e] remained in
private Life so far as England is concerned. And so much for that grand
Chapter.

I think it is an ill-omened Year: beside War (which I _won't_ read about)
so much Illness and Death--hereabout, at any rate. A Nephew of mine--a
capital fellow--was pitched upon his head from a Gig a week ago, and we
know not yet how far that head of his may recover itself. But, beside
one's own immediate Friends, I hear of Sickness and Death from further
Quarters; and our Church Bell has been everlastingly importunate with its
"Toll-toll." But Farewell for the present: pray do as I ask you about
writing: and believe me ever yours,

E. F.G.

* You were thinking of something else when you misdirected your letter,
which sent it a round before reaching Woodbridge.

XLIX.

WOODBRIDGE, _June_ 23/77.

DEAR MRS. KEMBLE,

I knew the best thing I could do concerning the Book you wanted was to
send your Enquiry to the Oracle itself:--whose Reply I herewith enclose.

Last Evening I heard read Jeanie Deans' Audience with Argyle, and then
with the Queen. There I stop with the Book. Oh, how refreshing is the
leisurely, easy, movement of the Story, with its true, and
well-harmonized Variety of Scene and Character! There is of course a
Bore--Saddletree--as in Shakespeare. I presume to think--as in
Cervantes--as in Life itself: somewhat too much of him in Scott, perhaps.
But when the fuliginous and Spasmodic Carlyle and Co. talk of Scott's
delineating his Characters from without to within {131a}--why, he seems
to have had a pretty good Staple of the inner Man of David, and Jeanie
Deans, on beginning his Story; as of the Antiquary, Dalgetty, the
Ashtons, and a lot more. I leave all but the Scotch Novels. Madge has a
little--a wee bit--theatrical about her: but I think her to be paired off
with Ophelia, and worth all Miss Austen's Drawing-room Respectabilities
put together. It is pretty what Barry Cornwall says on meeting Scott
among other Authors at Rogers': 'I do not think any one envied him any
more than one envies Kings.' {131b} You have done him honour in your
Gossip: as one ought to do in these latter Days.

So this will be my last letter to you till you write me from Switzerland:
where I wish you to be as soon as possible. And am yours always and
sincerely

E. F.G.

A Letter from Donne speaks cheerfully. And Charles to be married again!
It may be best for him.

L.

31, GREAT GEORGE STREET