d in the matter--if only in hope of keeping
up your Father's Tradition.

I am ashamed to advert to my own little ailments, while you, I doubt not,
are enduring worse. I should have gone to London last week had I
believed that a week earlier or later mattered; as things are, I will not
reckon on going before next week. I want to be well enough to 'cut
about' and see the three friends whom I want to see--yourself among the
number.

Blakesley (Lincoln's Dean) goes to stay in London next week, and hopes to
play Whist in Weymouth Street.

Kegan Paul, etc., publish dear Spedding's 'Evenings,' {233} etc., and
never was Book more worth reading--and buying. I think I understand your
weariness in bringing out your Book: but many will be the Gainers:--among
them yours always

LITTLEG.

C.

[_Feb._ 1882.]

MY DEAR MRS. KEMBLE:

I have quoted, and sent to Mr. Schutz Wilson, just thus much of your
Letter, leaving his Friend to judge whether it is sufficiently
encouraging to invite him to call on you. I suppose it is: but I thought
safest to give your _ipsissima verba_.

'It is so perfectly easy for any one in London to obtain my Address, that
I think I may leave the future Mercutio to do so at his leisure or
pleasure.'

I dare say you are pretty much indifferent whether he ventures or not; if
he does, I can only hope that he is a Gentleman, and if he be so, I do
not think you will be sorry to help him in trying to keep up your
Father's traditionary excellence in the part, and to save Mr. Terriss--to
save Mercutio--from the contagion of Mr. Irving's treatment of
Shakespeare--so far as I have seen of it--which is simply two acts of
Hamlet.

As I told you, I know nothing--even hitherto heard nothing of Mr.
Terriss. His friend, S. Wilson, I have never seen neither. And I hope
you will think I have done fairly well in my share of the Business.

Fanny Kerrich, my Niece, and a capital Woman, comes to me to-day, not
more for the purpose of seeing myself, than my Brother's Widow who lives
alone in a dismal place three miles off. {234a} I am still wheezy, and
want to get in order so as to visit my few friends in London next week.
{234b}

You see there is no occasion for you to answer this: for, even if I have
done amiss, it is past recall; and I am none the less ancient Friend

LITTLEG.!

CI.

[_March_, 1882.]

MY DEAR LADY,

It is very kind of you to break through your rule of Correspondence,