The Letters of Charles Dickens Volume Iii Part 32

TAuCHNITZ.

Leipsic, _May 23, 1873._

1849.

NARRATIVE.

This, as far as correspondence is concerned, was an uneventful year. In the spring Charles d.i.c.kens took one of his holidays at Brighton, accompanied by his wife and sister-in-law and two daughters, and they were joined in their lodgings by Mr. and Mrs. Leech. From Brighton he writes the letter--as a song--which we give, to Mr. Mark Lemon, who had been ill, asking him to pay them a visit.

In the summer, Charles d.i.c.kens went with his family, for the first time, to Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, having hired for six months the charming villa, Winterbourne, belonging to the Rev. James White. And now began that close and loving intimacy which for the future was to exist between these two families. Mr. Leech also took a house at Bonchurch. All through this year Charles d.i.c.kens was at work upon "David Copperfield."

As well as giving eccentric names to his children and friends, he was also in the habit of giving such names to himself--that of "Sparkler"

being one frequently used by him.

Miss Joll herself gives us the explanation of the letter to her on capital punishment: "Soon after the appearance of his 'Household Words,'

some friends were discussing an article in it on 'Private Executions.'

They contended that it went to prove Mr. d.i.c.kens was an advocate of capital punishment. I, however, took a different view of the matter, and ventured to write and inquire his views on the subject, and to my letter he sent me a courteous reply."

[Sidenote: Mr. Dudley Costello.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Friday Night, Jan. 26th, 1849._

MY DEAR COSTELLO,

I am desperate! Engaged in links of adamant to a "monster in human form"--a remarkable expression I think I remember to have once met with in a newspaper--whom I encountered at Franconi's, whence I have just returned, otherwise I would have done all three things right heartily and with my accustomed sweetness. Think of me another time when chops are on the carpet (figuratively speaking), and see if I won't come and eat 'em!

Ever faithfully yours.

P.S.--I find myself too despondent for the flourish.

[Sidenote: Miss d.i.c.kens.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Tuesday Night, Feb. 27th, 1849._

MY DEAREST MAMEY,

I am not engaged on the evening of your birthday. But even if I had an engagement of the most particular kind, I should excuse myself from keeping it, so that I might have the pleasure of celebrating at home, and among my children, the day that gave me such a dear and good daughter as you.

Ever affectionately yours.

[Sidenote: Mr. Clarkson Stanfield.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _May 25th, 1849._

MY DEAR STANFIELD.

No--no--no! Murder, murder! Madness and misconception! Any _one_ of the subjects--not the whole. Oh, blessed star of early morning, what do you think I am made of, that I should, on the part of any man, prefer such a pig-headed, calf-eyed, donkey-eared, imp-hoofed request!

Says my friend to me, "Will you ask _your_ friend, Mr. Stanfield, what the damage of a little picture of that size would be, that I may treat myself with the same, if I can afford it?" Says I, "I will." Says he, "Will you suggest that I should like it to be _one_ of those subjects?"

Says I, "I will."

I am beating my head against the door with grief and frenzy, and I shall continue to do so, until I receive your answer.

Ever heartily yours, THE MISCONCEIVED ONE.

[Sidenote: Mr. Frank Stone.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Monday, June 4th, 1849._

MY DEAR STONE,

Leech and Sparkler having promised their ladies to take them to Ascot, and having failed in their truths, propoge to take them to Greenwich instead, next Wednesday. Will that alteration in the usual arrangements be agreeable to Gaffin, S.? If so, the place of meeting is the Sparkler's Bower, and the hour, one exactly.

Ever yours.

[Sidenote: Mrs. Charles d.i.c.kens.]

SHANKLIN, ISLE OF WIGHT, _Monday Night, June 16th, 1849._

MY DEAR KATE,

I have but a moment. Just got back and post going out. I have taken a most delightful and beautiful house, belonging to White, at Bonchurch; cool, airy, private bathing, everything delicious. I think it is the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad. Anne may begin to dismantle Devons.h.i.+re Terrace. I have arranged for carriages, luggage, and everything.

The man with the post-bag is swearing in the pa.s.sage.

Ever affectionately.

P.S.--A waterfall on the grounds, which I have arranged with a carpenter to convert into a perpetual shower-bath.

[Sidenote: Mr. Mark Lemon.]

DEVONs.h.i.+RE TERRACE, _Monday, June 25th, 1849._

MY DEAR LEMON,

I am very unwilling to deny Charley the pleasure you so kindly offer him. But as it is just the close of the half-year when they are getting together all the half-year's work--and as that day's pleasure would weaken the next day's duty, I think I must be "more like an ancient Roman than a ----" Sparkler, and that it will be wisest in me to say nothing about it.

Get a clean pocket-handkerchief ready for the close of "Copperfield" No.