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.
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.
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.