rther explanation.

Mr. John Delane, editor of _The Times_, and always a highly-esteemed
friend of Charles Dickens, had given him an introduction to a school at
Boulogne, kept by two English gentlemen, one a clergyman and the other a
former Eton master, the Rev. W. Bewsher and Mr. Gibson. He had at
various times four boys at this school, and very frequently afterwards
he expressed his gratitude to Mr. Delane for having given him the
introduction, which turned out so satisfactory in every respect.

The letter of grateful acknowledgment from Mr. Poole and Charles
Dickens to Lord Russell was for the pension for which the old dramatic
author was indebted to that nobleman, and which enabled him to live
comfortably until the end of his life.

A note to Mr. Marcus Stone was sent with a copy of "The Child's History
of England." The sketch referred to was one of "Jo'," in "Bleak House,"
which showed great feeling and artistic promise, since fully fulfilled
by the young painter, but very remarkable in a boy so young as he was at
that time. The letter to Mr. Stanfield, in seafaring language, is a
specimen of a playful way in which he frequently addressed that dear
friend.

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

"A curiosity from _him_. No date. No signature."--W. H. H.

MY DEAR WILLS,

I have not a shadow of a doubt about Miss Martineau's story. It is
certain to tell. I think it very effectively, admirably done; a fine
plain purpose in it; quite a singular novelty. For the last story in the
Christmas number it will be great. I couldn't wish for a better.

Mrs. Gaskell's ghost story I have got this morning; have not yet read.
It is long.

[Sidenote: Mr. Clarkson Stanfield.]

H.M.S. _Tavistock, January 2nd, 1853._

Yoho, old salt! Neptun' ahoy! You don't forget, messmet, as you was to
meet Dick Sparkler and Mark Porpuss on the fok'sle of the good ship
_Owssel Words_, Wednesday next, half-past four? Not you; for when did
Stanfell ever pass his word to go anywheers and not come! Well. Belay,
my heart of oak, belay! Come alongside the _Tavistock_ same day and
hour, 'stead of _Owssel Words_. Hail your shipmets, and they'll drop
over the side and join you, like two new shillings a-droppin' into the
purser's pocket. Damn all lubberly boys and swabs, and give me the lad
with the tarry trousers, which shines to me like di'mings bright!

[Sidenote: Mr. W. C. Macready.]