. James Russell Lowell : a biography . not even a Board determinedto sink Literature in Philology could have passedover his claims. But he declined for two were claims of family over in Massachusetts;and, greatly as he loved the mental atmosphere ofEngland, he thought it his duty not to accept adefinitely English post. And the sense of duty isstrong in that old Puritan stock from which hesprang. But there came an event which made all specu-lation regarding his plans vain and illusory. On1 13 August, 1 / \ THE NP^ VOIiS. ft THE ENGLISH MISSION 319 the 19th of February, 1885
. James Russell Lowell : a biography . not even a Board determinedto sink Literature in Philology could have passedover his claims. But he declined for two were claims of family over in Massachusetts;and, greatly as he loved the mental atmosphere ofEngland, he thought it his duty not to accept adefinitely English post. And the sense of duty isstrong in that old Puritan stock from which hesprang. But there came an event which made all specu-lation regarding his plans vain and illusory. On1 13 August, 1 / \ THE NP^ VOIiS. ft THE ENGLISH MISSION 319 the 19th of February, 1885, Mrs. Lowell died aftera short, sharp illness. The loss struck a chill inhis heart which made him dumb for the most part,but he wrote to his friends, Mr. and Mrs. John , who had been sharers in his profound anx-iety during those painful days in Madrid: — London, 6 March, 1885. Dear old Friends, — What shall I say to you,even though I have the sad comfort of feeling thatwhatever I say will be said to those who loved herand knew the entire beauty of her character. ButI must at least say how deeply grateful I am to youwhose friendly devotion in Madrid did so much toprolong a life so precious. She was given backto us for five years, and for the last two of themwas hopeful enough about her health to enjoy herlife. She had grown easy in her ceremonial duties,and (since the death of her mother and sisters)had no desire to return home. It is all bitterlysad. It seems there was no hope from the first, —thou
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