After advising my mother to stick to writing novels, she says, “I have not a doubt that that is by far the most profitable branch of the literary profession.  If ever I be bold enough to try that arduous path, I shall endeavour to come as near as I can to Miss Austen, my idol.  You are very good about my opera.  I am sorry to tell you, and you will be sorry to hear, that the composer has disappointed me, that the music is not even yet ready, and that the piece is therefore necessarily delayed till next season.  I am very sorry for this on account of the money, and because I have many friends in and near town, yourself amongst the rest, whom I was desirous to see.  But I suppose it will be for the good of the opera to wait till the beginning of a season.  It is to be produced with extraordinary splendour, and will, I think, be a tremendous hit.  I hope also to have a tragedy out at nearly the same time in the autumn, and then I trust we shall meet, and I shall see your dear girls.

“How glad I am to find that you partake of my great aversion to the sort of puffery belonging to literature.  I hate it! and always did, and love you all the better for partaking of my feeling on the subject.  I believe that with me it is pride that revolts at the trash.  And then it is so false; the people are so clearly flattering to be flattered.  Oh, I hate it!!!

“Make my kindest regards [sic] and accept my father’s.

“Ever most faithfully and affectionately yours,

“M.R.  MITFORD.

“P.S.—­I suppose my book will be out in about a month.  I shall desire Whittaker to send you a copy.  It is the fifth and last volume.”

* * * * *

The following interesting letter, franked by her friend Talfourd, and shown only by the post-mark to have been posted on the 20th of June, 1836, is apparently only part of a letter, for it is written upon one page, and the two “turnovers” only; and begins abruptly:—­

* * * * *

“My being in London this year seems very uncertain, although if Mr. Sergeant Talfourd’s Ion be played, as I believe it will, for Mr. Macready’s benefit, I shall hardly be able to resist the temptation of going up for a very few days to be present upon that occasion.  But I scarcely ever stir.  I am not strong, and am subject to a painful complaint, which renders the service of a maid indispensable not only to my comfort but to my health; and that, besides the expense, has an appearance of fuss and finery, to which I have a great objection, and to which indeed I have from station no claim.  My father, too, hates to be left even for a day.  And splendid old man as he is in his healthful and vigorous age, I cannot but recollect that he is seventy-five, and that he is my only tie upon earth—­the only relation (except, indeed, a few very distant cousins, Russells, Greys, Ogles, and Deans, whom I am too proud