Volume Iii Part 36 (1/2)
BROADSTAIRS, _Tuesday, Sept. 3rd, 1850._
MY DEAREST KATE,
I enclose a few lines from Georgy, and write these to say that I purpose going home at some time on Thursday, but I cannot say precisely when, as it depends on what work I do to-morrow. Yesterday Charles Knight, White, Forster, Charley, and I walked to Richborough Castle and back. Knight dined with us afterwards; and the Whites, the Bicknells, and Mrs. Gibson came in in the evening and played vingt-et-un.
Having no news I must tell you a story of Sydney. The children, Georgy, and I were out in the garden on Sunday evening (by-the-bye, I made a beautiful pa.s.sage down, and got to Margate a few minutes after one), when I asked Sydney if he would go to the railroad and see if Forster was coming. As he answered very boldly ”Yes,” I opened the garden-gate, upon which he set off alone as fast as his legs would carry him; and being pursued, was not overtaken until he was through the Lawn House Archway, when he was still going on at full speed--I can't conceive where. Being brought back in triumph, he made a number of fict.i.tious starts, for the sake of being overtaken again, and we made a regular game of it. At last, when he and Ally had run away, instead of running after them, we came into the garden, shut the gate, and crouched down on the ground. Presently we heard them come back and say to each other with some alarm, ”Why, the gate's shut, and they're all gone!” Ally began in a dismayed way to cry out, but the Phenomenon shouting, ”Open the gate!”
sent an enormous stone flying into the garden (among our heads) by way of alarming the establishment. I thought it a wonderful piece of character, showing great readiness of resource. He would have fired a perfect battery of stones, or very likely have broken the pantry window, I think, if we hadn't let him in.
They are all in great force, and send their loves. They are all much excited with the expectation of receiving you on Friday, and would start me off to fetch you now if I would go.
Our train on Friday will be half-past twelve. I have spoken to Georgy about the partridges, and hope we may find some.
Ever, my dearest Kate, Most affectionately.
[Sidenote: Miss Mary Boyle.]
BROADSTAIRS, KENT, _Monday Night, Sept. 16th, 1850._
MY DEAR MISS BOYLE,
Your letter having arrived in time for me to write a line by the evening post, I came out of a paroxysm of ”Copperfield,” to say that I am _perfectly delighted_ to read it, and to know that we are going to act together in that merry party. We dress ”Every Man” in Queen Elizabeth's time. The acting copy is much altered from the old play, but we still smooth down phrases when needful. I don't remember anyone that is changed. Georgina says she can't describe the dress Mrs. Kitely used to wear. I shall be in town on Sat.u.r.day, and will then get Maclise to make me a little sketch, of it, carefully explained, which I will post to you. At the same time I will send you the book. After consideration of forces, it has occurred to me (old Ben being, I daresay, rare; but I _do_ know rather heavy here and there) that Mrs. Inchbald's ”Animal Magnetism,” which we have often played, will ”go” with a greater laugh than anything else. That book I will send you on Sat.u.r.day too. You will find your part (Lisette, I think it is called, but it is a waiting-maid) a most admirable one; and I have seen people laugh at the piece until they have hung over the front of the boxes like ripe fruit. You may dress the part to please yourself after reading it. We wear powder. I will take care (bringing a theatrical hairdresser for the company) of your wig! We will rehea.r.s.e the two pieces when we go down, or at least anything with which you have to do, over and over again. You will find my company so well used to it, and so accustomed to consider it a grave matter of business, as to make it easy. I am now awaiting the French books with a view to ”Rockingham,” and I hope to report of that too, when I write to you on Sat.u.r.day.
My dear Miss Boyle, very faithfully yours.
[Sidenote: Miss Mary Boyle.]
DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Friday, Sept. 20th, 1850._
MY DEAR MISS BOYLE,
I enclose you the book of ”Animal Magnetism,” and the book of ”Every Man in his Humour;” also a sketch by Mr. Maclise of a correct and picturesque Mrs. Kitely. Mr. Forster is Kitely; Mr. Lemon, Brainworm; Mr. Leech, Master Matthew; Mr. Jerrold, Master Stephen; Mr. Stone, Downright. Kitely's dress is a very plain purple gown, like a Bluecoat-boy's. Downright's dress is also very sober, chiefly brown and gray. All the rest of us are very bright. I am flaming red. Georgina will write you about your colour and hers in ”Animal Magnetism;” the gayer the better. I am the Doctor, in black, with red stockings. Mr.
Lemon (an excellent actor), the valet, as far as I can remember, in blue and yellow, and a chintz waistcoat. Mr. Leech is the Marquis, and Mr.
Egg the one-eyed servant.
What do you think of doing ”Animal Magnetism” as the last piece (we may play three in all, I think) at Rockingham? If so, we might make Quin the one-eyed servant, and beat up with Mrs. Watson for a Marquis. Will you tell me what you think of this, addressed to Broadstairs? I have not heard from Bulwer again. I daresay I have crossed a letter from him by coming up to-day; but I have every reason to believe that the last week in October is the time.
Ever very faithfully yours.
P.S.--This is quite a managerial letter, which I write with all manner of appointments and business discussions going on about me, having my pen on the paper and my eye on ”Household Words,” my head on ”Copperfield” and my ear nowhere particularly.
I will let you know about ”A Day after the Wedding.” I have sent for the book on Monday.
[Sidenote: The Hon. Mrs. Watson.]
BROADSTAIRS, KENT, _September 24th, 1850._