MISS ROBINSON'S DIARY.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 55, 28 November 1907, Page 7

MISS ROBINSON'S DIARY.

CONVERSATIONS WITH DICKENS AND DEUCE. "ONE MAN IN HIS TIME PLAYS MANY : . PARTS." . The diary of Miss Robinson, who claims to havo nctcd ns secretary to the fifth Duko of Portland, and to have known- that ho was identical with Thomas Charles Druce, • is in the highest degree an interesting and romantic document:: A copy of the diarv shows that Miss Robinson's entries date from October, 1863, to October, 1870. The story as disclosed by the diary opens at Worksop, Nottinghamshire. An entry dated October, 186S, reads: ' SHE COULD KEEP A SECRET. i "The next day Mr. Dickens took mo with him to Welbeck, but we went on foot. He introduced me to an old friend of his, Mr. Druce, of Baker Street, London. I thought he. must, be the Duke's chamberlain or steward, lor I remembered that he belonged to tlio House of Portland. He woro blue spectacles, dressed rather oddly, and looked 'very careworn, Mr. Dickens said to Mr. Druce, 'This is, jhe young lady I recommend to you. Slio is a good correspondent, and can keep a secret, .like all Americans.' His answer was: 'I wish to see you to-morrpw evening at the same timo and 'place.' When Miv Druco left us Mr. D.cl-ens said, 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. A little word is a bonnie word, so let all secrets in correspondence bo yours, and yours only.' DRUCE ON DICKENS. . "On Friday I met' Mr. Druce, and he said; You como from America, and act as secret Correspondent for different people. I expect, like everyone else, you can do with a little money, lou' will be at great exponso now and again. I have placed u banknote for von ill. a small envelope, and in the largo 0110 there is correspondence which I want you to post at once.' The address was ' Mr. Van Aisch, Amsterdam, Holland.' In return I would receive one under cover for him, directed to myself, which J was to carry to him at the same place." , .Under date March 10, 18G9, there is an entry, in which Mr. Druce thus comments upon Dickens's bad health: "Mr. Dickens had a -'largo family to keep. . His readings wero profitable to him as moans'of ready money. Besides, ho was a private correspondent, with a good connection. Ho was n good author, but he wrote a good deal more than was good for him. Ho (Dickens) knew inoro about his (Druce's) affairs than any other man. Mr. Dickens could keep a secret when paid for it as well as ho.could himsolf. FOLLOWED BY TWO MEN. On April 4 tlio diary, reads:—"l received some important correspondence from London by a gentleman who wished mo to .deliver it vorbally to tlio Dulto of Portland. Ho said he could not get an interview with him. Ho was too well guarded. 1 set off for \Volbcck, and gave Mr. Druce his letters. I also told him I had information for tlio Duke of Portland himsolf. ; He said I could 'only see the Duko through him (Mr. -Druce). On April 5, in tlio morning, the same gentleman called, and when 1 told him I could not see the Duko, as ho was indisposed, he said, That be hanged for a yarn. I will let you into a secret. You take this card, and give it to Mr. Druce, and then (he Duke will soon got over his indisposition. On tlio card was written, 'Mr, Van Aisch, Amsterdam, Holland." I went out for my.walk to Weibeck, but as I saw I was followed by two gentlemen in heavy fur coats and caps, 1 did not go to Mr. Druce. DICKENS ON DRUCE. Under date July 1 is an entry: "Mr. Druce, foieiriug to the men who had annoyed me, said thoflo men wero tlio curse of his life." Subsequent entries relate how Mr. Druco evaded Mr. Van Aisch. Frequent allusion is made to letters passing between Mr. Druce and Dickens. On one occasion, when I met -Mr. Dickens in Hyde Park, ho told mo tlio life of Mr. Druce, as ho knew. it. Ho said: ' I will try and explain to you as simply and concisely as posfiiblo.- Mr. Druco and the Duko of' Portland are one man. You know the words— " One man in his time plays many parts." - "'He is known as Mr. Druce in Bakor Street Lordon, where he is proprietor of the furnishing bazaar, and'had something to do with a steam bakery on the Continent. He 1 dabbled in many things, and is still known there ns Mr. Druce. The Duke has been twice married aiid both wives had children, lie is a man 'after my own heart, and can play a theatrical part well. . BLACKMAILED ON ALL SIDES. "'ln order to carry out his double-part farces (Dickens continued) lie has to live at Weibeck secluded, unknown, and unheard of. His estates are large, and his wealth is immonse. He is thoroughly handicapped, however: for the things ho dabbled in whilst on the Continent are a loadstone about his neck. Uo is blackmailed on all sides by those who personally know him, and, as you know, lie livos ahunted life. Have no fear of him. It is only tlioso who dog his footsteps you must fear. Ho wished mo to break the ico to you. You have gained his confidence. Bo sure you do not lose it.'" Subsequently, in September, 1870, an entry occurs relative to a conversation with Druce, in which the latter explains the annoyance which his do'ible existence ontails. Miss' Robinson, in her later entries, refers to Druce ns lior oivalier.