3-085-713 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, 1898. 'Mr. Gladstone at Cannes. The alarming reports of Mr. Gladstone's health were happily without serious foundation, though he has undoubtedly suffered a good deal from neuralgia. It was to escape this tormentor that Mr. Gladstone went to Cannes to stay at Lord Rendel's beautiful residence, the Chateau Thorenc; but the neuralgic trouble in the face continued acute, and he lost strength. Accustomed all his life to abounding physical vigour, the constant pain depressed his spirits and lowered his vitality. As soon, however, as the pain abated Mr. Gladstone recovered his old elasticity to a considerable extent, and it is hoped that this improvement will be maintained. Meantime Mr. Gladstone is able to take two drives daily, a fact which alone shows that he is by no means the invalid he was suddenly reported to be. He rises at 10 a.m., takes his first drive soon after, lunches with the house-party, goes out again, and after dinner plays backgammon or listens to music. The southern aspect of the Chateau Thorenc, and its luxurious equipment against the extremes of the variable climate for which Cannes is proverbial, are all in the favour of an ultimate gain in health on the part of Lord Rendel's venerable visitor'. From "Illustrated London News", 1898.