Among his later novels may be mentioned two further "tragic" tales: "Madcap Violet" (1876) and "Macleod of Dare" (1879); "Sunrise" (1881) a novel of international political intrigue; "Shandon Bells" (1883) largely set in Ireland; "Yolande" (1883) which in part deals with drug addiction; "Judith Shakespeare" (1884) a historical novel featuring the playwright's daughter; and "The New Prince Fortunatus" (1890) a novel of London theatrical life. Friendship with actor Mary Anderson resulted in him stage acting twice, with mute roles known as "thinkers" (in "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Winter's Tale"), but his nervousness interrupted the performance.