CHAPTER XXIV
LETTERS TO PROFESSOR WALLACE ON THE LL.D. OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
Announcement of the Honorary LL.D. to be conferred—Preliminary personal arrangements—Miss Ormerod’s feelings of appreciation and of anxiety—Letters of congratulation.
This chapter is unlike any of the foregoing chapters of correspondence in its purely personal character. Interested readers will not fail to recognise in it the genuine feminine feeling of anxiety at the approach of a trying public ordeal to one so unaccustomed as Miss Ormerod to the pageantry of academic functions. Nor will they fail to appreciate the resolution with which she bore the physical strain put upon one whose strength had been well-nigh spent in the cause of science under a load of years and bodily infirmities.
_To Miss E. A. Ormerod._
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, _February 24, 1900_.
DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—I hasten to announce to you without a moment’s delay that the Senatus of this University have only a minute ago agreed to do our University the distinguished honour of asking you to accept the honorary degree of LL.D. of the University. I may tell you without breaking any confidence that you are not only the first lady who has ever been asked to accept the degree, but it was in view of the necessity of recognising the great and distinguished labours which you have done for Science that regulations were made by which it became possible for us to confer the degree upon a lady. Any little share I had in this matter is more than rewarded by the great gratification which I feel in connection with this proposed act of the Senatus, of which I believe you will most probably hear by the same post from the Principal. Should the announcement come a day later this will serve as a private intimation to yourself. It will be a still further triumph if you feel physically able to come to receive the degree in the presence of an assembly of about 3,000 people—the number who usually attend our graduations. If you are not able to come, of course the degree will be conferred all the same, but personally I would rejoice, if it can be without your running a serious risk, to see you among us and to get your name enrolled among the many distinguished men—all men but yourself—who have distinguished themselves in Science and Literature, and been pleased to accept our degree.—I am, dear Miss Ormerod, yours very sincerely,
ROBERT WALLACE.
Dr. Fream, “Steven” lecturer on Agricultural Entomology in Edinburgh University, wrote as follows:—
DOWNTON, _February 26, 1900_.
MY DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—As I have to catch a train I have only time to write you my very warmest congratulations on the LL.D. It was really settled a month ago, but had to be confirmed on Friday. Of course the secret “burnt” a little, but I was pledged to say nothing about it! It will appear in the University Intelligence shortly. The honour was never better won, and long may you enjoy it is the earnest wish of, in haste,—Yours very sincerely,
W. FREAM.
_To Professor Robert Wallace, University, Edinburgh._
TORRINGTON HOUSE, ST. ALBANS, _February 25, 1900_.
DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—I feel wholly unable to express my respectful and sincere gratitude to the Senatus for such a high honour, and to yourself I am greatly indebted for your kind friendship and also letting me hear so soon. I value the honour exceedingly—the seal of approval of this highly scientific body. When the letter arrives which you tell me is coming I will endeavour to express myself to some degree adequately. To yourself just quietly I may say it is a pleasure, and such an unexampled honour that I am delighted. But still I feel that the great point of my work always is utilising the exceedingly kind help which is so cordially given me by my good, kind, scientific friends, and the practical observations to sift into shape that are given me as the foundation. If you were here I should like to say so much, but I do not know how to write more at present than that I am deeply grateful.
P.S.—I wish very much indeed to come, as you kindly suggest, but my very great and painful difficulty in walking movement from arthritis makes me fear that the risk would be too great, but anyway I am going to ask my doctor.
_February 27, 1900._
Your exceedingly kind letter and the subject of it were such a surprise to me that in all the ideas suddenly arising I hardly know how to reply coherently. Now at least I can say I am deeply, respectfully grateful for such an honour to be granted me. I have written in reply to the formal notification from the Senatus what I hope may be a proper reply. I also mentioned that I trusted to be able to attend in person to receive this great honour. But now I hope you will be so good as to allow me to ask your help in arrangements. [Here followed a list of queries which are not of general interest.] Of course on such, to me, very great occasion I do not in the least mind expense.
The other matter is, Will you please tell me am I to wear Doctor of Laws’ dress? and if so, will you kindly say to whom I should write to order it? When I come I am hoping you will instruct me in what to do, for unless you are good enough to help me with a little (or a great deal) of instruction I am afraid I am likely to be quite out of order.
Yours very sincerely, ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.
