"This is one plan. If you prefer it, please telegraph Yes.
"The other plan is to postpone the publication, and bring out the complete book in the spring. If you prefer this, please telegraph No.
"I leave the matter entirely in your hands. Pray decide as you judge best."
This delay was most provoking after the hard work the author had given to the book to have it out in good time, and also because the orders were increasing; they had now reached 315 copies for the large edition, and 868 of the small one. Still, there was no help for it, and the publication must be postponed rather than give an imperfect book to the public. Both author and publisher agreed in that decision.
On December 17, 1881, Mr. Hamerton received the following letter:—
"19 WARWICK CRESCENT.
"DEAR MR. HAMERTON,—You will do me an honor indeed by the dedication you propose, and my own little worthiness to receive it becomes of secondary importance when taken with the exceeding importance of the truth you insist upon in connection with it—a truth always plain to me, however moderately I may have been able to illustrate its value.
"Thank you very much: you will add to my obligation by the visit you so kindly promise.
"I return you the best of Christmas wishes, and am ever, dear Mr.
Hamerton,
"Yours most truly,