Returning to London, some three months later, I found many of my
former acquaintainces {sic} were absent; but Lady Holberton, Miss
Rowley, and Mr. T----- were all in town again. The day after I arrived-
-it was Tuesday the 20th of August--as I was walking along
Piccadilly, about five o'clock in the afternoon, my eye fell on the
windows of Mr. Thorpe's great establishment. I was thinking over his
last catalogue of autographs, when I happened to observe a plain,
modest-looking young girl casting a timid glance at the door. There
was something anxious and hesitating in her manner, which
attracted my attention. Accustomed, like most Americans, to assist a
woman in any little difficulty, and with notions better suited perhaps
to the meridian of Yankee-land than that of London, I asked if she
were in any trouble. How richly was I rewarded for the act of good-
nature! She blushed and courtesied {sic}.
{Tuesday, 20th of August = does this date the final composition of
"The Lumley Autograph" or of its setting? August 20 fell on a
Tuesday in 1844 and 1850}
"Please, sir, is it true that they pay money for old letters at this
place?"
"They do--have you any thing of the kind to dispose of?"
Judge of my gratification, my amazement, when she produced the
Lumley Autograph!
Of course I instantly took it, at her own price--only half a guinea--
and I further gave her Lady Holberton's address, that she might
claim the liberal reward promised far the precious letter.
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