will see; but probably
quite as good. Quite enough on that score.

I really want to know how you like your new Quarters in dear _old_
London: how you are; and whether relieved from Anxiety concerning Mr.
Leigh. It was a Gale indeed, such as the oldest hereabout say they do
not remember: but it was all from the East: and I do not see why it
should have travelled over the Atlantic.

If you are easy on that account, and otherwise pretty well in mind and
Body, tell me if you have been to see the Lyceum 'Cup' {206a} and what
you make of it. Somebody sent me a Macmillan {206b} with an Article
about it by Lady Pollock; the extracts she gave seemed to me a somewhat
lame imitation of Shakespeare.

I venture to think--and what is more daring--to write, that my Eyes are
better, after six weeks' rest and Blue Glasses. But I say so with due
regard to my old Friend Nemesis.

I have heard nothing about my dear Donne since you wrote: and you only
said that you had not _heard_ a good account of him. Since then you
have, I doubt not, seen as well as heard. But, now that I see better
(Absit Invidia!) I will ask Mowbray.

It is well, I think, that Carlyle desired to rest (as I am told he did)
where he was born--at Ecclefechan, from which I have, or had, several
Letters dated by him. His Niece, who had not replied to my note of
Enquiry, of two months ago, wrote to me after his Death.

Now I have written enough for you as well as for myself: and am yours
always the same

LITTLEGRANGE. *

* 'What foppery is this, sir?'--_Dr. Johnson_.

LXXXVII.

[_Feb._, 1881.]

MY DEAR MRS. KEMBLE:--

As you generally return a Salute so directly, I began to be alarmed at
not hearing from you sooner--either that you were ill, or your Daughter,
or some ill news about Mr. Leigh. I had asked one who reads the
Newspapers, and was told there had been much anxiety as to the Cunard
Ship, which indeed was only just saved from total Wreck. But all is well
so far as you and yours are concerned; and I will sing 'Gratias' along
with you.

Mowbray Donne wrote to tell me that he and his had provided for some man
to accompany our dear old Friend in his walks; and, as he seems himself
to like it, all is so far well in that quarter also.

I was touched with the account of Carlyle's simple Obsequies among his
own Kinsfolk, in the place of his Birth--it was fine of him to settle
that so it should be. I am glad also that Mr. Froude is charg