Believe me, ever yours,
CHARLES KEMBLE."
"P.S. When I next see you advertised for Rover, I intend to leave myself out of the bill to come and see it."
Of course this letter did not remain long unanswered. Ben was again in requisition, and the following was the result of his labours:—
"DEAR CHARLES,
I regret the situation of Covent-garden Theatre—I also, for your sake, deeply regret that the law does not permit you to send me the 'property' in question. I knew that law alone could prevent you; for were it not for the vigilance of Equity, such is my opinion of the management of Covent-garden, that I am convinced, if left to the dictates of its own judgment, it would be enabled to spare asses' heads, not to the Surrey atone, but to every theatre in Christendom.
Yours ever truly,
ROBERT WILLIAM ELLISTON."
"P.S. My wardrobe-keeper informs me that there are no less than seven buttons missing from the captains' coats. However, I have ordered their places to be instantaneously filled by others."