Tears came
into the poor child's eyes when she found what awaited her, and I
may as well observe at once that this young girl proved to be the
daughter of a poor bed-ridden artisan of Clapham, who had seen
better days, but was then in great want. It is an ill-wind that blows
no good luck, and the contest for the Lumley Autograph was a great
advantage to the poor artisan and his family. The girl had picked up
the paper early one morning, in a road near Clapham, as she was
going to her work; Lady Holberton gave her a handful of guineas as
the promised reward--a sum by the bye just double in amount what
the poor poet had received for his best poem--and she also
continued to look after the family in their troubles.
But to return to the important document itself. Never can I forget the
expressive gratitude that beamed on the fine countenance of Lady
Holberton when I restored it once more to her possession. She
rapidly recovered her health and spirits, and it was generally
reported that seizing this favorable moment, Mr. T----- had offered
himself and his collection, and that both had been graciously
accepted. Miss Rowley called and a sort of paix platree was made up
between the ladies. A cargo of American autographs arrived
containing the letter of the Cherokee editor, the sign-manual of
governors and colonels without number, and I even succeeded in
obtaining epistles from several noted rowdies, especially to gratify
the ladies.
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