“I saw but little of you, but in that little I found no change.  That was gratifying to me, for I am over-sensitive, and would never trouble you if you had forgotten me.  How I shall prize those feathers—­Henry Irving’s, presented by Ellen Terry to me for my Rosalind Cap.  I shall wear them once and then put them by as treasures.  Thank you so much for the pretty words you wrote me about ‘As You Like It.’  I was hardly fit on that matinee.  The great excitement I went through during the London season almost killed me.  I am going to try and rest, but I fear my nerves and heart won’t let me.

“You must try and read between the lines all I feel.  I am sure you can if any one ever did, but I cannot put into words my admiration for you—­and that comes from deep down in my heart.  Good-bye, with all good wishes for your health and success.

“I remain

“Yours most affectionately,

“ADA REHAN.”

I wish I could just once have played with Ada Rehan.  When Mr. Tree could not persuade Mrs. Kendal to come and play in “The Merry Wives of Windsor” a second time, I hoped that Ada Rehan would come and rollick with me as Mrs. Ford—­but it was not to be.

Mr. Daly himself interested me greatly.  He was an excellent manager, a man in a million.  But he had no artistic sense.  The productions of Shakespeare at Daly’s were really bad from the pictorial point of view.  But what pace and “ensemble” he got from his company!

May Irwin was the low comedian who played the servants’ parts in Daly’s comedies from the German.  I might describe her, except that she was far more genial, as a kind of female Rutland Barrington.  On and off the stage her geniality distinguished her like a halo.  It is a rare quality on the stage, yet without it the comedian has uphill work.  I should say that May Irwin and J.B.  Buckstone (the English actor and manager of the Haymarket Theater during the ’sixties) had it equally.  Generous May Irwin!  Lucky those who have her warm friendship and jolly, kind companionship!

John Drew, the famous son of a famous mother, was another Daly player whom I loved.  With what loyalty he supported Ada Rehan!  He never played for his own hand but for the good of the piece.  His mother, Mrs. John Drew, had the same quiet methods as Mrs. Alfred Wigan.  Everything that she did told.  I saw Mrs. Drew play Mrs. Malaprop, and it was a lesson to people who overact.  Her daughter, Georgie Drew, Ethel Barrymore’s mother, was also a charming actress.  Maurice Barrymore was a brilliantly clever actor.  Little Ethel, as I still call her, though she is a big “star,” is carrying on the family traditions.  She ought to play Lady Teazle.  She may take it from me that she would make a success in it.