UNIVERSITY, EDINBURGH, _March 1, 1900_.
DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—I am delighted to see from your letter received this morning that you are going to be able to come to the graduation function, and that you have arranged to be well cared for on the way up. I shall take full responsibility for all necessary arrangements at this end. I should have done a lot to-day and reported progress to you, but unfortunately I have to go out of town to give a lecture on South Africa at Cauvin’s Hospital, but I may tell you that I can easily secure the accommodation you mention for yourself, Miss Hartwell, and the doctor. You will wear a black cloak or graduation gown thrown over your ordinary dress very much like a Minister’s robe. This is hired for a few shillings from a man who supplies them regularly to Honorary Graduates, and I shall arrange all about that. A silk hood goes round the neck and hangs down the back. It is put on by the head Servitor after you have been officially capped by the Principal. It is part of the public function. You must not feel the least anxious about the event, as you will be surrounded by a host of people to whom your name is a household word, who know well the value which your work has been to this country, and who appreciate you accordingly. I shall be only too pleased to answer any question of detail you may write and help you in every way.
Yours very sincerely, ROBERT WALLACE.
_March 2, 1900._
DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—I am very glad to know some part of what the form is on this great occasion. I hope that by following whatever directions you give me quite exactly that all will be right, _i.e._, that I may do all I ought to do! But I cannot help being a little nervous; I feel the honour so very great indeed, and also the kindness I am receiving. Your account of the ceremony itself has made my mind much clearer. Walking upstairs is a great difficulty to me, but on flat ground, with my light ebony stick, I do not think my lameness is more than a very little observable. I am as near as possible 5 feet 6 inches. This is relative to the graduation gown. My head really is so full of this unprecedented distinction I am afraid I trouble you too much.
_March 7, 1900._
I am very much obliged to you indeed for all the care that you have been so kindly taking for me, and for making everything so clear to me—amongst other points, your little note about convenience of cheques. I think you have arranged everything as nicely as possible for me. All matters for the journey I expect my doctor will look after nicely. But when you write again,—I suppose on the great occasion, as the cap is to be put on, that I appear without a bonnet? I have now read your letter over again that I may be quite sure that I thoroughly understand everything.
P.S.—There is yet one more inquiry I am venturing to trouble you with. My doctor [Dr. Eustace Lipscomb] is an M.B. (Cambridge); on such a special occasion, should he wear his hood?
_March 3, 1900._
I shall be very much obliged if you would secure me rooms at the Balmoral Hotel, as you mention. Namely, a sitting-room and two bedrooms with doors opening one from the other, on the first floor to the front, for Miss Hartwell [Private Secretary] and myself, likewise a room for the doctor—from the evening (8 p.m.) on Wednesday the 11th until about nine on the following Sunday evening. I should like to be at the Balmoral; I have heard of it as such a good hotel. I can manage, though the operation is painful, to walk up just a few steps with the help of my stick (I have been trying five at my door), if somebody be by me in case I should slip, without, I think, attracting attention; and if I were too lame after the long journey to manage nicely, then I must be humble, and be thankful to be carried in a chair.
I feel greatly obliged to Sir Ludovic Grant for his kind intention of asking me to stay at his house. It would have been very pleasant, for thus, also, I should have doubtless seen many kind friends; but besides the great difficulty of the stairs, I am obliged to lie down a little each day, and I think after the long journey I had best keep quiet to fit me for the great day on Saturday.
But if the thing be possible without intruding on valuable time, might I not hope to see some of my kind friends at the hotel—yourself, of course, and I shall also be delighted to see Dr. MacDougall. Could you arrange some time? I should not myself see anything wrong in seeing friends on the afternoon of Good Friday, but pray do not let me do anything that might be thought not right. You and I will have a good deal to say at your best convenience.
P.S.—I was greatly gratified to learn that my letter to Sir L. Grant met with his approval. It was a matter of no small anxiety to me to try at least to express my appreciation rightly.
_March 14, 1900._
I got a friend here to let me try on the square college cap “mortar board,” and it fitted so nicely over my bow that I do not think I should be at all troubled by ideas of anything unusual being on my head; and I can take it off without trouble. Through your kind help I think all these arrangements are in perfect order, and I am looking forward much (preliminarily) to our meeting at Balmoral Hotel.
