[Illustration: Sketch for Initial Letter in _The Cornhill_, October, 1883.] A picture bewitching on account of the grace it contains is that called "Berkeley Square." Du Maurier had quickly perceived that the quality of grace could well survive side by side with any amount of humour. It is interesting to try and imagine what Phil May would have made of the scene. It was intended for a poignant one, but it becomes chiefly a very attractive one in du Maurier's hands, the pathos lying with the wording rather than the picture. The drawing affords us many characteristics of his work. The lady in white reclining in the vehicle is a very embodiment of elegance, and the discerning drawing that defines the coachman repays observation, as also the "style" with which the white horse is swiftly shaded in. It was once the custom for the carriages of people in fashion to draw up under the trees in Berkeley Square, in summer, for tea brought out from Gunter's. Last summer one of the evening papers asked the question why the custom had lapsed. Du Maurier's drawing of the scene was accompanied by the following lines, which perhaps provide the answer. BERKELEY SQUARE, 5 P.M. The weather is warm as I walk in the Square, And observe her barouche standing tranquilly there, It is under the trees, it is out of the sun, In the corner where Gunter retails a plain bun. How solemn she looks, I have seen a mute merrier-- Plumes a sky-blue, and her pet a sky-terrier-- The scene is majestic, and peaceful, and shady, Miss Humble sits facing: I pity that lady. Her footman goes once, and her footman goes twice, Ay, and each time returning he brings her an ice. The patient Miss Humble receives, when he comes, A diminutive bun; let us hope it has plums! Now is not this vile. When I tickle my chops, Which I frequently do, I subside into shops: We do not object to this solemn employment, But why _afficher_ such material enjoyment? Some beggars stand by--I extremely regret it-- They wish for a taste. Don't they wish they may get it? She thus aggravates both the humble and needy, You'll own she is thoughtless, perhaps she is greedy.