Your letter did not reach me until last night, and thus I could not avoid remaining here to-day, to keep an American appointment of unusual importance. You and your mother both know, I think, that I had a great affection for Marguerite, that we had many dear remembrances together, and that her self-reliance and composed perseverance had awakened my highest admiration in later times. No one could have stood by her grave to-day with a better knowledge of all that was great and good in her than I have, or with a more loving remembrance of her through all her phases since she first came to London a pretty timid girl. I do not trouble your mother by writing to her separately. It is a sad, sad task to write at all. God help us! Faithfully yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Percy Fitzgerald.] GAD'S HILL, _July 21st, 1867._ MY DEAR FITZGERALD, I am heartily glad to get your letter, and shall be thoroughly well pleased to study you again in the pages of A. Y. R. I have settled nothing yet about America, but am going to send Dolby out on the 3rd of next month to survey the land, and come back with a report on some heads whereon I require accurate information. Proposals (both from American and English speculators) of a very tempting nature have been repeatedly made to me; but I cannot endure the thought of binding myself to give so many readings there whether I like it or no; and if I go at all, am bent on going with Dolby single-handed. I have been doing two things for America; one, the little story to which you refer; the other, four little papers for a child's magazine. I like them both, and think the latter a queer combination of a child's mind with a grown-up joke. I have had them printed to assure correct printing in the United States. You shall have the proof to read, with the greatest pleasure. On second thoughts, why shouldn't I send you the children's proof by this same post? I will, as I have it here, send it under another cover. When you return it, you shall have the short story. Believe me, always heartily yours. [Sidenote: Mr. Percy Fitzgerald.] EXTRACT. _July 28th, 1867._ I am glad you like the children, and particularly glad you like the pirate. I remember very well when I had a general idea of occupying that place in history at the same age. But I loved more desperately than Boldheart. [Sidenote: Miss Hogarth.] ADELPHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL, _Friday Night, Aug. 2nd, 1867._ MY DEAREST GEORGY, I cannot get a boot on--wear a slipper on my left foot, and consequently am here under difficulties. My foot is occasionally painful, but not very. I don't think it worth while consulting anybody about it as yet. I make out so many reasons against supposing it to be gouty, that I really do not think it is.