Sir,--People are buying themselves so fast out of my book, ...[55] that I have no time to attend to them; should be sorry not to give each _a chance_, if they _chuse to be out_. You are quizzed most _unmercifully_. Two noble dukes have lately taken my word, and I have never named them. I am sure ---- would say you might trust me never to publish, or _cause_ to be published, aught about you, if you like to forward L200 directly to me, else it will be too late, as the last volume, in which you _shine_, will be the property of the editor, and in his hands. Lord ---- says he will answer for aught I agree to; so will my husband. Do _just as you like_--consult only yourself. I get as much by a small _book_ as you will give me for taking you out, or more. I attack no poor men, because they cannot help themselves. "Adieu. Mind, I have no time to write again, as what with writing books, and then altering them for those who _buy out_, I am done up--_frappe en mort_. "Don't trust to bag[56] with your answer." That this extraordinary communication was no idle threat was proved by the fact that a respectable statuary, carrying on business in Piccadilly, who had refused to pay _black-mail_, brought an action for libel in the King's Bench on the 1st of July against a man named Stockdale, publisher of the infamous production referred to, and recovered L300 damages. The same year Popple, the printer, brought his action against this fellow; but Mr. Justice Best directed him to be nonsuited, on the ground that he was not entitled to remuneration for printing a work of such a character.