to strike on the
weaker side, and partly, too, resentful indignation at the
cold-blooded neutrality observed by all the powers of Europe while
that handful of men were making so brave a stand against the
Russian giant.

That reminds me that Prince Zartoryski, who is in this country just
now, came to the play the other night, and was so struck with my
father that he sent round to him to say that he desired the honor
of his acquaintance, and begged he would do him the favor of dining
with him on some appointed day, which seemed to me a very pretty
piece of impulsive enthusiasm. I believe Prince Zartoryski is a
royal personage, and so above conventionalities....

My father is pretty well, though very far from having entirely
regained his strength, but he is making gradual progress in that
direction....

Always affectionately yours,
FANNY.

_Tuesday, 24th._-- ... Read over "The Star of Seville," as Mr.
Bartley (our worthy stage manager) has cut it, with a view to its
possible performance. He has cut it with a vengeance--what one may
call to the quick. However, I suppose they know their own business
(though, by the by, I am not always so sure of that). At any rate,
I shall make no resistance, but be silent while I am sheared....

I rode in the park with John. My mare was ill, and Mew (the
stable-keeper) had sent me one of his horses, a great awkward
brute, who, after jolting me well up Oxford Street, no sooner
entered the park than he bolted down the drive as fast as legs
could carry him, John following afar off. In Rotten Row we were
joined by young T----.... When I thought the devil was a little
worked out of my horse, I raised him to a canter again, whereupon
scamper the second--I like a flash of lightning, they after me as
well as they could. John would not force my father's horse, but Mr.
T----, whose horse was a thoroughbred hunter, managed to keep up
with me, but lamed his horse in so doing. We then walked soberly
round the park and saw our friends and acquaintances, and, turning
down the drive, I determined once more to try my horse's
disposition, whereupon off he went again, like a shot, leaving John
far behind. I flitted down Rotten Row like Faust on t