(and a green pot lobster!) in a
box with sawdust.

Do you remember how your 'genteel' clerk's wife came (starving) from
Islington, or some such place, to us at Aldershot, and told me she had
_sold_ all her furniture (as a nice preparation to coming to free but
empty quarters) EXCEPT _her parlour pier-glass and fire-irons_?

I sometimes feel as if I bought house plenishing that packed together
about as nicely as that!!! Witness my pottery old gentleman, and my
bronze Crayfish....

December 20, 1882.

* * * * *

I am so glad you like "Sunflowers and a Rushlight." It was very
pleasurable work, though hard work as usual, writing it. It was
written at Grenoside, among the Sunflowers, and generally with dear
old Wentworth, the big dog, walking after me or lying at my feet.

You may, or may not, have observed, that the _Times_ critic says, that
"of one thing there can be no doubt"--and that is--"_Miss_ Ewing's
nationality. No one but a Scotchwoman bred and born _could_ have
written the 'Laird and the Man of Peace.'"

It is "rich in pawky humour." But if I can get a copy I'll send it to
you. It is complimentary if not true!

I am putting a very simple inscription over our dear Brother. Do you
like it?

TROUVE
commonly and justly called
TRUE.
FOUND 1869; LOST 1881,
by A.E. and J.H.E.

TO H.K.F.G.

_Eccelsfield._ December, 1882.

... I rather HOPE to have a story for you for March, which
will be laid in France. Will it do if you have it by February 8?...

It is a terribly close subject, and I shall either fail at it, or make
it I hope not inferior to "Jackanapes." I don't _think_ it will be
long. The characters are so few, I have only plotted it. It will be
called--

"THE THINGS THAT ARE SEEN": AN OLD
SOLDIER'S STORY.

_DRAM. PERS._

MADAME.
HER MAID.
THE FATHER OF MADAME.
THE FATHER OF THE SERGEANT.
THE MOTHER OF THE SERGEANT.
THE SERGEANT.
THE PRIEST.
THE MURDERER.
A POODLE.

Soldiers, Peasants, Priests, Gendarmes, a Rabble, Reapers--but you
know I generally overflow my limits. I hope I can do it, but it tears
me to bits! and I've walked myself to bits nearly in plotting it this
morning,--a very little written, but I believe I could be _ready_ by
February 8. I don't think it will be as long as "Daddy Darwin," not
nearly.

Please settle with Mr. B. what you will do about an illustration. The
first scene is that of the death-bed of the sergeant