f saying that on receipt of your letter
concerning to-day's dinner, I immediately forwarded your request to the
honorary secretary. I hope you will understand that I could not, in
delicacy, otherwise take part in the matter.

Again thanking you most cordially,

Believe me, always faithfully yours.

[Sidenote: Mr. W. H. Wills.]

26, WELLINGTON STREET, _Sunday, Nov. 3rd, 1867._

MY DEAR WILLS,

If you were to write me many such warm-hearted letters as you send this
morning, my heart would fail me! There is nothing that so breaks down my
determination, or shows me what an iron force I put upon myself, and how
weak it is, as a touch of true affection from a tried friend.

All that you so earnestly say about the goodwill and devotion of all
engaged, I perceived and deeply felt last night. It moved me even more
than the demonstration itself, though I do suppose it was the most
brilliant ever seen. When I got up to speak, but for taking a desperate
hold of myself, I should have lost my sight and voice and sat down
again.

God bless you, my dear fellow. I am, ever and ever,

Your affectionate.

[Sidenote: The Hon. Mrs. Watson.]

OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND,"
_Tuesday, Nov. 5th, 1867._

MY DEAR MRS. WATSON,

A thousand thanks for your kind letter, and many congratulations on your
having successfully attained a dignity which I never allow to be
mentioned in my presence. Charley's children are instructed from their
tenderest months only to know me as "Wenerables," which they sincerely
believe to be my name, and a kind of title that I have received from a
grateful country.

Alas! I cannot have the pleasure of seeing you before I presently go to
Liverpool. Every moment of my time is preoccupied. But I send you my
sincere love, and am always truthful to the dear old days, and the
memory of one of the dearest friends I ever loved.

Affectionately yours.

[Sidenote: Miss Dickens.]

ABOARD THE "CUBA," QUEENSTOWN HARBOUR,
_Sunday, Nov. 10th, 1867._

MY DEAREST MAMIE,

We arrived here at seven this morning, and shall probably remain
awaiting our mail, until four or five this afternoon. The weather in the
pas