For 2, I said I could not introduce child readers to the cells, and I begged for an old Chelsea Pensioner showing his good conduct medal to a little boy.

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, new guns shattering the windows, and only not bringing down the plaster because the rooms are ceiled with wood “for the same purpose."...

TO MRS. JELF.