[London—Friday, 21 May 1869]
Friday. Saw Westminster Abbey. Went to the theatre to see Clarke in the evening with Charles Reade. The latter met us there and came into the box bringing me a bouquet. He was pretty deaf but in a most friendly mood. It was interesting to see how the eyes of the actors all turned as it were to greet him the instant he appeared. He seems to be really loved by all who know him truly.
Clarke was wonderful. I have never seen so fine a comedian. The Play “Fox v. Goose” not much in itself would have fallen to the ground but for him and he made it perfectly delicious, worth taking any trouble to see.
