about Shakespeare--at least, the proceeds go to
something of that sort. Do, like a good fellow, toss us off twenty lines.
Why don't you write? By the way, I hope there's no truth in a report that
has somehow reached me, that they have the news down in Monmouth of my
deserting to the black-yellow squadrons? Of course, such a thing as that
should have been kept from them. I hear, too, that your--I suppose I must
call her now your--pupil is falling into bad health. Think me as cold and
'British' as you like; but the thought of this does really affect me
painfully. Upon my honour, it does! 'And now he yawns!' you're saying.
You're wrong. We Army men feel just as you poets do, and for a longer
time, I think, though perhaps not so acutely. I send you the 'Venus'
cameo which you admired. Pray accept it from an old friend. I mayn't see
you again."

[Tracy Runningbrook to Wilfrid:] (enclosing lines)

"Here they are. It will require a man who knows something about metre to
speak them. Had Shakespeare's grandmother three Christian names? and did
she anticipate feminine posterity in her rank of life by saying
habitually, 'Drat it?' There is as yet no Society to pursue this
investigation, but it should be started. Enormous thanks for the Venus. I
wore it this morning at breakfast. Just as we were rising, I leaned
forward to her, and she jumped up with her eyes under my chin. 'Isn't she
a beauty?' I said. 'It was his,' she answered, changing eyes of eagle for
eyes of dove, and then put out the lights. I had half a mind to offer it,
on the spot. May I? That is to say, if the impulse seizes me I take
nobody's advice, and fair Venus certainly is not under my chin at this
moment. As to ill health, great mother Nature has given a house of iron
to this soul of fire. The windows may blaze, or the windows may be
extinguished, but the house stands firm. When you are lightning or
earthquake, you may have something to reproach yourself for; as it is, be
under no alarm. Do not put words in my mouth that I have not uttered.
'And now he yawns,' is what I shall say of you only when I am sure you
have just heard a good thing. You really are the best fellow of your set
that I have come across, and the only one pretending to brains. Your
modesty in estimating your value as a leader of Pandours will be pleasing
to them who like that modesty. Good-bye. This little Emilia is a marvel
of flying moods. Yesterday she went about as if she said, 'I've promis