One suggestion, though it be a late one. Do have upon the table, in the
opening scene of the second act, something in a velvet case, or frame,
that may look like a large miniature of Mabel, such as one of Ross's,
and eschew that picture. It haunts me with a sense of danger. Even a
titter at that critical time, with the whole of that act before you,
would be a fatal thing. The picture is bad in itself, bad in its effect
upon the beautiful room, bad in all its associations with the house. In
case of your having nothing at hand, I send you by bearer what would be
a million times better. Always, my dear Macready,
Faithfully yours.
P.S.--I need not remind you how common it is to have such pictures in
cases lying about elegant rooms.
[Sidenote: Mr. W. P. Frith.]
1, DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, YORK GATE, REGENT'S PARK,
_November 15th, 1842._