Dante. The exquisite Spanish ware is to be envied. On one side of the mantelpiece is an interesting reminiscence of Mrs. Siddons—a picture of "The Shoulder of Mutton Inn," Brecon, South Wales, where she was born, an excellent portrait of the famous actress herself, and a letter from her to Lord Avon. The latter is in very tiny running writing, and reads: "Thank you for your kind note, my dear Lord Avon. We shall be most happy to attend you at dinner. Alas! Alas! that these delightful summers are so soon to end." The pattern of the chairs in this apartment is highly suggestive of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
The dining-room.
From a Photo. by Elliott & Fry.
The little cigar-room adjoins this. The boxes of weeds are many and are stored in a huge cabinet. The last portrait ever taken of Charles Mathews hangs here, together with a fine engraving of Charles I. A bronze of a French harlequin stands just in the shadow of the light from the window, quaint old books fill corners, and over the mantel-board are examples of the Venetian school.
The drawing-room.
From a Photo. by Elliott & Fry.
There is much of deep interest in the drawing-room and small reception-room upstairs. An old Empire clock has retired from work. for some time. It now rests on the white enamel mantel-board. In the bookcase are some very fine and old editions of Shakespeare. Mr. Irving possesses over thirty different editions, all told. Every one is dated. Here is the third edition of the Bard—once the property of the Duke of Bedford. Another, originally in the possession of the Earl of Aylesford, in red leather and gilt binding, could not be purchased for £500. The
