Seasons? Oh, it is something to remember the old Ladies who sang that
Chorus at the old Ancient Concerts rising with Music in hand to sing that
lovely piece under old Greatorex's Direction. I have never heard Haydn
and Handel so well as in those old Rooms with those old Performers, who
still retained the Tradition of those old Masters. Now it is getting
Midnight; but so mild--this October 4--that I am going to smoke one Pipe
outdoors--with a little Brandy and water to keep the Dews off. I told
you I had not been well all the Summer; I say I begin to 'smell the
Ground,' {83} which you will think all Fancy. But I remain while above
Ground

Yours sincerely
E. F.G.

XXXIII.

[_October_, 1875.]

DEAR MRS. KEMBLE,

My last Letter asked you how and where I could get at your Papers; this
is to say, I have got them, thanks to the perseverance of our Woodbridge
Bookseller, who would not be put off by his London Agent, and has finally
procured me the three Numbers {84} which contain your 'Gossip.' Now
believe me; I am delighted with it; and only wish it might run on as long
as I live: which perhaps it may. Of course somewhat of my Interest
results from the Times, Persons, and Places you write of; almost all more
or less familiar to me; but I am quite sure that very few could have
brought all before me as you have done--with what the Painters call, so
free, full, and flowing a touch. I suppose this 'Gossip' is the Memoir
you told me you were about; three or four years ago, I think: or perhaps
Selections from it; though I hardly see how your Recollections could be
fuller. No doubt your Papers will all be collected into a Book; perhaps
it would have been financially better for you to have so published it
now. But, on the other hand, you will have the advantage of writing with
more freedom and ease in the Magazine, knowing that you can alter,
contract, or amplify, in any future Re-publication. It gives me such
pleasure to like, and honestly say I like, this work--and--I know I'm
right in such matters, though I can't always give the reason why I like,
or don't like, Dr. Fell: as much wiser People can--who reason themselves
quite wrong.

I suppose you were at School in the Rue d'Angouleme near about the time
(you don't give dates enough, I think--there's one fault for you!)--about
the time when we lived there: I suppose you were somewhat later, however:
for assuredly my Mother and yours would have been toget