On the Sunday when I last saw you, I went straight to Lord John's with
the letter you read. He was out of town, and I left it with my card.
On the following Wednesday I received a note from him, saying that he
did not bear in mind exactly what I had told him of you before, and
asking me to tell it again. I immediately replied, of course, and gave
him an exact description of you and your condition, and your way of life
in Paris and everything else; a perfect diorama in little, with you
pervading it. To-day I got a letter from him, announcing that you have a
pension of _a hundred a year_! of which I heartily wish you joy.
He says: "I am happy to say that the Queen has approved of a pension of
one hundred pounds a year to Mr. Poole.
"The Queen, in her gracious answer, informs me that she meant to have
mentioned Mr. Poole to me, and that she had wished to place him in the
Charter House, but found the society there was not such as he could
associate with.
"Be so good as to inform Mr. Poole that directions are given for his
pension, which will date from the end of June last."
I have lost no time in answering this, but you must brace up your
energies to write him a short note too, and another for the Queen.
If you are in Paris, shall I ascertain what authority I shall need from
you to receive the half-year, which I suppose will be shortly due? I can
receive it as usual.
With all good wishes and congratulations, seasonable and unseasonable,
Always faithfully yours.
[Sidenote: The Hon. Mrs. Watson.]