One suggestion, though it be a late one. Do have upon the table, in the opening scene of the second act, something in a velvet case, or frame, that may look like a large miniature of Mabel, such as one of Ross's, and eschew that picture. It haunts me with a sense of danger. Even a titter at that critical time, with the whole of that act before you, would be a fatal thing. The picture is bad in itself, bad in its effect upon the beautiful room, bad in all its associations with the house. In case of your having nothing at hand, I send you by bearer what would be a million times better. Always, my dear Macready,
Faithfully yours.
P.S.—I need not remind you how common it is to have such pictures in cases lying about elegant rooms.
Mr. W. P. Frith.
1, Devonshire Terrace, York Gate, Regent's Park,
November 15th, 1842.
My dear Sir,
I shall be very glad if you will do me the favour to paint me two little companion pictures; one, a Dolly Varden (whom you have so exquisitely done already), the other, a Kate Nickleby.
Faithfully yours always.
P.S.—I take it for granted that the original picture of Dolly with the bracelet is sold?
The same.