“I hope much you will like it. If you think that any addition to it would be necessary, or in fact, if you have any changes to suggest, pray let me know.”
To Mr John Blackwood.
“Hôtel d’Odessa, Spezzia, June 25, 1863.
“I have just received your pleasant note and its enclosure. How your promptitude tells of a long intimacy with Grub Street!
“As to quantity, 18 sheets of the D. U. M. used to suffice for a 3-vol. novel; but it shall be more—20 if you like. I always feel with the hostess in ‘The Honeymoon.‘When reproached for her liquor, she excused herself by saying that as she knew it was bad, she gave short measure.
“One contretemps or another has knocked me out of work latterly; but when the proof reaches me I’ll get into harness and pull away.
“Is it amongst the possible things to see you ever—this side o’ the Alps? It would be a great pleasure to me to hear it was, not to say the positive advantage of having a gossip with you.
“The Mag. arrives most regularly and is a great pleasure to me. There is (to me) a memory of school-days in the grim old face on the cover, that brings back more flitting thoughts of long ago than I believed could have been evoked by anything.”
To Mr John Blackwood
[Undated.]