I write a line to tell you a project we have in view. A little party of us have taken Miss Kelly's theatre for the night of the 20th of next month, and we are going to act a play there, with correct and pretty costume, good orchestra, etc. etc. The affair is strictly private. The admission will be by cards of invitation; every man will have from thirty to thirty-five. Nobody can ask any person without the knowledge and sanction of the rest, my objection being final; and the expense to each (exclusive of the dress, which every man finds for himself) will not exceed two guineas. Forster plays, and Stone plays, and I play, and some of the _Punch_ people play. Stanfield, having the scenery and carpenters to attend to, cannot manage his part also. It is Downright, in "Every Man in his Humour," not at all long, but very good; he wants you to take it. And so help me. We shall have a brilliant audience. The uphill part of the thing is already done, our next rehearsal is next Tuesday, and if you will come in you will find everything to your hand, and all very merry and pleasant. Let me know what you decide, like a Kittenmolian Trojan. And with love from all here to all there, Believe me, ever, Heartily yours. [Sidenote: Mr. W. C. Macready.] DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, _Thursday, Sept. 18th, 1845._ MY DEAR MACREADY, We have a little supper, sir, after the farce, at No. 9, Powis Place, Great Ormond Street, in an empty house belonging to one of the company. There I am requested by my fellows to beg the favour of thy company and that of Mrs. Macready. The guests are limited to the actors and their ladies--with the exception of yourselves, and D'Orsay, and George Cattermole, "or so"--that sounds like Bobadil a little. I am going to adopt your reading of the fifth act with the worst grace in the world. It seems to me that you don't allow enough for Bobadil having been frequently beaten before, as I have no doubt he had been. The part goes down hideously on this construction, and the end is mere lees. But never mind, sir, I intend bringing you up with the farce in the most brilliant manner. Ever yours affectionately. N.B.--Observe. I think of changing my present mode of life, and am open to an engagement. N.B. No. 2.--I will undertake not to play tragedy, though passion is my strength. N.B. No. 3.--I consider myself a chained lion.[5] [Sidenote: Mr. Clarkson Stanfield.] DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, _October 2nd, 1845._ MY DEAR STANNY, I send you the claret jug. But for a mistake, you would have received the little remembrance almost immediately after my return from abroad.