ther did not act on
Tuesday, I resolved, if possible, to get it finished in order to
read it to him on Tuesday evening. So on Monday evening at six
o'clock I sat down to begin my fifth act, and by half-past eleven
had completed my task; I am thus minute because I know you will not
think these details tiresome, and also because, even if it succeeds
and is praised and admired, I shall never feel so happy as when my
father greeted my entrance into the drawing-room with, "Is it done,
my love? I shall be the happiest man alive if it succeeds!"

On Tuesday evening I read it to them, and I was so encouraged by
the delighted looks my father and mother were continually
exchanging, that I believe I read it with more effect than they
either of them had thought me capable of. When it was done I was
most richly rewarded, for they all seemed so pleased with me and so
proud of me, that the most inordinate author's vanity would have
been satisfied. And my dear mother, oh, how she looked at
me!--forgive me, dear, and grant some little indulgence to my
exultation. I thought I deserved some praise, but thrice my deserts
were showered upon me by those I love above everything in the
world.

When commendation and congratulation had a little given way to
reflection, my mother and John entreated my father not to let the
play be acted, or, if he did, to have it published first; for they
said (and their opinion has been sanctioned by several literary
men) that the work as a literary production (I repeat what they
say, mind) has merit enough to make it desirable that the public
should judge of it as a poetical composition before it is submitted
to the mangling necessary for the stage.

Of course, my task being finished, I have nothing more to do with
it; nor do I care whether it is published first or after, provided
only it may be acted: though I dare say that process may not prove
entirely satisfactory to me either; for though Mr. Young and my
father would thoroughly embody my conception of the parts intended
for them, yet there is a woman's part which, considering the
materials history has furnished, ought to be a very fine
one--Louisa of Savoy; and it must be cut down to the capacity of a
second-rate actress. The character would have been the sort of one
for