My dear Miss Smith,

I think this story is one of the most complete you have yet done. Mr Franklyn’s self debates are excellent, and dear little Mary beautiful, the wicked part very touching By the by you should do something with the /Michaels mother. She must be mentioned somehow- on his return, or else have died. I think if she had, she would be a great riddance out of Victoria’s way, and besides ... continue reading

My dear Miss Smith

Here is a note for Mr Bourne that I hope may do good service. I am not inclined to augur ill from the selling off of Aggesden, for of course tales do cease to sell after a time, and Parker certainly has published three or four one volume ones since his son’s death, such as Baby Bianca, Martha Brown, or the Queen’s Maries.

I am glad you will kill Mrs Forrest, only recollect ... continue reading

My dear Marianne If I had more time I would send you more thanks - I am going to have some of the big head done but how soon I cannot say. The alias of the other is the Bandit’s Bride. I think these are a little better first look. I am so sorry about Good Words. No one knows where it is. Dear M A. So many thanks

your most affectionate C M Yonge

My dear Edith, The Gates of Paradise came this morning and a very pretty little book they make. I don’t think one would guess the drawing had been finished in bed! I wish I could come and see you, and thank you for them but Mamma has to take a drive every day and is not fit to get out of the carriage so that I can only take her within moderate distances, and we see ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

I think you should poke up Strahan, though I fancy he is very tiresome about MSS. I hope you have a copy – Goosedom is very poor this time, all the best being busy or going travelling Frog is gone to Ammergau

your affectionate Mother Goose

My dear Christabel, The Humberts are very nice people, Florence Wilford is very fond of them and he was an immense comfort to the two old ladies. He was the making of St Cross, as first Master after the reformation there, and did an immense deal both for the Church and parish, but when his wife got softening on the brain, he lost his delight and love in the place and became anxious to get away ... continue reading

My dear Christabel I see no reason against a Barnacle if you have time to edit it. I am afraid I have not, but I think it would be a very pleasant renewal and very good for Goosedom. I shall be very glad of your last century story, with the proviso

Patience cousin and shuffle the cards. which would not be a bad proverb to write on.

Mrs Johns is well again I was at Winton ... continue reading

My dear Christabel I did not mean to admit another Gosling but an old promise has come up to Beatrice Morshead, Bog Oak’s sister, who like her abides at Wiverton Plympton. She is a very nice girl but I don’t think will prove as brilliant as Bog Oak was. Will you tell Cherry to send her questions – if it be Cherry’s turn. I have had none from her yet, and I can ... continue reading

My dear Christabel

I should think on the whole that it was intended to decline the book except at your expense. I do think the resemblance to Don John is a disadvantage though you have treated it in such a different way. And had not Low something to do with Don John, either through Good Words or Miss Ingelow. I am on the whole afraid that as I see in the Guardian that ... continue reading

Gentlemen

The Bishop of Winchester has given his permission - subject to yours - for the Readings on the Training of Children used in the Good Words for 1891 in one number, to appear in Mothers in Council (Wells Gardiner) Have I your permission so to use them

I remain Yours &c C.M. Yonge

Editor of Mothers in Council