s of noble size threw their shadows on the
sunlit sward, which looked as if none but fairies' feet had ever
pressed it. Beyond this, through breaks and frames, and arches made
by the trees, the broad Severn glittered in the wavy light. It was
a beautiful landscape in every direction. We returned home by sea
wall and the shore of the Severn, which seemed rather bare and
bleak after the soft loveliness we had just left....

_Thursday, July 7th._--Went to the theater to rehearse "The
Gamester." In the afternoon strolled down to the river with my
father and Dall. We took boat and rowed toward the cliffs. Our
time, however, was limited; and just as we reached the loveliest
part of the river, we were obliged to turn home again.... At
dinner, as we were talking about America, and I was expressing my
disinclination ever to go thither, my father said: "If my cause
(our Chancery suit) goes ill before the Lords, I think the best
thing I can do will be to take ship from Liverpool and sail to the
United States." I choked a little at this, but presently found
voice to say, "Ebben son pronta;" but he replied, "No, that he
should go alone." That you never should, my own dear father!... But
I do hate the very thought of America.

_Saturday, July 9th._ ... In the afternoon drove out in an open
carriage with Dall to Shirehampton, by the same road my father and
I took in our ride the other day.

BRISTOL, July 10th, 1831.
MY DEAR MRS. JAMESON,

I can neither bid you confirm nor deny any "_reports_ you may
hear," for I am in utter ignorance, I am happy to say, of the
world's surmisings on my behalf, and had indeed supposed that my
time for being honored by its notice in any way was pretty well
past and over.

I am glad you are having rest, as you speak of it with the
enjoyment which those alone who work hard are entitled to. I trust,
too, that in the instance of your eyes no news is good news, for
you say nothing of them, and I therefore like to hope that they
have suffered you to forget them.

I'm disappointed about your Shakespeare book. I should like to have
had it by my next birthday, which is the 27th of November, and to
which I look forward with unusually mingled feelings. However, it
cannot be helped