promise, or disobeyed a command. He is very fond of his little
sister; and not at all jealous either--to the great praise of that
four-footed lady be it said--is Fanchon, who watches over the
cradle, and is as fond of the baby in her way as Henry in his.

So far from paying me copyright money, all that I ever received from
Mr. B---- was two copies of his edition of "Our Village," one of
which I gave away, and of the other some chance visitor has taken
one of the volumes. I really do think I shall ask him for a copy or
two. How can I ever thank you enough for your infinite kindness in
sending me books! Thank you again and again. Dear Mr. Bennoch has
been making an admirable speech, in moving to present the thanks of
the city to Mr. Layard. How one likes to feel proud of one's
friends! God bless you!

Ever most faithfully yours, M.R.M.

Kind Mrs. Sparks's biscuits arrived quite safe. How droll some of
the cookery is in "The Wide, Wide World"! It would try English
stomachs by its over-richness. I wonder you are not all dead, if
such be your _cuisine_.

Swallowfield, May 3, 1853.

How shall I thank you enough, dear and kind friend, for the copy of
---- that arrived here yesterday! Very like; only it wanted what
that great painter, the sun, will never arrive at giving, the actual
look of life which is the one great charm of the human countenance.
Strange that the very source of light should fail in giving that
light of the face, the smile. However, all that can be given by that
branch of art has been given. I never before saw so good a
photographic portrait, and for one that gives more I must wait until
John Lucas, or some American John Lucas, shall coax you into
sitting. I sent you, ten days ago, a batch of notes, and a most
unworthy letter of thanks for one of your parcels of gift-books; and
I write the rather now to tell you I am better than then, and hope
to be in a still better plight before July or August, when a most
welcome letter from Mr. Tuckerman has bidden us to expect you to
officiate as Master of the Ceremonies to Mr. Hawthorne, who, welcome
for himself, will be trebly welcome for such an introducer.

Now let me say how much I like De Quincey's new volumes. The "Wreck
of a Household" shows great power of narrative, if he would but take
the trouble to be right