t. Mr.
Wilkie Collins was at this time engaged on his novel of "No Name," which
appeared in "All the Year Round," and was threatened with a very serious
breakdown in health. Charles Dickens wrote the letter which we give, to
relieve Mr. Collins's mind as to his work. Happily he recovered
sufficiently to make an end to his own story without any help; but the
true friendship and kindness which suggested the offer were none the
less appreciated, and may, very likely, by lessening his anxiety, have
helped to restore his health. At the end of October in this year,
Charles Dickens, accompanied by his daughter and sister-in-law, went to
reside for a couple of months in Paris, taking an apartment in the Rue
du Faubourg St. Honore. From thence he writes to M. Charles Fechter. He
had been greatly interested in this fine artist from the time of his
first appearance in England, and was always one of his warmest friends
and supporters during his stay in this country. M. Fechter was, at this
time, preparing for the opening of the Lyceum Theatre, under his own
management, at the beginning of the following year.

Just before Christmas, Charles Dickens returned to Gad's Hill. The
Christmas number for this year was "Somebody's Luggage."

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

AT THE BIRMINGHAM STATION, _Thursday, Jan. 2nd, 1862._

MY DEAR WILLS,

Being stationed here for an hour, on my way from Leamington to
Cheltenham, I write to you.

Firstly, to reciprocate all your cordial and affectionate wishes for the
New Year, and to express my earnest hope that we may go on through many
years to come, as we have gone on through many years that are gone. And
I think we can say that we doubt whether any two men can have gone on
more happily and smoothly, or with greater trust and confidence in one
another.

A little packet will come to you from Hunt and Roskell's, almost at the
same time, I think, as this note.

The packet will contain a claret-jug. I hope it is a pretty thing in
itself for your table, and I know that you and Mrs. Wills will like it
none the worse because it comes from me.

It is not made of a perishable material, and is so far expressive of our
friendship. I have had your name and mine set upon it, in token of our
many years of mutual reliance and trustfulness. It will never be so full
of wine as it is to-day of affectionate regard.

Ever faithfully yours.