"P.S. I had forgotten to acknowledge the return of the _Black-Eyed Susan_
score, and coats. You were most welcome to them."
The letter was dispatched to Covent-garden Theatre, and in a brief time
the bearer returned with the following answer:--
"MY DEAR ROBERT,
It is with the most acute pain that I am compelled to refuse your
trifling request. You are aware, my dear Sir, of the unfortunate situation
of Covent-garden Theatre; it being at the present moment, with all the
'dresses, scenery, and decorations,' in the Court of Chancery, I cannot
exercise that power which my friendship would dictate. I have spoken to
Bartley, and he agrees with me (indeed, he always does), that I cannot
lend you an ass's head--he is an authority on such a subject--without
risking a reprimand from the Lord High Chancellor. Trusting to your
generosity, and to your liberal construction of my refusal--and hoping
that it will in no way interrupt that mutually cordial friendship that has
ever subsisted between us.
Believe me, ever yours,