MS British Library Add MSS 54921: 224

Dear Mr Macmillan
I like the appearance of the proof copy of the Ben Beriah very much and perhaps it would be best to work out the edition. The doubt in my mind would be whether it will be favorably [sic] received as ranging with my tales and novels. I suppose there is no possibility of adding a preface now, I had not put one because it would not have suited in St Nicholas, and I thought to prepare it afterwards. I had also thought of asking if it could have a few landscape illustrations, the plain at the base of Mount Sinai especially but perhaps all this had better wait for consideration till we see how the first edition succeeds.

I think it will ultimately become a book for school rewards

But if you think it best to publish it as it is, I fully consent

Yours truly
C M Yonge