You last heard of me at Clovelly—where we spent a delightful month—more rain than was pleasant—but on the whole charming. I think I told you that Annie Thackeray was there for a night—and that we bound her over not to make the reading public too well acquainted with the place, which would not be good for it.
Since then—a fortnight at St. Julians—and the same time at Tunbridge Wells—I coming up to town three times a week—
Noctes atque dies patet atri janua Ditis, [56]
and as there are other points of resemblance—so it is natural that the Gates of Justice should be open even during the Vacation—just a little ajar—with somebody to look after it, which somebody it has been my lot to be this year.
T. Wells was very pleasant—I like the old-fashioned place—and can always people the Pantiles (they call it the Parade now) with Dr. Johnson and the Duchess of Kingston, and the Bishop of Salisbury and the foreign baron, and the rest. [57a]
Miladi and Walter are at Paris for a few days. I am keeping house with Maurice—Yours, W. F. Pk.
We have J. S.’s [57b] seventh volume—and I am going to read it—but do not know where he is himself. I have not seen the ‘white, round object—which is the head of him’ for some time past—not since—July.—
XXIII.
Woodbridge: Novr. 17/74.
Dear Mrs. Kemble,