Dear Miss Yonge .

What you received is an original drawing - not a proof. I am glad you like it so far. I want to reproduce it by the photolithographic process which is at once cheap and accurate. The artist is a very promising young man who is almost self taught & who has done some charming oil[sic]. He wanted to try his hand on book illustrations, and this seemed a good chance for him, if ... continue reading

My dear Miss Yonge That extremely excellent and instructive person 'The Clever Woman of the Family' will be duly introduced to all your friends as per list. I trust we shall have her 'out' in a very few days, when your wishes will be attended to in this and also in regard to the other books you give me a list of instructions about. I am in occasional correspondence with Mr Henry Wilberforce, at least he ... continue reading

My dear Miss Yonge I ought to have acknowledged the copy for the new number earlier, but I wanted to write you a longer letter which I cant do today after all.

I would be glad to see what more you have written of Bethlehem, when you have satisfied yourself - or at least approximately - who could satisfy themselves on such a subject. The young Artist is ready to work whenever you like.

Shall I pay the ... continue reading

My dear Miss Yonge The photograph is from a picture by Mr Farren the young artist whom I wanted to illustrate your Bethlehem. I was anxious to know that you thought him up to the mark. The picture was from Kingsleys Saints Tragedy, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary carrying her child to the altar in the early morning. I think it indicates a power considerably above average of entering into a spiritual conception. But I should be ... continue reading

My dear Miss Yonge I have seen the lithographer this morning and shown him Miss John’s drawing. He, I am sorry to say, was more emphatic against it than even I felt. Would you mind my going to my friend Mr Farren I do not like seeming to slight your friend but indeed I doubt much whether Miss Johns could do justice to the charming story. Mr Farren has greatly improved since he did the [[cmybook:20]Little ... continue reading

My dear Miss Yonge The MS. reached us safely. I will [illegible] distribution in the months

We shall be very glad to see you when you come to town. It is just possible that I may be gone to America, but my wife & sister are at home; and we recently made a valuable addition to our neighbourhood , 'the author of John Halifax',whose husband Mr Craik, has become my partner, has taken a house quite near ... continue reading