My dear Miss Butler

I cannot tell you much about poor Mr Parker. I fancy he has not been in good health for some time he went abroad for the winter about 4 years ago, and was abroad again all August & September this year, only coming home just at the beginning of October, when I had one or two notes from him, but when my book came out, 5 weeks ago, his man [[person:178]Mr ... continue reading

Miss Yonge is much obliged to Mr Bourn for sending her several reviews and critical notices of Hopes & Fears.

She would be glad to know how the sale of the work has been proceeding.

Miss Yonge would be much obliged if Mr Bourn would inform her whether Mr Parker is pretty well, and also to express to him her sincere regrets and condolence

My dear Miss Smith

I have all but finished Mrs Grant and most interesting she is. Many many thanks for her. I am not sure whether she is not a little too long, to be in thorough proportion with the others, and if I find it so, perhaps I may have to take out a few of the letters that relate less directly to her personal history, but certainly not the American ones. What an old ... continue reading

Dear Sir,

I am much obliged by the little book that I received on Saturday, which seems to me very interesting.

My tale of the Young Stepmother is ready to be begun upon whenever you like to have it sent up - unless you think it better to wait till later in the year.

So much has been said in the Saturday Review lately about the want of a history of Christian names that I think it may ... continue reading

My dear Sir,

I did not mean to publish the two volumes of the History of Christian Names separately. The second is in a state of forwardness, but I thought I had explained when I saw you that I thought it would save time to have the 1st in the press while I am going over the 2nd again.

I imagine 2000 copies will be sufficient for a first edition.

My direction till the 20th will be the ... continue reading

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