Therefore I send this humble explanation--protesting, however, which I do most solemnly, against being invited under such untoward circumstances; and claiming as your old friend and no less old admirer to be instantly invited to the next performance, if such a thing is ever contemplated. Ever, my dear Miss Ely, Faithfully yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Douglas Jerrold.] DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, _Tuesday, May 26th, 1846._ MY DEAR JERROLD, I send you herewith some books belonging to you. A thousand thanks for the "Hermit." He took my fancy mightily when I first saw him in the "Illuminated;" and I have stowed him away in the left-hand breast pocket of my travelling coat, that we may hold pleasant converse together on the Rhine. You see what confidence I have in him! I wish you would seriously consider the expediency and feasibility of coming to Lausanne in the summer or early autumn. I must be at work myself during a certain part of every day almost, and you could do twice as much there as here. It is a wonderful place to see--and what sort of welcome you would find I will say nothing about, for I have vanity enough to believe that you would be willing to feel yourself as much at home in my household as in any man's. Do think it over. I could send you the minutest particular of the journey. It is really all railroad and steamboat, and the easiest in the world. At Macready's on Thursday, we shall meet, please God! Always, my dear Jerrold, Cordially yours. [Sidenote: Mr. W. C. Macready.] GENEVA, _Saturday, October 24th, 1846._ MY DEAR MACREADY, The welcome sight of your handwriting moves me (though I have nothing to say) to show you mine, and if I could recollect the passage in Virginius I would paraphrase it, and say, "Does it seem to tremble, boy? Is it a loving autograph? Does it beam with friendship and affection?" all of which I say, as I write, with--oh Heaven!--such a splendid imitation of you, and finally give you one of those grasps and shakes with which I have seen you make the young Icilius stagger again.