hemselves with
excitement and enthusiasm: they shouted at us, they cheered us,
they crowned me with roses. Conceive, if you can, the shocking
contrast between all this and the silent sick-room, to which I went
straight from the stage....

Surely, our profession involves more intolerable discords between
the real human beings who exercise it and their unreal vocation,
than any in the world!... In returning to England, two advantages,
which I shall value much, will be obtained: a fortnight's rest
during the passage, and, I hope, not quite such hard work when I
resume my labors.... As for the hollowness and heartlessness of the
world, by which one means really the people that one has to do with
in it, I cannot say that I trouble my mind much about it. In their
relations with me I commit every one to their own conscience; if
they deal ill by me, they deal worse by themselves.... I hope you
may be in London when we reach it. Farewell.

I am ever yours truly,
FANNY KEMBLE.

NEW YORK, Thursday, April 24, 1834.
MY DEAR H----,

This will be but a short letter, the first short one you will have
received from me since we parted. Dear Dall has gone from us. She
is dead; she died in my arms, and I closed her eyes.... I cannot
attempt to speak of this now, I will give you all details in my
next letter. It has been a dreadful shock, though it was not
unexpected; but there is no preparation for the sense of desolation
which oppresses me, and which is beyond words.... I wrote you a
long letter a few days ago, which will perhaps have led you to
anticipate this. We shall probably be in England on the 10th of
July.... The sole care of my father, who is deeply afflicted, and
charge of everything, devolves entirely on me now.... We left
Boston on Tuesday.... I act here to-night for the first time since
I lost that dear and devoted friend, who was ever near at hand to
think of everything for me, to care for me in every way. I have
almost cried my eyes out daily for the last three months; but that
is over now. I am working again, and go about my work feeling
stunned and bewildered....

I saw Dr. Channing on Monday; he has just lost a dear and intimate