Acceptance." But under October 5 is written the ominous word, "Mr.Ridout." And later: "Dec.

12.

Charlotte's picture returned." A tragedy (or was it a comedy ?) seems written in these few words.

Edward FitzGerald adds to this his own note: "Miss Ridout I remember--an elegant spinster; friend of my mother's.

About 1825 she had been at Sidmouth, and known Crabbe." The son quotes some very ardent verses belonging to this period, but not assignable to any particular charmer, such as one set beginning: "And wilt thou never smile again; Thy cruel purpose never shaken?
Hast thou no feeling for my pain, Refused, disdain'd, despised, forsaken ?" The son indicates these amiable foibles in a filial tone and in apologetic terms, but the "liberal shepherds" sometimes spoke more frankly.