In the midst of all this mourning comes out a new Volume of Thackeray's
Drawings--or Sketches--as I foresaw it would be, too much Caricature, not
so good as much [of] his old Punch; and with none of the better things I
wanted them to put in--for his sake, as well as the Community's. I do
not wonder at the Publisher's obstinacy, but I wonder that Annie T. did
not direct otherwise. I am convinced I can hear Thackeray saying, when
such a Book as this was proposed to him--'Oh, come--there has been enough
of all this'--and crumpling up the Proof in that little hand of his. For
a curiously little hand he had, uncharacteristic of the grasp of his
mind: I used to consider it half inherited from the Hindoo people among
whom he was born. {91}

I dare say I told you of the Proposal to congratulate Carlyle on his
eightieth Birthday; and probably some Newspaper has told you of the
Address, and the Medal, and the White Satin Roll to which our eighty
names were to be attached. I thought the whole Concern, Medal, Address,
and Satin Roll, a very Cockney thing; and devoutly hoped my own
illustrious name would arrive too late. I could not believe that Carlyle
would like the Thing: but it appears by his published Answer that he did.
He would not, ten years ago, I think. Now--talking of illustrious names,
etc., oh, my dear Mrs. Kemble, your sincere old Regard for my Family and
myself has made you say more--of one of us, at least--than the World will
care to be told: even if your old Regard had not magnified our lawful
Deserts. But indeed it has done so: in Quality, as well as in Quantity.
I know I am not either squeamishly, or hypocritically, saying all this: I
am sure I know myself better than you do, and take a juster view of my
pretensions. I think you Kembles are almost Donnes in your determined
regard, and (one may say) Devotion to old Friends, etc. A rare--a
noble--Failing! Oh, dear!--Well, I shall not say any more: you will know
that I do not the less thank you for publickly speaking of [me] as I
never was spoken of before--only _too_ well. Indeed, this is so; and
when you come to make a Book of your Papers, I shall make you cut out
something. Don't be angry with me now--no, I know you will not. {92}

The Day after To-morrow I shall have your new Number; which is a
Consolation (if needed) for the Month's going. And I am ever yours

E. F.G.

Oh, I must add--The Printing is no doubt the more legible; but I get on
ver