_March 27, 1900._
I should have liked to beg a ticket besides the two which you kindly mention for my nephew, Arthur Ormerod, who has just taken his M.D., so I wired off to him at Oxford, but, to his great regret, he cannot come. I hope the weather will be better, but we have a good bright sunshine between the occasional light snow showers, and both Miss Hartwell and myself have good furred mantles, and with the snug small carriage all our own way, I think we shall do very well.
What a sight the hall will be! also your small flock of aspirant doctors; may be as anxious in their minds as some one I know of. But I am really not alarmed. I am sure you will keep me right. What time of day does the ceremony begin? And what happens after?—do we retire respectively like rabbits to our own burrows?
_March 29, 1900._
The pamphlet on the McEwan Hall [the number of the “Student” describing the opening of the Hall] is a great boon to me, and what a noble building!
While in Edinburgh my idea is to have lunch at one o’clock, my usual time, and a sort of miscellaneous meal at 6.30, and rest in the evening after it, and I shall think it a great compliment and a very great pleasure if friends may do me the favour to look in after, say, about two o’clock. It will be much safer for me, under present circumstances of wanting to keep fresh and strong for the day, not to go out, so I should be on the spot. Sir Wm. Muir and his daughter, Mrs. Arbuthnot, kindly wrote that they meant to look in, but it would be only a pleasure to me to see any friends. Please to consider me as quite under your guidance for this, to me, so very great occasion, and wholly thankful so to be, excepting in the feeling of the great trouble that you are kindly taking.
Yours very sincerely, ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.
P.S.—Dr. E. L. thought it would be best for me to return by the Sunday night sleeping train, and the Midland manager has given permission for it to stop here on Monday morning.
_Professor Wallace to Miss E. A. Ormerod._
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, _March 29, 1900_.
DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—The box containing your most valuable contribution to the library arrived safely from Wesley & Son, and the ten volumes, [of her own works] all in excellent order, are standing on the Senate Hall table so that they may be seen. The Principal, Sir Wm. Muir, and the Secretary, Sir L. Grant, were the first, along with Professor Patrick and me, to inspect them in their present position, and all the others excepting myself were astounded at the magnitude of your work. I carried the books first into the library and had them entered in the catalogue before they went to the Senate Hall. They will have a shelf for themselves, so that they can be kept together as the “Ormerod Collection,” or rather “presentation.” I sent you a “Student” giving details of the Hall in which you will be capped. The capping is at 10 a.m., and after that, if you feel able, you will go on to St. Giles’ Cathedral. I enclose one of the ordinary tickets to give you an idea as to how the general public are admitted.—(R. W.)
_March 30, 1900._
DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—What can I say? I am very much used to work just quietly in the hope of being of some service, but this kind commendation from those whose opinions I hold in such respect as those of the chiefs, whether the high officials or professors in your great University, is indeed a gratification, a comfort for troubles sometimes not light, and an encouragement which I gratefully and deeply appreciate.
I should like, of all things, if you will take charge of me, to attend the Commemoration Service after the capping. It will delight me to be there, and if I am tired I can rest after. [The graduation ceremonial was found to be quite enough for Miss Ormerod’s strength, and no attempt was made to go to St. Giles’ Cathedral to the service.] I usually breakfast at 8.15, so that I should be all ready at 10 o’clock. It seems to me that if the “low-hung carriage” which you have kindly secured use of for me were in attendance to convey us to the McEwan Hall, and when wanted at intervals onward, this would be exceedingly comfortable for me. But in everything of the arrangements I am hoping that all I have to do is to quite precisely obey as well as benefit by most thankfully all that you are good enough to arrange for me, and will instruct me about presently.
BALMORAL HOTEL, EDINBURGH, _April 12, 1900_.
I earnestly hope that Dr. E. Lipscomb will find you better. It is a real grief to me that you should be going through such a painful illness [an influenza cold which developed at a most inopportune moment]. And, secondarily, not having all your kind advice and help and your companionship in all, does take away much of the pleasure of my honour.
We find the gown, hood, and trencher cap fit very nicely. This cap suits me much better than the soft velvet one, and I am sure that I should much prefer the black gown to the amazing splendours of scarlet faced with blue. I think on formal occasions, if desirable, I could get up my courage to wearing the quiet black gown, but I should be terrified about the brilliant garment. Dr. Lipscomb is going to tell you that, as matters have progressed, I do not feel as if it were at all necessary for me to have the convenience of a room in the Hall you kindly procured for me, and if it were permissible for me to “robe” here, and drive robed to the McEwan Hall, it would save me a world of anxiety. I might, I think, carry my cap in my hand until time for capping came. It is so exceptional a case that I do not see any impropriety in being bare-headed for a while. But I am truly anxious that I should appear before all the august body preliminarily under your wing, or, if there was risk for you, under the care of some other member of the University (if they will adopt me).
