Everything here looks lovely, and I find it (you will be surprised to hear) really a pretty place! I have seen "No Thoroughfare" twice. Excellent things in it, but it drags to my thinking. It is, however, a great success in the country, and is now getting up with great force in Paris. Fechter is ill, and was ordered off to Brighton yesterday. Wills is ill too, and banished into Sussex for perfect rest. Otherwise, thank God, I find everything well and thriving. You and my dear Mrs. Fields are constantly in my mind. Procter greatly better. [Sidenote: Mr. Fechter.] OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND," _Friday, 22nd May, 1868._ MY DEAR FECHTER, I have an idea about the bedroom act, which I should certainly have suggested if I had been at our "repetitions" here.[91] I want it done _to the sound of the Waterfall_. I want the sound of the Waterfall louder and softer as the wind rises and falls, to be spoken through--like the music. I want the Waterfall _listened to when spoken of, and not looked out at_. The mystery and gloom of the scene would be greatly helped by this, and it would be new and picturesquely fanciful. I am very anxious to hear from you how the piece seems to go,[92] and how the artists, who are to act it, seem to understand their parts. Pray tell me, too, when you write, how you found Madame Fechter, and give all our loves to all. Ever heartily yours. [Sidenote: Mrs. James T. Fields.] GAD'S HILL, HIGHAM BY ROCHESTER, KENT, _25th May, 1868._ MY DEAR MRS. FIELDS,