probably no other
English writer save Shakespeare has been the cause of so much posthumous
literature. The sayings of his characters permeate our everyday life,
and they continue to be as fresh as when they were first recorded. The
original editions of his writings in some cases realize high prices
which are simply amazing, and--judging by statistics--his readers are as
numerous as ever they were. Higher testimony to the worth "of the most
popular novelist of the century, and one of the greatest humourists that
England has produced," and to the continued interest which the reading
public still evince in the minutest detail relating to him and to his
books, can scarcely be uttered; but what is better still--"his
sympathies were generally on the right side;"--he has left an example
that all may follow;--he did his utmost to leave the world a little
better than he found it;--as he said by one of his characters, "the best
of men can do no more"--and now he peacefully rests as one

"Of those immortal dead who live again
In minds made better by their presence."

[Illustration]

FOOTNOTE:

[38] Mr. Dolby, in his _Charles Dickens as I knew him_, estimates that
L45,000 was realized by Dickens's Readings.

L'ENVOI.

WE--my fellow-tramp and I--naturally feel a pang of regret now that our
pleasant visit to "Dickens-Land" is terminated. With a parting grasp of
the hand I express to the companion of my travels a cordial wish that
ere long we may, "PLEASE GOD," renew our delightful experience, and
again go over the ground hallowed by Dickens associations; to which my
friend, as cordially assenting, replies "SURELY, SURELY!"

With these two favourite expressions of Charles Dickens (quoted above) I
conclude the book, trusting that it will prove worthy of some kindly
appreciation at the hands of my readers.

INDEX.

CHIEFLY OF NAMES.

A BECKET THOMAS 212 338 340

Adams H. G. 271

Allington 135 290-8

_All the Year Round_ 37 193 374 422

Alphington 209 210

_American Notes_ 45 324

Andersen H. C. 32 374

Anderson Mary 152 169

Athenaeum 47

Austin H. 184 330

Aveling S. T. 53-4 80-2 97

Aylesford 288 292 296;
Battle of 311 313;
Church 290;
Churchyard 299;
Bridge 290;
Friary 297