The Letters of Charles Dickens Volume Iii Part 8

MY DEAR KITTENMOLES,

I pa.s.sed your house on Wednesday, being then atop of the Brighton Era; but there was n.o.body at the door, saving a solitary poulterer, and all my warm-hearted aspirations lodged in the goods he was delivering. No doubt you observed a peculiar relish in your dinner. That was the cause.

I send you the MS. I fear you will have to read all the five slips; but the subject I think of is at the top of the last, when the guest, with his back towards the spectator, is looking out of window. I think, in your hands, it will be a very pretty one.

Then, my boy, when you have done it, turn your thoughts (as soon as other engagements will allow) first to the outside of The Warren--see No. 1; secondly, to the outside of the locksmith's house, by night--see No. 3. Put a penny pistol to Chapman's head and demand the blocks of him.

I have addled my head with writing all day, and have barely wit enough left to send my love to my cousin, and--there's a genealogical poser--what relation of mine may the dear little child be? At present, I desire to be commended to her clear blue eyes.

Always, my dear George, Faithfully yours, [HW: Boz.]

[Sidenote: Mr. William Harrison Ainsworth.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _April 29th, 1841._

MY DEAR AINSWORTH,

With all imaginable pleasure. I quite look forward to the day. It is an age since we met, and it ought not to be.

The artist has just sent home your "Nickleby." He suggested variety, pleading his fancy and genius. As an artful binder must have his way, I put the best face on the matter, and gave him his. I will bring it together with the "Pickwick" to your house-warming with me.

The old _Royal George_ went down in consequence of having too much weight on one side. I trust the new "First Rate" won't be heavy anywhere. There seems to me to be too much whisker for a s.h.i.+lling, but that's a matter of taste.

Faithfully yours always.

[Sidenote: Mr. G. Lovejoy.]

1, DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, YORK GATE, REGENT'S PARK, _Monday Evening, May 31st, 1841._

SIR,

I am much obliged and flattered by the receipt of your letter, which I should have answered immediately on its arrival but for my absence from home at the moment.

My principles and inclinations would lead me to aspire to the distinction you invite me to seek, if there were any reasonable chance of success, and I hope I should do no discredit to such an honour if I won and wore it. But I am bound to add, and I have no hesitation in saying plainly, that I cannot afford the expense of a contested election. If I could, I would act on your suggestion instantly. I am not the less indebted to you and the friends to whom the thought occurred, for your good opinion and approval. I beg you to understand that I am restrained solely (and much against my will) by the consideration I have mentioned, and thank both you and them most warmly.

Yours faithfully.

[Sidenote: The same.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _June 10th, 1841._

DEAR SIR,

I am favoured with your note of yesterday's date, and lose no time in replying to it.

The sum you mention, though small I am aware in the abstract, is greater than I could afford for such a purpose; as the mere sitting in the House and attending to my duties, if I were a member, would oblige me to make many pecuniary sacrifices, consequent upon the very nature of my pursuits.

The course you suggest did occur to me when I received your first letter, and I have very little doubt indeed that the Government would support me--perhaps to the whole extent. But I cannot satisfy myself that to enter Parliament under such circ.u.mstances would enable me to pursue that honourable independence without which I could neither preserve my own respect nor that of my const.i.tuents. I confess therefore (it may be from not having considered the points sufficiently, or in the right light) that I cannot bring myself to propound the subject to any member of the administration whom I know. I am truly obliged to you nevertheless, and am,

Dear Sir, Faithfully yours.

[Sidenote: Mr. George Cattermole.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Wednesday Evening, July 28th, 1841._

MY DEAR GEORGE,

Can you do for me by Sat.u.r.day evening--I know the time is short, but I think the subject will suit you, and I am greatly pressed--a party of rioters (with Hugh and Simon Tappert.i.t conspicuous among them) in old John Willet's bar, turning the liquor taps to their own advantage, smas.h.i.+ng bottles, cutting down the grove of lemons, sitting astride on casks, drinking out of the best punch-bowls, eating the great cheese, smoking sacred pipes, etc. etc.; John Willet, fallen backward in his chair, regarding them with a stupid horror, and quite alone among them, with none of The Maypole customers at his back.

It's in your way, and you'll do it a hundred times better than I can suggest it to you, I know.

Faithfully always.

[Sidenote: Mr. George Cattermole.]

BROADSTAIRS, _Friday, August 6th, 1841._

MY DEAR GEORGE,

Here is a subject for the next number; the next to that I hope to send you the MS. of very early in the week, as the best opportunities of ill.u.s.tration are all coming off now, and we are in the thick of the story.

The rioters went, sir, from John Willet's bar (where you saw them to such good purpose) straight to The Warren, which house they plundered, sacked, burned, pulled down as much of as they could, and greatly damaged and destroyed. They are supposed to have left it about half an hour. It is night, and the ruins are here and there flaming and smoking.

I want--if you understand--to show one of the turrets laid open--the turret where the alarm-bell is, mentioned in No. 1; and among the ruins (at some height if possible) Mr. Haredale just clutching our friend, the mysterious file, who is pa.s.sing over them like a spirit; Solomon Daisy, if you can introduce him, looking on from the ground below.

Please to observe that the M. F. wears a large cloak and a slouched hat.

This is important, because Browne will have him in the same number, and he has not changed his dress meanwhile. Mr. Haredale is supposed to have come down here on horseback, pell-mell; to be excited to the last degree. I think it will make a queer picturesque thing in your hands. I have told Chapman and Hall that you may like to have a block of a peculiar shape for it. One of them will be with you almost as soon as you receive this.

We are very anxious to know that our cousin is out of her trouble, and you free from your anxiety. Mind you write when it comes off. And when she is quite comfortable come down here for a day or two, like a bachelor, as you will be. It will do you a world of good. Think of that.

Always, dear Cattermole, Heartily yours.

P.S.--When you have done the subject, I wish you'd write me one line and tell me how, that I may be sure we agree. Loves from Kate.

[Sidenote: Mr. George Cattermole.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Thursday, August 13th._

MY DEAR CATTERMOLE,

Will you turn your attention to a frontispiece for our first volume, to come upon the left-hand side of the book as you open it, and to face a plain printed t.i.tle? My idea is, some scene from the "Curiosity Shop,"

in a pretty border, or scroll-work, or architectural device; it matters not what, so that it be pretty. The scene even might be a fanciful thing, partaking of the character of the story, but not reproducing any particular pa.s.sage in it, if you thought that better for the effect.