I had promised to write David James a song for _Little Jack Sheppard_, at the Gaiety,--a promise which I failed to keep. U had a good "intention," but not an "idea." The reward for my failure was this amusing letter: 14 Buckingham Street, Adelphi, _May 2nd_, 1886. Dear Grossmith,--The _song_ you wrote for me for Blueskin goes IMMENSELY every night, and everybody is asking who is the _author_ and _composer_. Now, as you cannot come and bow your acknowledgments at _night_, you might as well come and do so in the _morning_; and what better morning than Thursday, the 20th of May, at my _matinee_ benefit at the Gaiety? I want all my old pals to be there. . . . Like a good boy, come and sing and play, and very much oblige Your old "partic.," DAVID JAMES. A. Goring Thomas, Percy Reeve, Sir Percy Shelley, Fred. Barnard (with humorous sketch), John T. Bedford (author of "Robert," in Punch). Lyceum Theatre, _16th February_, 1887. Dear Grossmith,--Greeting! Right hearty congratulations on your recovery and reappearance this evening. Sincerely yours, H. IRVING. A letter from Lady Freake reminds me of (to me) a memorable performance at Cromwell House. The musical triumviretta, _Cox and Box_, formed part of the programme: Box ... ... ... ... ... ... Mr. ARTHUR CECIL. Cox ... ... ... ... ... ... Mr. GEORGE GROSSMITH. Serjeant Bouncer... ... ... Mr. CORNEY GRAIN. Piano ... ... ... Mr. ALFRED CELLIER. Harmonium ... ... Sir ARTHUR SULLIVAN. I remember seeing at this entertainment the Dowager Countess of Waldegrave, who was the daughter of John Braham, the celebrated singer. But what most impressed me was an incident at the first rehearsal. Cecil, Grain, and I were under the impression that we had the well-fitted little theatre to ourselves; but suddenly two elderly and very prim ladies came and sat in the front row and watched us. There is nothing so disconcerting to actors as to watched at the preliminary rehearsal. I cannot bear it even at the dress rehearsal. In the present instance we grumbled to ourselves and delayed commencing, hoping the two ladies would take the hint and depart. No such luck. One of them, the mother of an exceedingly clever amateur who has played _Cox and Box_ all his life (I believe he was born playing it), suddenly said in a loud voice: "Why don't they begin? Don't they know what to do? I wish Johnnie were here; he could show them at once." Royal Princess's Theatre, _March 23rd_, 1886. Dear Grossmith,--I know one "little piece" only, "Gone with a handsomer man." If that will do, I am ready to help you; unless it should be the date on which _Clito_ is produced. I expect to play it earlier than that. Kind regards. Faithfully yours, WILSON BARRETT.