Page:Pen, pencil, baton and mask; biographical sketches (IA penpencilbatonma00blaciala).pdf/398

370 Fond of the country and country pursuits, especially of driving, of which she can never have too much,' Fanny Brough finds her pretty homne conveniently near London, while possessing many rural aspects. It is a large, old- fashioned house, within high walls, with some old trees in the still more old-fashioned garden. There is a great double hall opening out into several rooms. Her own special den' is simply but artistically furnished, and con- tains many little treasures. There is a picture standing on an easel, by which she sets great store. It was sent to her by the Spanish author of the play The Woman and the Law,' together with a letter of hearty congratu- lations and thanks on her brilliant creation of Petrella in that piece.

But, with all her excessive love of mirth, Fanny Brough can look as severe as a judge when occasion demands. In early days some juvenile actor would now and then mischievously declare, 'I'm going to make you laugh to-night, but it was no use. The merriment springs from within, and her face would be set as immovably as the Sphinx; but she remarks, 'My sense of humour has served me in glorious stead throughout my whole life, and I should dic if I could not laugh.'