2i8 
PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. vn. 
June 12 Owen met Charles Dickens for the first 
time, and a friendship commenced between them 
which was always maintained. He met him at 
the green-room of Drury Lane Theatre. The 
occasion of their meeting is thus recorded : — 
'May 12. — R. to Drury Lane Theatre, to see 
H.M. pass to her box. A large and brilliant 
assemblage there, who wandered about behind the 
scenes, and when H.M. entered her box all stood 
on the stage and joined the professionals in the 
National Anthem. R. stood just behind Miss P. 
Horton, who as prtma donna was in the front 
row, and quite close to the Queen. " As You Like 
It” afterwards, by H.M.’s desire. Keeleyandhis 
wife delightful in that and also in the concluding 
farce, “A Thumping Legacy,” which H.M. seemed 
to greatly enjoy. R. was much gratified to meet 
amongst many interesting people Charles Dickens, 
in the green-room, and found him delightful.’ 
There is then an entry with regard to the 
curious publication of Horne’s ‘ Orion :’ — 
‘ Bought the new poem “ Orion,” for which 
you may only pay the sum of one farthing. A 
halfpenny or a larger coin refused. One person 
may not have more than one copy of Horne’s 
poem, and the bookseller. Miller of Oxford Street, 
will not give change, even for a halfpenny. 
Richard began the poem with little expectation 
of being able to get through it, but very soon 
changed his opinion.’ 
