With kindest love and regard to all your house,
Ever, my dearest Macready, your most affectionate.
P.S.—Fourth edition of "Great Expectations" almost gone!
Miss Hogarth.
Angel Hotel, Bury St. Edmunds,
Wednesday, Oct. 13th, 1861.
My dearest Georgy,
I have just now received your welcome letter, and I hasten to report (having very little time) that we had a splendid hall last night, and that I think "Nickleby" tops all the readings. Somehow it seems to have got in it, by accident, exactly the qualities best suited to the purpose, and it went last night not only with roars, but with a general hilarity and pleasure that I have never seen surpassed.
We are full here for to-night.
Fancy this: last night at about six, who should walk in but Elwin! He was exactly in his usual state, only more demonstrative than ever, and had been driven in by some neighbours who were coming to the reading. I had tea up for him, and he went down at seven with me to the dismal den where I dressed, and sat by the fire while I dressed, and was childishly happy in that great privilege! During the reading he sat on a corner of the platform and roared incessantly. He brought in a lady and gentleman to introduce while I was undressing, and went away in a perfect and absolute rapture.
Miss Hogarth.