Gad's Hill Place, Higham by Rochester, Kent,
Wednesday Night, July 29th, 1863.
My Dear Ouvry,
I have had some undefined idea that you were to let me know if you were coming to the archæologs at Rochester. (I myself am keeping out of their way, as having had enough of crowding and speech-making in London.) Will you tell me where you are, whether you are in this neighbourhood or out of it, whether you will come here on Saturday and stay till Monday or till Tuesday morning? If you will come, I know I can give you the heartiest welcome in Kent, and I think I can give you the best wine in this part of it. Send me a word in reply. I will fetch you from anywhere, at any indicated time.
We have very pretty places in the neighbourhood, and are not uncomfortable people (I believe) to stay with.
Faithfully yours ever.
Mr. Charles Reade.
Office of "All the Year Round,"
Wednesday, Sept. 30th, 1863.
My dear Reade,
I must write you one line to say how interested I am in your story, and to congratulate you upon its admirable art and its surprising grace and vigour.
And to hint my hope, at the same time, that you will be able to find leisure for a little dash for the Christmas number. It would be a really great and true pleasure to me if you could.