The British Associations visit to Montreal, 1884: Letters | Page 6

told
me John's address was admirable, but I would not read it, as I want to
judge of it as others will, when it is delivered. I have had no _whist!_
think of that--at first people were too ill, and then so much on deck, and
they play in the smoking room, I hear, and perhaps gamble for higher
stakes than I like!--which perhaps you will say is not surprising as I
never play for anything.
_Sunday, August 24th._--We have had a bright but cold day and brisk
wind--in fact I have felt colder than when the icebergs were round us!
We had service in the morning--Mr. Joyce read prayers' and Canon
Rogers preached; and at three we Lad the excitement of seeing Sir
Leonard and Lady Tilley, and two sons, with innumerable packages,
taken off in a tug to New Brunswick--Rimouski was the name of the
town, and the still greater excitement followed of receiving from it the
Secretary of the Lodging Committee at Montreal, who brought
quantities of letters, papers, &c. I had a letter from Mr. Angus, asking
me and a son to stay with them during our visit to Montreal, and it is
close to where Dick is invited (Mr. and Mrs. McClennan's), and near
John and E---. I also heard from Mr. Dobell, very kindly offering his
house and carriage for my use while at Quebec; he and his family are
away camping in the woods. You never saw a scene of greater
excitement than the appearance of the saloon when the President
opened the parcel containing letters, newspapers, and telegrams, after a
week's total abstinence from all news; everyone seized upon their
respective letters, &c., with eagerness; the only person who did not
look happy, was John, for he found the arrangements made would be
too much for him, and he and Captain Gallon set themselves to try and
alter them, in which I hope they will succeed. The Secretary sat
opposite me at dinner, and told me how anxious they all were to make
everything comfortable for us. It is doubtful whether we stay at Quebec
to-morrow night, or go on to Montreal at once, as there is to be an
excursion on Friday next to Quebec, and grand reception, and picnic or
garden party on the following day. If you find a difficulty in reading the
indelible pencil, tell me; it is more convenient to use travelling. We had

an interesting conference on prayer this afternoon (Sunday), and I have
just returned from another smaller one. A scientific man asked
questions as to whether we could prove answers to prayer would be
given for physical blessings, or what we consider such; or whether
prayer was only a sentiment (as Tyndal thinks)? Professor Barrett and a
dear old clergyman, Canon Rogers (who, in my ignorance, I had
thought, at first, was a "dry stick") argued the matter with him, and also
Dr. P. Smith and his son, and Miss Fox and I said a few words. Now,
about nine o'clock, they are all singing hymns, very much out of tune. I
must finish this up now for it must be posted to-morrow, or may miss
the mail on Tuesday. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last three days, and
am almost sorry the voyage is over, and so, I think, are many of my
fellow passengers. Some of them are very good and nice. Miss Fox is
delightful--upwards of eighty, and yet so full of interest in everything
good and beautiful; she is like a piece cut out of the old past, and a very
wonderful old fossil, full of energy and cleverness. Hedley desires his
love, and is very well and happy. We go to 240, Drummond Street,
Montreal, on Monday or Tuesday, Dick in same street, and John and
E--- near. Gibson has never been ill at all! Good-bye, now, and God
bless you all, darling Mother, and everyone dear to me at home. Two or
three times during the gale, Hedley and I said to each other, "How nice
it would be to be sitting with you at No. 90, O--- G---."--but now we
have not that desire' From your loving child,--C. R.

Letter No. 2.
_Tuesday, August 26th, Beavoir, Quebec._
My first letter was brought up to 24th. I forgot to tell you then of an
interesting discussion with a clever and honest infidel, Mr. X---.
Through ---- (who had told me about him), I had lent him "Natural
Law," and (seeing him standing about looking, I thought, rather sad as
we were all singing "Rock of Ages, cleft for me") I asked him his
opinion of the book, and he said "on Mr. D.'s assumption of the
existence of a Personal God, it is very clever, and with your