k to the _last_' (I feel it
necessary to italicize the joke), and abide by the ladies' and
gentlemen's spring and winter fashions of this time. Whatever you think
best, in this as in all other things, is best, I am sure. . . . I would go,
in the illustrations, for 'beauty' as much as possible; and I should
like each part to have a general illustration to it at the beginning,
shadowing out its drift and bearing: much as Browne goes at that kind of
thing on _Dombey_ covers. I don't think I should fetter your discretion
in the matter farther. The better it is illustrated, the better I shall
be pleased of course." (29th of October.)

". . . I only write to say that it is of no use my writing at length,
until I have heard from you; and that I will wait until I shall have
read your promised communication (as my father would call it) to-morrow.
I have glanced over the proofs of the last part and really don't wonder,
some of the most extravagant mistakes occurring in Clemency's account to
Warden, that the marriage of Grace and Alfred should seem rather
unsatisfactory to you. Whatever is done about that must be done with the
lightest hand, for the reader MUST take something for granted; but I
think it next to impossible, without dreadful injury to the effect, to
introduce a scene between Marion and Michael. The introduction must be
in the scene between the sisters, and must be put, mainly, into the
mouth of Grace. Rely upon it there is no other way, in keeping with the
spirit of the tale. With this amendment, and a touch here and there in
the last part (I know exactly where they will come best), I think it may
be pretty and affecting, and comfortable too. . . ." (31st of October.)

* * * * *

". . . I shall hope to touch upon the Christmas book as soon as I get your
opinion. I wouldn't do it without. I am delighted to hear of noble old
Stanny. Give my love to him, and tell him I think of turning Catholic.
It strikes me (it may have struck you perhaps) that another good place
for introducing a few lines of dialogue, is at the beginning of the
scene between Grace and her husband, where he speaks about the messenger
at the gate." (4th of November.)

"Before I reply to your questions I wish to remark generally of the
third part that all the passion that can be got into it, through my
interpretation at all events, is there. I know that, by what it cost me;
and I take it to be, as a question of art an