THOMAS BECKET
Terry and Miss Frances Johnson
Copyrighted by Window and Grove and by W. & D. Downey
Again from my diary:
“Sargent’s picture is almost finished, and it is really splendid. Burne-Jones yesterday suggested two or three alterations about the colour, which Sargent immediately adopted, but Burne-Jones raves about the picture.
“It (Macbeth) is a most tremendous success, and the last three days’ advanced booking has been greater than ever was known, even at the Lyceum. Yes, it is a success, and I am a success, which amazes me, for never did I think I should be let down so easily. Some people hate me in it; some, Henry among them, think it my best part, and the critics differ, and discuss it hotly, which in itself is my best success of all! Those who don’t like me in it are those who don’t want and don’t like to read it fresh from Shakespeare, and who hold by the ‘fiend’ reading of the character.... One of the best things ever written on the subject, I think, is the essay of J. Comyns Carr. That is as hotly discussed as the new Lady Mac—all the best people agreeing with it. Oh dear! It is an exciting time!”
NANCY OLDFIELD
