Word: tennysons
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...think I may truthfully say that no man living is more intimately acquainted with the doings and sayings of the famous literary people of the age than I am. And since the Quizzical Club has kindly invited me to speak to them to-night on the subject of Tennyson, having ascertained that the great poet is at the Isle of Wight for the season, and not likely to return before his anger has had time to cool, I will endeavor, to the best of my ability, to disclose to you his personal habits and his characteristic mental traits...
...first saw Tennyson twenty years ago in a London restaurant. I was a young man then; but I knew him, and I saw that he knew me, for he pretended to be greatly absorbed in a copy of the London Times. But I went up and greeted him heartily; and then I seated myself at the table, and ordered a brace of mutton-chops and a glass of 'alf-and-'alf. Tennyson was eating corned beef and cabbage with great relish, and I noticed that he invariably divided the portion of food upon his plate into triangular bits before conveying...
However, I went down to Wight with Tennyson. He was very gloomy and unsocial during our ride in the railway-carriage. We travelled third class, for, as he said, poetry was flat, and there was very little profit in the business. There was a plethoric Irish female in the apartment with a crying infant in her arms. I saw that Tennyson's countenance had a rapt, far-away look, so I said pleasantly, "Composing, eh? Sonnet on a weeping infant, - ah! very tender, very touching! Can't I give you a hint...
...flying landscape until we arrived at our destination. Then I linked my arm in his, and held him firmly, although I saw he was in a poetic frenzy, for he was swearing under his breath all the while; but I pretended not to hear. We found Mrs. Tennyson awaiting us with a horse and buggy...
...will not weary the Club with a detailed account of that delightful firstevening in the poet's pleasant home. Mrs. Tennyson is a most charming woman, and if the poet himself is not quite so cordial in his manners, I must attribute this to his fine poetic sensibilities. What he said and did during the evening, however, I do not feel at liberty to relate; I trust I have never been guilty of invading any person's private rights or of satisfying a vulgar curiosity. One incident, at least, I will relate before I conclude this already lengthy paper...