Page:Hannah More (1887 Charlotte Mary Yonge British).djvu/47

Rh alone into the chamber and bed in which he had died not a fortnight before. She had a delight in it beyond expression. I asked her the next day how she went through it. She told me, 'Very well; that she first prayed with great composure, then went and kissed the dear bed, and got into it with a sad pleasure.' When I expressed my surprise at her self-command, she answered, 'Groans and complaints are very well for those who are to mourn but for a little while, but a sorrow that is to last for life will not be violent and romantic.'"

Sharing Mrs. Garrick's griefs in this manner, Miss More had not the heart even to go and witness the first performance of her Fatal Falsehood, which was acted at the Adelphi in the spring—so different was all from the unceasing witticisms and merriment which had passed between her and her friends when ushering Percy into the world.

"Hannah seems mightily indifferent," wrote Patty, who had come up to town on hearing that she was unwell.

Indeed, she could not bear to visit a theatre again, and never saw her own play, though it had a very fair success, and compliments were showered on her. Her sister had the full pleasure of the applause, and sent home a story of a maid coming back with red eyes, and answering a remark on them with "A great many respectable people cried too!"