WOODBRIDGE, July 4, [ 1871].

DEAR MRS. KEMBLE,
I asked Donne to tell you, if he found oppor-
tunity, that some two months ago I wrote you a
letter, but found it so empty and dull that I would
not send it to extort the Reply which you feel bound
to give. I should have written to tell you so myself;
but I heard from Donne of the Wedding soon about
to be, and I would not intrude then. Now that is
over ¹ -- I hope to the satisfaction of you all -- and I
will say my little say, and you will have to Reply,
according to your own Law of Mede and Persian.

It is a shame that one should only have oneself to
talk about; and yet that is all I have; so it shall be
short. If you will but tell me of yourself, who have
read, and seen, and done, so much more, you will

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