pendock on Monday. I shall be so glad if you will kindly write us a letter telling us how you arrived at Cannes, and adding that you will take my advice about your health.

I have some correspondence that you should see and then destroy but cannot send it from here. You shall have it when next I write, in answer I hope to yours. I hope Miss Jardine is a pleasant companion.
Ever dear Lady Jardine, Your attached old friend, J.D.Hooker.
We all go to Huxley's tomorrow, Sunday, to a high tea.