3. I suggested the tomb of a Knight Crusader, above which should fall
a torn banner with the words, "In Coelo Quies."

Now if he had kicked at having three pictures to do utterly over
again, one could hardly have wondered, pressed as he is. But, back
they came! "I am indeed much indebted to you," the worst he had to
say! The lady in No. 1 now _is_ a lady; and as to the other two, they
will be two of the best pages of the book. Old Pensioner first-rate,
and Crusader under torn banner just leaving "Coelo Quies," a tomb
behind "of S. Ambrose of Milan" with a little dog--and a
snowy-moustached old General, with bending shoulders and holding a
little girl by the hand, paying _devoir_ at the Departed Warrior's
tomb in a ray of rosy sunlight!!

This is the sort of way we are fighting through the Ewing-Andre books.

* * * * *

_Ecclesfield._ January 10, 1883.

* * * * *

Fancy me "learning a part" again! _That_ has a sort of sound like old
times, hasn't it?

I feel half as if I were a fool, and half as if it would be very good
fun! R.A. theatricals at Shoeburyness. The FoxStrangways have asked
me. Major O'Callaghan is Stage Manager I believe. Then there is a
Major Newall, said to be very good. He says he "has a fancy to play 'A
Happy Pair' with me!" It is his _cheval de bataille_ I believe.

I think it is best to try and do what one is _asked_ over parts
(though they were very polite in offering me a choice), so I said I
would try, and am learning it. I think I shall manage it. They now
want me to take "A Rough Diamond" as well, _Margery_. I doubt its
being wise to attempt both. It will be rather a strain, I think.

* * * * *

_Shoeburyness._ January 25, 1883.

* * * * *

I am playing Mrs. Honeyton in "A Happy Pair" with Major Newall. He
knows his work well, is a good coach, and very considerate and kind.

In my soul I wish that were all, but they have persuaded me also to
take Margery in "A Rough Diamond," and getting THAT up in a
week is "rough on" a mediocre amateur like myself!

This is a _curious_ place. Very nice, bar the east winds. I have been
down on the shore this morning. The water sobs at your feet, and the
ships and the gulls go up and down. Above, a compact little military
station clusters together, and everywhere are Guns, Guns, Guns; old
guns lying in the grass, ne