can ever be
a shadow of comparison between her and myself, even when years may
have corrected all that is at present crude and imperfect in my
efforts?

This is my sole reply to her ladyship. To you, dearest H----, I can
add that I came upon the stage quite uncertain as to the possession
of any talent for it whatever; I do not think I am now deceived as
to the quantity I can really lay claim to, by the exaggerated
praises of the public, who have been too long deprived of any
female object of special interest on the boards to be very nice
about the first that is presented to them; nor am I unconscious of
the amount of work that will be requisite to turn my abilities to
their best use. Wait; have patience; by and by, I hope, I shall do
better. It is very true that to be the greatest actress of my day
is not the aim on which my happiness depends. But having embraced
this career, I think I ought not to rest satisfied with any degree
of excellence short of what my utmost endeavor will enable me to
attain in it....

My print, or rather the print of me, from Sir Thomas Lawrence's
drawing, is out. He has promised you one, so I do not. There are
also coming out a series of sketches by Mr. Hayter, from my Juliet,
with a species of _avant propos_ written by Mrs. Jameson; this will
interest you, and I will send you a copy of it when it is
published.

I will tell you a circumstance of much anxious hope to us all just
now, but as the result is yet uncertain, do not mention it. We have
a species of offer of a living for my brother John, who, you know,
is going into the Church. This is a consummation devoutly to be
wished, and I most sincerely hope we may not be disappointed. He is
still in Germany, very happy and very metaphysical; should we
obtain this living, however, I suppose he would return immediately.
Independently of my wish to see him again, I shall be glad when he
leaves Germany I think; but I have not time for what I think about
Germany to-day, and you must be rather tired of

Yours most affectionately,
F. A. K.

Mr. Hayter's graceful sketches of me in Juliet were lithographed and
published with Mrs. Jameson's beautifully written but too flattering
notice of my performance