[The graduation ceremonial (p. 95) passed off without a hitch of any kind, and the students gave the first honorary woman graduate a magnificent reception.]
TORRINGTON HOUSE, ST. ALBANS, _April 17, 1900_.
DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—I really do not know how to begin my letter. There is so very much I want to say and to thank you most heartily for. But first I should exceedingly like to know that you are recovering, and were not seriously the worse for your kindness in really and truly coming from your bed to look after me. It would have taken greatly from my downright pleasure if you had not been there. I was much impressed by the ceremonial. I had not connected an idea of the perfect order, and in some respects solemnity, with the function of graduation. It is an impression never to be forgotten, any more than the exceeding kindness with which I was received. “Dr. Ormerod” also begs her best thanks for the most liberal supply of “Edinburgh Evening Dispatch” and “Scotsman” received this morning [containing accounts of the University function]. I am putting your letter, the very first with address of “Doctorate,” carefully away amongst the special treasures of my Academic honour. I am trying to get, so to say, “into harness” again amongst the consignments of boxes waiting.
Now I hope you will not think me absolutely carried away by the feeling of the importance of the honour to myself, but amongst letters of congratulation I have one from Dr. L. O. Howard, the Entomologist of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which pleases me very much. He says:—
Dating WASHINGTON, D.C., _April 7, 1900_.
“The receipt of your letter of 21st March and of your admirable twenty-third Annual Report reminds me that I have been remiss in fulfilling a strong intention to write you at my earliest convenience and congratulate you most warmly on the well-deserved honour which you are to receive from the University of Edinburgh. You are right; not only is it an honour to yourself, but it is an honour to Economic Entomology, the force of which cannot be over-estimated. I congratulate you very warmly. An LL.D. from Edinburgh has always seemed to me to be one of the highest honours which an Englishman (or woman now) could gain.”
L. O. HOWARD.
Dr. R. Stewart MacDougall wrote:—
SCOTTISH LIBERAL CLUB, EDINBURGH, _Saturday_.
A telegram received in the morning made it impossible for me to get to the McEwan Hall in time for my seat on the platform. Among the audience, however, I had an excellent opportunity of getting acquainted with “popular” opinion, and I only wished you could have heard all the kind things that were said about you. Somebody has said, “Beware when all men (and all women) speak well of you.” Really I know no one so exposed to this temptation (if temptation it be) as yourself. The honouring of our various distinguished men naturally appeals most strongly to different groups, but there is in addition about this latest honour to yourself something which has touched the general imagination.
May you be long spared to wear the honour worthily.
I hope that on your return you will find yourself none the worse for your plucky journey north and all the attendant fatigue.
R. STEWART MACDOUGALL.
Dr. Ritzema Bos wrote:—
AMSTERDAM, _March 16, 1900_.
DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—I was very much enjoyed to read in your kind letter of 12th March that the Senatus of the Edinburgh University will confer on you the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, as an acknowledgment of the great merits you have for the advancement of Economic Entomology. I am glad to hear that the important work you have done since so long years for Science and for Agriculture will be recompensed in this way. I hope that you may remain still for many years, what you have been already for so long time, the first Economic Entomologist of your country and one of the most famous Economic Entomologists of the world. My wife asks me to offer also her kind congratulations to you. December 19, 1899, it was twenty-five years since I received the Degree of Doctor of Natural Philosophy. On this day a deputation of representatives of our Dutch Agriculture and Horticulture came to me and offered me a statue of bronze—the genius of Science, with the subscription, “Ad lumen.” It was presented to me in the name of many agriculturists and horticulturists in Holland and in Dutch India. The General Director of Agriculture came also to me, and told me that H.M. our Queen offered me the grade of Knight of the Dutch Lion (Ridder in de Orde von den Nederlandsche Leeuwen). It was a beautiful day for us indeed. With many kind regards, believe me, yours very truly,
RITZEMA BOS.
