1894-03-06 to Pearl Craigie

ALS, University of Delaware Library, 396 words

[Edited for paragraph breaks, capitalization, spelling and punctuation.]

8 King’s Bench Walk, Temple

Tuesday night [6 March 1894]

Dear Mrs. Craigie,

You asked me if I thought that news of Miss Sparrow should come from the mother of the young girl. I could not answer the question offhand, I cannot answer it now but I think I can throw some light on the question.

When Cyril’s mother has defended her system of education and sufficiently reproved the friend who has suggested that Cyril should be allowed more liberty, she speaks of her projects of marriage for him. This leads up to description of the girl’s mother — she has two admirers. Cyril’s mother defends her, the girl will be an excellent marriage for Cyril. This brings on the lady with her two admirers and her daughter.

You then paint the contrast of the second family. The girl’s mother is going to marry one of her admirers — she is full of her marriage and explains it at length — the admirer comments on the arrangement. She is going to marry A but B will always remain their friend, how otherwise would they pass their evenings? This ought to come out very comic.

The lady says that her daughter will have two stepfathers — the question of stepfather brings the daughter into the conversation or rather makes her the subject of it. She will need no stepfather, says Cyril’s mother, she is going to marry Cyril. Cyril becomes the subject of the conversation. Where is he?

Here his relations with Miss Sparrow might be mentioned by the lady with the two admirers — she has just remembered having heard that — or perhaps it might come from the actor at the end of the act, just before Cyril comes in. Then it would come as an equal surprise on both parties.

But you will see which way works out best. Do just as you please. I send this letter hoping that it may suggest a new train of thought and start you off afresh if you should happen to stick at a scene.

I will write you no more letters on this subject, that I promise. I am in the middle of my article on the pictures. I hate doing it. I am tired of writing about pictures.

Yours sincerely

George Moore