Dickens, Charles, 1812-1870 -- Homes and haunts -- England -- London; Literary landmarks -- England -- London
For full particulars the reader is referred to chapter 11, book 4. On
the occasion of Bella Wilfer’s FIRST VISIT to Henley, and the
introduction of the two girls to each other, as narrated in chapter 9,
book 3 (in association with the burial of old Betty Higden), mention is
made of “_the little inn_,” at which Bella’s friends were then
accommodated. This was _not_ the “Red Lion,” but, in all probability,
was The Anchor Inn, a small, but very comfortable hostelry in _Friday
Street_, near the river. Visitors desiring to combine economy with
homeliness, are recommended to follow Miss Wilfer’s lead in this regard,
and commit themselves to the hospitable care of the present landlord.
The Railway Station at Henley is referred to in the last-named chapter as
being near at hand, when “the Rev. Frank and Mrs. Frank, and Sloppy, and
Bella and the Secretary set out to walk to it;” the two last dropping
behind, for a little confidential conversation on the road. We read that
“The railway, at this point knowingly shutting a green eye and
opening a red one, they had to run for it. As Bella could not run
easily so wrapped up, the Secretary had to help her. When she took
her opposite place in the carriage corner, the brightness in her face
was so charming to behold, that on her exclaiming, ‘What beautiful
stars and what a glorious night!’ the Secretary said, ‘Yes,’ but
seemed to prefer to see the night and the stars in the light of her
lovely little countenance, to looking out of window.”
A short walk of five minutes from the station, southward by the riverside
(west bank), will bring the Rambler to The Tow Path, the scene of that
memorable interview between Lizzie and Eugene, recorded in chapter 6,
book 4, as taking place previous to the catastrophe by which Wrayburn
nearly lost his life. The path leads to Marsh Mill, about half a mile
from Henley; a large and important paper mill, now in the occupation of
Mr. Wells, situated near the weir, with its long wooden bridge leading to
the lock. This was the mill at which Lizzie Hexam, secretly leaving
London, found refuge and occupation, on the recommendation of her old
friend Mr. Riah, her worthy employers being a firm of Hebrew nationality.
We first read of this mill in connection with the closing scenes of
_Betty Higden’s_ history, as narrated in chapter 8, book 3, and headed
“The end of a long journey”—
“There now arose in the darkness a great building full of lighted
windows. Smoke was issuing from a high chimney in the rear of it,
and there was the sound of a water-wheel at the side. Between her
and the building lay a piece of water, in which the lighted windows
were reflected, and on its nearest margin was a plantation of trees.
‘I humbly thank the Power and the Glory,’ said Betty Higden, holding
up her withered hands, ‘that I have come to my journey’s end!’”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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