Thackeray, William Makepeace

Inscribed by artist in brown ink on drawing, "Masler Grogson retired carrying off the remains of the appetizing whitesbaits, but leaving on the table a pot of porter, and a flask of Canary. What Englishman ever dined without his porter? As for The Canary, it was commanded to the intention of the Lady. She was of ravishing beauty, though no longer of the first youth. She had red hair like all the English. She was 56 years of age. Eh! I who speak to you was both in 1803. The fad is historical. If it were not before, I have made it so. I have mentioned in ninety eight-no ninety nine times. Once in Antony. Once in Henri III el Sa Cour. 'Twice in the Tour de Vesle we. I wrote in conjunction with my friend Potiron. (Seven pages follow of the number of times he had mentioned his age.) I say this for I forget nothing and I repeal nothing. A man or woman at 55 in al the golden harvest time of life. The lady sat in her bower: the poet was at her feet. The Fairest scene of all England was stretched around. Greenwich with the countless [- - -] of England-S! Pauls with it, dome. The Tower of London. The Monument on Fish Street Hill. Cantor Bery with its laughing hills-behind the mountains of Scotland. You know my name tis William but how shall I call you, said he. Call me Betsi she said"; inscribed in graphite at top of drawing, "From Alexander Dumas Romance in 40 Volumes. La jeunesse d'Elizabeth".