"'Yes, ma'm,' replied Nell, colouring deeply."
"The Old Curiosity Shop" (Household Edition).—Charles Dickens.
By Charles Green, R.I.
By permission of Messrs. Chapman & Hall.
Gilbert Dalziel has in his possession a collection of autograph letters, in acknowledgment of the "Award," from some of the most eminent folks before the public during the latter part of the old century, amongst whom may be mentioned—Lord Tennyson, as representing Literature; Sir John E. Millais, Bart., P.R.A., for Painting and Drawing on Wood; Sir Arthur Sullivan, for Music; Sir Charles Russell, for Law; Arthur W. Pinero and Sir Henry Irving, for the Drama; Lord Charles Beresford, for the Navy; and Lord Roberts (when he was in command in India), for the Army.
Charles H. Bennett was one of the most original artists of his period. Alas! his life was all too short. There was an individual stamp about his work—independent in manner and full of deep thought. We had many of his drawings through our hands and knew him well. A more earnest man concerning his work we never met; and, not unlike Pinwell, he held it as a principle that time should never be allowed to enter into the question; the task should be defined, but never trammelled by, "How long will it take?"—whether it be days, weeks or years, for the proper execution of the project. Perhaps his "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress" will rank as his greatest achievement.
We have already spoken of our connection with Messrs. Chapman & Hall, on that light feat of Doyle's, the "Panorama." There were also a very clever set of drawings for "Fairy Tales of all Nations," by Richard Doyle, and illustrations to Morley's "Oberon's Horn, and other Fairy Tales," by Charles H. Bennett, which we produced for the same firm.