CHAPTER IV

FONTAINEBLEAU

59. WE reached Rochester on the 29th of June, and a month was spent at home, considering what was to be done next. My own feeling, ever since the morning at Lans-le-bourg, was that, if only left free in mountain air, I should get well, fast enough. After debate with London doctors, it was thought best to give me my way; and, stipulating only that Richard Fall should go with me, papa and mamma sent me, early in August, on my first independent journey, into Wales.

But they desired me, on my way there, to stop at Leamington, and show myself to its dominant physician, Dr. Jephson-called a quack by all the Faculty, yet of whom they had heard favourably from wise friends.

Jephson was no quack; but a man of the highest general power, and keenest medical instincts. He had risen, by stubborn industry and acute observation, from an apothecary’s boy to be the first physician in Leamington; and was the first true physician I ever knew-nor since, till I knew Sir William Gull,¹ have I met the match of him.

He examined me for ten minutes; then said, “Stay here, and I’ll put you to rights in six weeks.” I said I was not the least disposed to stay there, and was going into Wales, but would obey any directions and follow any prescriptions he chose to give me. No, he said, I must

¹ [In 1882: see Vol. XXXIII. p. xxx.]

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