Lord Grimthorpe wrote:—
ST. ALBANS, _Ash Wednesday, 1900_.
DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—“I lose not a moment” (as the story is) in congratulating you, or myself, on the honour of our becoming a brother and sister in _Laws_, as one of my nieces points out in a newspaper. The Princess of Wales has only the inferior position of a sister in Music, and those in Medicine are quite common now. I am sorry that we, neither of us, dare venture to go out and pay our duty in person in this weather—as unique as your new position—and I was sorry to miss you the last time you came here. My dear wife, who has been worse than I am though more capable of recovery, is slowly doing so. She was in an alarming state for some time under the abominable influence of the general pest, influenza.
Though I write badly and with difficulty, I am better in general strength, but shall never be well. However, I am thankful to be no worse, and to have a nice series of benevolent relations of two generations here, and to be here instead of London or Bath. Tea generally goes on at 4½ now, and we shall hope not to be disappointed if you look in again, wearing your _red hood_ when you have acquired it. With very kind regards and rejoicings from all our ladies.
I am, yours ever, GRIMTHORPE.
N.B.—I hope you are duly elated at the prospect of a Dean and Chapter here. I defied the late Archdeacon Grant who agitated for it, to tell us definitely any single practical bit of good it could do, and he declined to try.
Mr. L. O. Howard wrote again on:—
_May 10, 1900._
MY DEAR MISS ORMEROD,—I am greatly pleased to receive your letter of April 30th with the newspaper clippings. I had read substantially the same account in American newspapers, but did not know, of course, of your pleasant meeting with Mr. Choate. He is a man who is highly esteemed on this side of the Atlantic, not only for his legal ability but for his tact and other good qualities. I do not know him personally, but he is a national character. His name is known from one end of the country to the other, and his clever sayings are repeated from Seattle to Key West, and from Portland to San Diego. In March I attended the annual banquet of the trustees of the Shaw Botanic Gardens in St. Louis, and responded to the toast of Henry Shaw. The man who sat at my right, a distinguished college president, told me many Choate stories, and succeeded in filling my mind so full of Mr. Choate that when I was called upon to speak I had almost forgotten what I had intended to say. We are all of us here delighted about your doctorate. Entomology and Economic Entomology have been steadily assuming a higher place in the minds of the people during the past twenty years, and this honour which has come to you is the culmination of our advance up to the present time. Wishing you many more years of work and happiness (work must mean happiness to you), believe me, my dear Miss Ormerod, sincerely yours,
L. O. HOWARD.
_April 21, 1900._
DEAR PROFESSOR WALLACE,—It is a bright day when I see your handwriting outside the envelope, and I am truly glad your cold is better; it was no slight matter that wanted mending. My journey was not so successful as I hoped. The wind was very cold on St. Albans’ platform and I got a chill, but I was up again yesterday, and hope to be just as usual in a day or two. I shall be so very glad to see you. Please fix your own time, and if you would tell me a little beforehand, I would try to get General and Mrs. Bigge to come to lunch. He I think knew Sir Wm. Muir in India, when he (General Bigge) was in military command. He would of all things enjoy a talk with you about horses.
One day (if you please that is) we would drive over to Batch Wood to tea, and Lord Grimthorpe will certainly come in and have a chat if he be well enough. In a parenthesis, would you care to drive over to Rothamsted? I know Sir Henry and Lady Gilbert and Mr. Warington.
I shall so like to be able to have a good quiet talk with you about various of my plans. I feel (may I be forgiven if I am too presumptuous) that now I have a real scientific home, and though I would not for the world intrude, I may I think ask my good colleague’s advice. As you will be here so soon I think I had best not write to Sir W. Muir, as he kindly gave me leave to do, about my father’s set of volumes of drawings. When you come you will guide my views as to whether they would be what might be liked for acceptance.
_April 23, 1900._
I am doing just as you bid me, and after a little look at Mr. Garton’s paper,[100] which I am sure must contain a deal of solidly valuable information, I have laid it aside to wait your helpful guidance. I have a letter just now from Dr. Fream saying he would like very much to come to meet you (as I begged him), but cannot manage it. I am looking forward exceedingly to much useful and pleasant talk. I generally go to church at St. Michael’s (where Lord Bacon is buried) in the morning, but there is much good music at the Abbey close by, and you would do everything I hope just exactly as you like best. Yours very sincerely,
ELEANOR A. ORMEROD.
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