I am much obliged to you in all friendship and sincerity for your letter. I have a great respect for your father-in-law and his paper, and I am much attached to the Edinburgh people. You may suppose, therefore, that if my mind were not fully made up on the parliamentary question, I should waver now. But my conviction that I am more useful and more happy as I am than I could ever be in Parliament is not to be shaken. I considered it some weeks ago, when I had a stirring proposal from the Birmingham people, and I then set it up on a rock for ever and a day. Do tell Mr. Russel that I truly feel this mark of confidence, and that I hope to acknowledge it in person in Edinburgh before Christmas. There is no man in Scotland from whom I should consider his suggestion a greater honour. Ever yours. [Sidenote: M. Charles Fechter.] * * * * * Poor Plorn is gone to Australia. It was a hard parting at the last. He seemed to me to become once more my youngest and favourite little child as the day drew near, and I did not think I could have been so shaken. You were his idol to the hour of his departure, and he asked me to tell you how much he wanted to bid you good-bye. Kindest love from all. Ever heartily. [Sidenote: The same.] OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND," _Wednesday, Oct. 7th, 1868._ MY DEAR FECHTER, I got your letter sent to Gad's Hill this morning. Until I received it, I supposed the piece to have been put into English from your French by young Ben. If I understand that the English is yours, then I say that it is extraordinarily good, written by one in another country. I do not read again in London until the 20th; and then "Copperfield." But by that time you will be at work yourself. Let us dine at six to-day, in order that we may not have to hurry for the comic dog. Ever faithfully. [Sidenote: Miss Hogarth.] QUEEN'S HOTEL, MANCHESTER, _Sunday, Oct. 11th, 1868._ MY DEAREST GEORGY, We had a fine audience last night in the Free Trade Hall, though not what we consider a large money-house. The let in Liverpool is extremely good, and we are going over there at half-past one. We got down here pleasantly enough and in good time; so all has gone well you see. Titiens, Santley, and an opera company of that class are at the theatre here. They have been doing very poorly in Manchester. There is the whole of my scanty news. I was in wonderful voice last night, but croak a little this morning, after so much speaking in so very large a place. Otherwise I am all right. I find myself constantly thinking of Plorn. [Sidenote: Miss Dickens.] ADELPHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL, _Monday, Oct. 12th, 1868._ MY DEAREST MAMIE,