ject needs no
remark beyond this, that the young writer received the adverse criticism
with the best possible sense, and has since, in his literary profession,
profited by the advice so kindly given.

At this time the proposals to Charles Dickens for reading in America,
which had been perpetually renewed from the time of his first abandoning
the idea, became so urgent and so tempting, that he found at last he
must, at all events, give the subject his most serious consideration. He
took counsel with his two most confidential friends and advisers, Mr.
John Forster and Mr. W. H. Wills. They were both, at first, strongly
opposed to the undertaking, chiefly on the ground of the trial to his
health and strength which it would involve. But they could not deny the
counterbalancing advantages. And, after much deliberation, it was
resolved that Mr. George Dolby should be sent out by the Messrs.
Chappell, to take an impression, on the spot, as to the feeling of the
United States about the Readings. His report as to the undoubted
enthusiasm and urgency on the other side of the Atlantic it was
impossible to resist. Even his friends withdrew their opposition (though
still with misgivings as to the effect upon his health, which were but
too well founded!), and on the 30th September he telegraphed "Yes" to
America.

The "Alfred" alluded to in a letter from Glasgow was Charles Dickens's
fourth son, Alfred Tennyson, who had gone to Australia two years
previously.

We give, in April, the last letter to one of the friends for whom
Charles Dickens had always a most tender love--Mr. Stanfield. He was
then in failing health, and in May he died.

Another death which affected him very deeply happened this summer. Miss
Marguerite Power died in July. She had long been very ill, but, until it
became impossible for her to travel, she was a frequent and beloved
guest at Gad's Hill. The Mrs. Henderson to whom he writes was Miss
Power's youngest sister.

Before he started for America it was proposed to wish him God-speed by
giving him a public dinner at the Freemasons' Hall. The proposal was
most warmly and fully responded to. His zealous friend, Mr. Charles
Kent, willingly undertook the whole work of arrangement of this banquet.
It took place on the 2nd November, and Lord Lytton presided.

On the 8th he left London for Liverpool, accompanied by his daughters,
his sister-in-law, his eldest son, Mr. Arthur Chappell, Mr. Charles
Collins, Mr. Wil