We had a pleasant little dinner Sunday night for Wormser, the composer of "L'Enfant Prodigue," which has had an enormous success here. Wolff came too, and they played all the evening. I haven't seen the piece yet, so I was delighted to hear the music. I promised him I would go on Wednesday, my first free night. Last night I went with Lady Northcote to the Opera; it was "Lohengrin" with Miss Eames and the Reszkes. The girl looked beautiful, quite the patrician maiden, and sang very well; a little cold, but that was of less importance in that opera than in "Romeo and Juliet," which needs more passion. The house was very full and she was much applauded. Jean de Reszke looked magnificent and sang divinely. What a voice it is, and how well he knows how to use it. I fancy Covent Garden is a much better salle to sing in than our great Paris Opera. The voices seem so far off there, and all the singers complain and get soon tired. W. came in late just as I did. He had had a delightful dinner at Mr. Murray's (the publisher) with Mr. Gladstone. He said Mr. G. was in great form, talking about everything: books, politics, theories, and always with a perfect knowledge of each subject expressed in beautiful English. He must have a marvellous memory. _To H. L. K_. #French Embassy#, June 6, 1891. You will be amused, Dear, to hear that after all we have decided to have the children's comedy. The moment is not exactly propitious in the height of the London season when every instant is taken, but I think we can make something pretty, and Mdme. Thenard is very keen about it. We shall take the "Reine des Fees"--but very much changed, and parts added for every child--also a gavotte and a chorus. I saw some of the mammas, Countess Deym; Mdme. de Bille; Ladies Londonderry, Clanwilliam, etc., yesterday, and they will let me have their daughters. Thenard will direct the whole thing, with Count de St. Genys (Secretary of the French Embassy in London) as regisseur and also decorateur, as he has begun painting a charming decor (the interior of the bailiff's cottage). Mdme. de Langhe will undertake the choeurs and lecons de diction, and I don't quite know yet whom we shall get for the gavotte, or how many children we must have. The dresses will be pretty--two sets--Marie Antoinette and all her ladies in powder--Trianon costumes--and peasants, market women, etc. Of course the boys are a difficulty. There are so few who are here of Francis's old friends--they are all at school. Thenard has a little friend (girl) whom she will dress as a Marquis--she says she will look the part very well. Francis is much excited--he is to be the cruel bailiff who takes all the money and everything else he can get from the poor peasants. St. Genys will see about his costume, and make a croquis from some picture of the period. June 12, 1891.