If you will think of this, and will have the materials ready in a little basket, I will call for you at the office at half-past twelve on Tuesday, and take you up to the hall, where the table will be ready for you. No news, except that we had a great crush and a wonderful audience in Edinburgh last night. [Sidenote: Miss Hogarth.] CARRICK'S ROYAL HOTEL, GLASGOW, _Wednesday, Dec. 16th, 1868._ This is to report all well, except that I have wretched nights. The weather is diabolical here, and times are very bad. I cut "Copperfield" with a bold dexterity that amazed myself and utterly confounded George at the wing; knocking off that and "Bob" by ten minutes to ten. I don't know anything about the Liverpool banquet, except from _The Times_. As I don't finish there in February (as they seem to have supposed), but in April, it may, perhaps, stand over or blow over altogether. Such a thing would be a serious addition to the work, and yet refusal on my part would be too ungracious. The density and darkness of this atmosphere are fearful. I shall be heartily glad to start for Edinburgh again on Friday morning. [Sidenote: The same.] KENNEDY'S HOTEL, EDINBURGH, _Friday, Dec. 18th, 1868._ I am heartily glad to get back here this afternoon. The day is bright and cheerful, and the relief from Glasgow inexpressible. The affectionate regard of the people exceeds all bounds, and is shown in every way. The manager of the railway being at the reading the other night, wrote to me next morning, saying that a large saloon should be prepared for my journey up, if I would let him know when I purposed making the journey. On my accepting the offer he wrote again, saying that he had inspected "our Northern saloons," and not finding them so convenient for sleeping in as the best English, had sent up to King's Cross for the best of the latter; which I would please consider my own carriage as long as I wanted it. The audiences do everything but embrace me, and take as much pains with the readings as I do. I find your Christmas present (just arrived) to be a haggis and shortbread! [Sidenote: Mr. J. C. Parkinson.] GAD'S HILL PLACE, HIGHAM BY ROCHESTER, KENT, _Christmas Day, 1868._ MY DEAR PARKINSON, When your letter was delivered at "All the Year Round" Office yesterday, I was attending a funeral. It comes to hand here consequently to-day.