really nothing at all, and it would
have been most unnecessary to have hunted up a man-servant for a couple
of weeks, for last and next week are the only two that I expect to pass
in Orchard Street, before I remove to my King Street lodgings.

You speculate more, dear Hal, than I do, and among all things on that
Covent Garden performance, that "Series of Scenes from various Plays of
Shakespeare, to be given in his honor, and towards the purchase of his
house at Stratford-on-Avon." I suppose it will be a very protracted
exhibition, but my only reflection upon the subject was, that I was glad
to perceive that my share of it came early in the course of events.

I had no idea of proposing Hero [my dog] as your sister's inmate, but
supposed he would be harbored in the stables, the kennels, or some
appropriate purlieu, be sufficiently well fed, and take his daily
exercise in your society. This was my vision of Hero's existence under
your auspices, and, as you may readily believe, I had no idea of
quartering him on the reluctant _dogmanity_ of anybody....

I have just had a charming letter from Charles Sedgwick; if I can
remember, I will keep it to show it to you.

Order your boots, or anything else, to be sent to me, dear Hal, but you
know I shall not be with you yet for a month, and possibly not then; for
though no _pleasant_ engagement (how nice it is of you to suggest that!)
would interfere with my coming to St. Leonard's, _unpleasant_ ones
might; any opportunity of making money certainly would, and such may
occur to interfere with my present plans, which stand thus: I return to
town to-morrow (there is but one evening train, so I must travel all
night to rehearse on Monday morning for the "Shakespeare Memorial
Night," on Tuesday); I shall remain in London a week, and on the
following Monday go down to Bannisters for a fortnight, which will bring
me within a few days of the expiration of my term in Orchard Street,
and I shall return from Bannisters to move myself; on the following
Monday, the 3d of January, I will, please God and you, come down to St.
Leonard's....

I was so ill in spirit yesterday that I could not write to you. I am
better to-day. Thank God, my patience and courage do not often or long
forsake me!...

---- has written again to borrow money of me; and that impudent
Liverpool manager, who _borrowed_, _i.e._ did not pay me, my last
night's earnings, when you were there with me, has written to say that