If I ever did such a thing, believe me I would do it at your request. But I don't, and if you could see the ramparts of letters from similar institutions with which my desk bristles every now and then, you would feel that nothing lies between total abstinence (in this regard) and utter bewilderment and lecturation. Mrs. Dickens and her sister unite with me in kind regards to you and Mrs. Bicknell. The consequences of the accident are fast fading, I am happy to say. We all hope to hear shortly that Mrs. Bicknell has recovered that other little accident, which (as you and I know) will occasionally happen in well-regulated families. Very faithfully yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Walter Savage Landor.] OFFICE OF "HOUSEHOLD WORDS," _Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 1850._ MY DEAR LANDOR, I have been (a strange thing for me) so very unwell since Sunday, that I have hardly been able to hold up my head--a bilious attack, I believe, and a very miserable sort of business. This, my dear friend, is the reason why I have not sooner written to you in reference to your noble letter, which I read in _The Examiner_, and for which--as it exalts me--I cannot, cannot thank you in words. We had been following up the blow in Kinkel's[9] favour, and I was growing sanguine, in the hope of getting him out (having enlisted strong and active sympathy in his behalf), when the news came of his escape. Since then we have heard nothing of him. I rather incline to the opinion that the damnable powers that be connived at his escape, but know nothing. Whether he be retaken or whether he appear (as I am not without hope he may) in the streets of London, I shall be a party to no step whatever without consulting you; and if any scrap of intelligence concerning him shall reach me, it shall be yours immediately. Horne wrote the article. I shall see him here to-night, and know how he will feel your sympathy and support. But I do not wait to see him before writing, lest you should think me slow to feel your generosity. We said at home when we read your letter, that it was like the opening of your whole munificent and bare heart. Ever most affectionately yours, My dear Landor. [Sidenote: The Hon. Mrs. Watson.] [Symbol: right hand] THIS IS NO. 2. DEVONSHIRE TERRACE, _Monday Morning, Dec. 9th, 1850._ MY DEAR MRS. WATSON, Your note to me of Saturday has crossed mine to you, I find. If you open both of mine together, please to observe _this is No. 2_.