"My dear Sirs,—I send the drawing, which has occupied me almost all the week, and you will see that there is plenty of work in it. The subject is taken from these words in Jack's history: 'He delighted in reading stories about wizards, giants and fairies, and listened eagerly when anybody related the brave deeds of the Knights of the Round Table.'
"It is intended to be the first page of the book (not the title page), and type is to go into the space left in the centre.
"I feel a little anxious about the engraving of the upper half of this drawing, which represents the legend told by the old woman, as I have never yet had that etching style of drawing engraved perfectly to my satisfaction; perhaps that is impossible, but, at all events, as there is plenty of time I shall expect this to be a chef d'ouvre of wood engraving, as I certainly look for more than ordinary care in this drawing.
"I have begun another large drawing, which I expect will be ready for you on Monday at six o'clock.
"Very truly yours,
"Richard Doyle."
We cannot help feeling that much excellent work has been lost by Doyle not carrying out this scheme, and fancy what exquisite things he would have made of "Cinderella," "Jack and the Bean Stalk," etc., etc.
FROM "JACK THE GIANT KILLER."