ine. But the Photos account for it. Thank you: I keep that
which I like best, and herewith return the other.

Why will you take into your head that I could suppose you wanting in
Hospitality, or any other sort of Generosity! That, at least, is not a
Kemble failing. Why, I believe you would give me--and a dozen
others--1000 pounds if you fancied one wanted it--even without being
asked. The Law of Mede and Persian is that you _will_ take up--a
perverse notion--now and then. There! It's out.

As to the Tea--'pure and simple'--with Bread and Butter--it is the only
meal I do care to join in:--and this is why I did not see Mowbray Donne,
who has not his Dinner till an hour and a half after my last meal is
done.

I should very gladly have 'crushed a Cup of Tea' with you that last
Evening, coming prepared so to do. But you had Friends coming; and so
(as Mrs. Edwards was in the same plight) I went to the Pit of my dear old
Haymarket Opera: {200} remembering the very corner of the Stage where
Pasta stood when Jason's People came to tell her of his new Marriage; and
(with one hand in her Girdle--a movement (Mrs. Frere said) borrowed from
Grassini) she interrupted them with her "Cessate--intesi!"--also when
Rubini, feathered hat in hand, began that "Ah te, oh Cara"--and Taglioni
hovered over the Stage. There was the old Omnibus Box too where D'Orsay
flourished in ample white Waistcoat and Wristbands: and Lady
Blessington's: and Lady Jersey's on the Pit tier: and my own Mother's,
among the lesser Stars, on the third. In place of all which I dimly saw
a small Company of less distinction in all respects; and heard an Opera
(_Carmen_) on the Wagner model: very beautiful Accompaniments to no
Melody: and all very badly sung except by Trebelli, who, excellent. I
ran out in the middle to the dear Little Haymarket opposite--where
Vestris and Liston once were: and found the Theatre itself spoilt by
being cut up into compartments which marred the beautiful Horse-shoe
shape, once set off by the flowing pattern of Gold which used to run
round the house.

Enough of these Old Man's fancies--But--Right for all that!

I would not send you Spedding's fine Article {201a} till you had returned
from your Visit, and also had received Mrs. Leigh at Queen Anne's. You
can send it back to me quite at your leisure, without thinking it
necessary to write about it.

It is so mild here that the Thrush sings a little, and my Anemones seem
prep