infested.

The following note was addressed to Lady Dacre on the subject of a
pretty piece called "Isaure," which she had written and very kindly
wished to have acted at Covent Garden for my benefit. It was, however,
judged of too slight and delicate a texture for that large frame, and
the purpose was relinquished. I rather think it was acted in private at
Hatfield House, Lady Salisbury filling the part of the heroine, which I
was to have taken had the piece been brought out at Covent Garden.

MY DEAR LADY DACRE,

Will you be kind enough to send "Isaure" to my father? We will take
the greatest possible care of her, and return her to you in all
safety. I am only sorry that he cannot have the pleasure of hearing
you read it; for though it can take its own part very well, you
know even Shakespeare is not the worse for the interpretation of a
sweet voice, musical accent, and correct emphasis. With regard to
the production of the piece on the stage, I do not like to venture
an opinion, because my short experience has been long enough
already to show me how easily I might be mistaken in such matters.

There is no rule by which the humors of an audience can be
predicted. On a benefit night, indeed, I feel sure that the piece
would succeed, and answer your kind intention of adding to the
attractions of the bill, be they what they might; but our judges
are not the same, you know, two consecutive evenings, and therefore
it is impossible to foretell the sentence of a second
representation, for no "benefit" but that of the public itself.
Isaure is a refined patrician beauty, and I am sometimes inclined
to think that the Memphian head alone is of fit proportions for
uttering oracles in the huge space of our modern stage. My father,
however, is, from long experience, the best guesser of these
riddles, and he will tell you honestly his opinion as to your
heroine's public capacity. I am sure he will find his own reward in
making her acquaintance. I am, my dear Lady Dacre, faithfully
yours,

FANNY KEMBLE.

GREAT RUSSELL STREET.
DEAR MRS. JAMESON,

Thank you for the book you were so good as to send me. I have read
that which concerns the Cenci in it, and think Leigh Hunt's
reflecti