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trong a misgiving that he cannot in the nature of things do it. "This is the plain truth. If any distinct proposal be submitted to me, I will give it a distinct answer. But the chances are a round thousand to one that the answer will be no, and therefore I feel bound to make the declaration beforehand. "....This place has been greatly improved since you were here, and we should be heartily glad if you and she could see it. "Faithfully yours ever, "CHARLES DICKENS." On the 16th of October he writes:-- "Although I perpetually see in the papers that I am coming out with a new serial, I assure you I know no more of it at present. I am _not_ writing (except for Christmas number of 'All the Year Round'), and am going to begin, in the middle of January, a series of forty-two readings. Those will probably occupy me until Easter. Early in the summer I hope to get to work upon a story that I have in my mind. But in what form it will appear I do not yet know, because when the time comes I shall have to take many circumstances into consideration..... "A faint outline of a castle in the air always dimly hovers between me and Rochester, in the great hall of which I see myself reading to American audiences. But my domestic surroundings must change before the castle takes tangible form. And perhaps _I_ may change first, and establish a castle in the other world. So no more at present. "Believe me ever faithfully yours, "CHARLES DICKENS." In June, 1867, things begin to look more promising, and I find in one of his letters, dated the 3d of that month, some good news, as follows:-- "I cannot receive your pleasantest of notes, without assuring you of the interest and gratification that _I_ feel on _my_ side in our alliance. And now I am going to add a piece of intelligence that I hope may not be disagreeable. "I am trying hard so to free myself, as to be able to come over to read this next winter! Whether I may succeed in this endeavor or no I cannot yet say, but I am trying HARD. So in the mean time don't contradict the rumor. In the course of a few mails I hope to be able to give you positive and definite information on the subject. "My daughter (whom I shall not bring if I come) will answer for herself by and by. Understand that I am really endeavoring tooth and nail
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