Beatrice Campbell to George Bernard Shaw

CAMPBELL, BEATRICE STELLA (Mrs PATRICK CAMPBELL)
(1865 ), English actress, was born in London, her maiden name being Tanner, and in, 1884 married Captain Patrick Campbell (d. I 900). After having appeared on the provincial stage she first became prominent at the Adelphi theatre, London, iii 1892, and next year created the chief part in. Pineros Second Mrs Tanqueray at the St Jamess, her remarkable impersonation at once putting her in the first rank of English actresses. For some years she displayed her striking dramatic talent in London, playing notably with Mr Forbes Robertson in Davidsons For tue Crown, and in Macbeth; and her Magda (Royalty, 1900) could hold its own with either Bernhardt or Duse. In later years she paid successful visits to America, but in England played chiefly on provincial tours.

'Stella' Beatrice Campbell wrote this letter to George Bernard Shaw, an Irish dramatist. They corresponded for 40 years.

18th November 1912
33 Kensington Square

No more shams -- a real love letter this time -- then I can breathe freely, and perhaps who knows begin to sit up and get well --

I haven't said 'kiss me' because life is too short for the kiss my heart calls for... All your words are as idle wind -- Look into my eyes for two minutes without speaking if you dare! Where would be your 54 years? and my grandmother's heart? and how many hours would you be late for dinner?

-- If you give me one kiss and you can only kiss me if I say 'kiss me' and I will never say 'kiss me' because I am a respectable widow and I wouldn't let any man kiss me unless I was sure of the wedding ring --

Stella
(Liza, I mean).