TAVISTOCK HOUSE, _May 24th, 1855._

MY DEAR STONE,

That's right! You will find the words come back very quickly. Why, _of
course_ your people are to come, and if Stanfield don't astonish 'em,
I'm a Dutchman. O Heaven, if you could hear the ideas he proposes to me,
making even _my_ hair stand on end!

Will you get Marcus or some similar bright creature to copy out old
Nightingale's part for you, and then return the book? This is the
prompt-book, the only one I have; and Katey and Georgina (being also in
wild excitement) want to write their parts out with all despatch.

Ever affectionately.

[Sidenote: Mr. W. Wilkie Collins.]

TAVISTOCK HOUSE, _Thursday, May 24th, 1855._

MY DEAR COLLINS,

I shall expect you to-morrow evening at "Household Words." I have
written a little ballad for Mary--"The Story of the Ship's Carpenter and
the Little Boy, in the Shipwreck."

Let us close up with "Mr. Nightingale's Diary." Will you look whether
you have a book of it, or your part.

All other matters and things hereunto belonging when we meet.

Ever faithfully.

[Sidenote: Mrs. Trollope.]

TAVISTOCK HOUSE, _Tuesday Morning, June 19th, 1855._

MY DEAR MRS. TROLLOPE,

I was out of town on Sunday, or I should have answered your note
immediately on its arrival. I cannot have the pleasure of seeing the
famous "medium" to-night, for I have some theatricals at home. But I
fear I shall not in any case be a good subject for the purpose, as I
altogether want faith in the thing.

I have not the least belief in the awful unseen world being available
for evening parties at so much per night; and, although I should be
ready to receive enlightenment from any source, I must say I have very
little hope of it from the spirits who express themselves through
mediums, as I have never yet observed them to talk anything but
nonsense, of which (as Carlyle would say) there is probably enough in
these days of ours, and in all days, among mere mortality.

Very faithfully yours.

[Sidenote: Mr. Clarkson Stanfield, R.A.]

TAVISTOCK HOUSE, _Wednesday, June 20th, 1855._

MY DEAR STANNY,

I write a hasty note to let you know that last night was perfectly
wonderful!!!

Such an audience! Such a bri