Stanfield was very ill for some months, then suddenly picked up, and is really rosy and jovial again. Going to see him when he was very despondent, I told him the story of Fechter's piece (then in rehearsal) with appropriate action; fighting a duel with the washing-stand, defying the bedstead, and saving the life of the sofa-cushion. This so kindled his old theatrical ardour, that I think he turned the corner on the spot. With love to Mrs. Macready and Katie, and (be still my heart!) Benvenuta, and the exiled Johnny (not too attentive at school, I hope?), and the personally-unknown young Parr, Ever, my dearest Macready, your most affectionate. [Sidenote: Miss Power.] OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND," _Thursday, Feb. 26th, 1863._ MY DEAR MARGUERITE, I think I have found a first-rate title for your book, with an early and a delightful association in most people's minds, and a strong suggestion of Oriental pictures: "ARABIAN DAYS AND NIGHTS." I have sent it to Low's. If they have the wit to see it, do you in your first chapter touch that string, so as to bring a fanciful explanation in aid of the title, and sound it afterwards, now and again, when you come to anything where Haroun al Raschid, and the Grand Vizier, and Mesrour, the chief of the guard, and any of that wonderful _dramatis personae_ are vividly brought to mind. Ever affectionately. [Sidenote: Mr. Charles Knight.] OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND," _Wednesday, March 4th, 1863._ MY DEAR CHARLES KNIGHT, At a quarter to seven on Monday, the 16th, a stately form will be descried breathing birthday cordialities and affectionate amenities, as it descends the broken and gently dipping ground by which the level country of the Clifton Road is attained. A practised eye will be able to discern two humble figures in attendance, which from their flowing crinolines may, without exposing the prophet to the imputation of rashness, be predicted to be women. Though certes their importance, absorbed and as it were swallowed up in the illustrious bearing and determined purpose of the maturer stranger, will not enthrall the gaze that wanders over the forest of San Giovanni as the night gathers in. Ever affectionately, G. P. R. JAMES. [Sidenote: Mrs. Dallas.[9]] EXTRACT. THE TIME OF THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA'S ARRIVAL IN LONDON.