You are very kind to like my new book. Till you praised it, I was in despair. It sells, and I was convinced of its utter worthlessness; for surely nothing can equal the degradation of the public taste in such matters! The subject and title were of Bentley’s choosing; and my part distinctly was to avoid hooking “M.C.O.” into the book. In certain mannerisms the Dowager may resemble her; but not in essentials. She was better or worse. I never heard of her troubling herself about her opposite neighbours, except so far as by sending her dog to walk in their gardens, when under a course of Epsom salts.
I am grieved (à propos to being sick) to hear that you have been so great a sufferer. No person who writes books has the least claim to a digestion; and I wonder you should ever have thought of such a thing!
| 468 | LADY MORGAN'S MEMOIR. |
My French books will disappoint you. Paris has been a land of Canaan to me, and the milk and honey will necessarily find their way to my pen, and prevent the possibility of adding shades to the picture. I love them all so well as to see everything en couleur de rose.
The English (except you, who are frank and generous, but then you are not English) are not half so good to me; and I therefore permit myself to see them as nature made them and art has spoiled them.
My daughter is going to Brighton in the course of the week, and will throw herself at your feet. I hope she will send me better news of you.
Sincere regards to yourself and Sir Charles, from
