Volume Iii Part 8 (1/2)
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,