that whatever we may say
at first, a new magazine, or a new anything, would require so much
propping, that I should be _forced_ (as in the _Clock_) to put myself
into it, in my old shape. I am afraid of Bradbury and Evans's desire to
force on the cheap issue of my books, or any of them, prematurely. I am
sure if it took place yet awhile, it would damage me and damage the
property, _enormously_. It is very natural in them to want it; but,
since they do want it, I have no faith in their regarding me in any
other respect than they would regard any other man in a speculation. I
see that this is really your opinion as well; and I don't see what I
gain, in such a case, by leaving Chapman and Hall. If I had made money,
I should unquestionably fade away from the public eye for a year, and
enlarge my stock of description and observation by seeing countries new
to me; which it is most necessary to me that I should see, and which
with an increasing family I can scarcely hope to see at all, unless I
see them now. Already for some time I have had this hope and intention
before me; and though not having made money yet, I find or fancy that I
can put myself in the position to accomplish it. And this is the course
I have before me. At the close of _Chuzzlewit_ (by which time the debt
will have been materially reduced) I purpose drawing from Chapman and
Hall my share of the subscription--bills, or money, will do equally
well. I design to tell them that it is not likely I shall do anything
for a year; that, in the meantime, I make no arrangement whatever with
any one; and our business matters rest _in statu quo_. The same to
Bradbury and Evans. I shall let the house if I can; if not, leave it to
be let. I shall take all the family, and two servants--three at most--to
some place which I know beforehand to be CHEAP and in a delightful
climate, in Normandy or Brittany, to which I shall go over, first, and
where I shall rent some house for six or eight months. During that time,
I shall walk through Switzerland, cross the Alps, travel through France
and Italy; take Kate perhaps to Rome and Venice, but not elsewhere; and
in short see everything that is to be seen. I shall write my
descriptions to you from time to time, exactly as I did in America; and
you will be able to judge whether or not a new and attractive book may
not be made on such ground. At the same time I shall be able to turn
over the story I have in my mind, and which I have a str