1839] Charles at the Play 39 



yesterday and go to the play, and I think it has cured 

 Charles; at least he is much better to-day, and he was very 

 much interested and clapped and applauded with all his 

 heart. It was the new play of Richelieu, and it was a 

 pleasant sight to see the pit crammed full of people listening 

 with all their ears. It is an interesting play and very well 

 acted, but Macready tottered and made himself too old; 

 and it was quite ridiculous when he was called for at the 

 end of the play he came tottering on, though not so much 

 as when he was acting. 



I must tell you of our domestic troubles. I have a great 

 desire to part with the cook, and yet have no fault to find 

 with her but a general feeling that she is too cute, and is 

 rather making the most of us. I particularly wish not to 

 find out any dishonesty, that I may be able to give her a 

 character, and so I shall take courage to-morrow and tell 

 her she does not suit, and I hope she will take it quietly 

 and not require any explanation. Susan has heard of some- 

 body she thinks will do, and it will be quite refreshing to 

 have a countrified woman. I have rather a desire to send 

 off the housemaid too, but I have really no fault to find 

 with her but being vulgar and plain, and as she is really a 

 very good servant, it would be foolish, for a whim I suppose. 



I expect Charles to get quite fond of the theatre, but as to 

 dinners and parties he gets worse I think, and I don't care 

 how few dinners we go to either. Drinking wine disagrees 

 with him, and it is so tiresome not drinking that he can't 

 resist one glass. Next week we dine at Bulwich and go to 

 Blagrove's concert, which I am afraid will be a great deal 

 too deep for Charles. 



Emma Darwin to her sister Elizabeth Wedgiuood. 



Go WEB STREET, Good-Friday [29 March, 1839]. 



. . . Thank you for your letter which came to-day. I 

 forgot to mention the basket. All the poultry was quite 

 fresh and Fanny says the turkey was excellent, and Maer 

 tongues are quite as superior as Hartfield pork. On Thursday 



