My life : a record of events and opinions - Wallace-online.org

—CHAPTER XILONDON, AND VOYAGE TO THE EASTOn reaching London in the condition described inmy letter to Dr. Spruce, and my only clothing a suitof the thinnest calico, I was met by my kind friendand agent, Mr. Samuel Stevens, who took me first tothe nearest ready-made clothes shop, where I got awarm suit, then to his own tailor, where I was measuredfor what clothes I required, and afterwards to a haberdasher'sto get a small stock of other necessaries.Having at that time no relatives in London, hismother, with whom he lived in the south of LondonI think in Kennington—had invited me to stay withher. Here I lived most comfortably for a week,enjoying the excellent food and delicacies Mrs.Stevens provided for me, which quickly restored meto my usual health and vigour.As I wished to be with my sister and motherduring my stay in England, I took a house thenvacant in Upper Albany Street (No. 44), so that wemight all live together. While it was getting readyI took lodgings next door, as the situation wasconvenient, being close to the Regent's Park andZoological Gardens, and also near the Society's officesin Hanover Square, and within easy access to Mr.Stevens's office close to the old British Museum. AtChristmas we were all comfortably settled, and I was