Office of "All the Year Round,"
Monday, Nov. 16th, 1868.
My dear Kent,
I was on the eve of writing to you.
We thought of keeping the trial private; but Oxenford has suggested to Chappell that he would like to take the opportunity of to-morrow night's reading, of saying something about "Oliver" in Wednesday's paper. Chappell has told Levy of this, and also Mr. Tompkin, of The Post, who was there. Consequently, on Wednesday evening your charming article can come out to the best advantage.
You have no idea of the difficulty of getting in the end of Sikes. As to the man with the invaluable composition! my dear fellow, believe me, no audience on earth could be held for ten minutes after the girl's death. Give them time, and they would be revengeful for having had such a strain put upon them. Trust me to be right. I stand there, and I know.
Concerning Harry, I like to guide the boys to a distinct choice, rather than to press it on them. That will be my course as to the Middle Temple, of which I think as you do.
With cordial thanks for every word in your letter,
Affectionately yours always.
Mrs. F. Lehmann.
Kennedy's Hotel, Edinburgh, Sunday, Dec. 6th, 1868.