I am truly sorry that I cannot have the pleasure of dining with you on Thursday. Although I consider myself quite well, and although my doctor almost admits the fact when I indignantly tax him with it, I am not discharged. His treatment renders him very fearful that I should take cold in going to and fro; and he makes excuses, therefore (as I darkly suspect), for keeping me here until said treatment is done with. This morning he tells me he must see me "once more, on Wednesday." As he has said the like for a whole week, my confidence is not blooming enough at this present writing to justify me in leaving a possibility of Banquo's place at your table. Hence this note. It is screwed out of me. With kind regards to Mr. Malleson, believe me, Ever faithfully yours. [Sidenote: Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton.] OFFICE OF "ALL THE YEAR ROUND," _Wednesday, 23rd January, 1861._ MY DEAR BULWER LYTTON, I am delighted to receive your letter, and to look forward with confidence to having such a successor in August. I can honestly assure you that I never have been so pleased at heart in all my literary life, as I am in the proud thought of standing side by side with you before this great audience. In regard of the story,[72] I have perfect faith in such a master-hand as yours; and I know that what such an artist feels to be terrible and original, is unquestionably so. You whet my interest by what you write of it to the utmost extent. Believe me ever affectionately yours. [Sidenote: The same.] 3, HANOVER TERRACE, REGENT'S PARK, _Sunday, 28th April, 1861._ MY DEAR BULWER LYTTON, My story will finish in the first week in August. Yours ought to begin in the last week of July, or the last week but one. Wilkie Collins will be at work to follow you. The publication has made a very great success with "Great Expectations," and could not present a finer time for you. The question of length may be easily adjusted. Of the misgiving you entertain I cannot of course judge until you give me leave to rush to the perusal. I swear that I never thought I had half so much self-denial as I have shown in this case! I think I shall come out at Exeter Hall as a choice vessel on the strength of it. In the meanwhile I have quickened the printer and told him to get on fast. You cannot think how happy you make me by what you write of "Great Expectations." There is nothing like the pride of making such an effect on such a writer as you. Ever faithfully. [Sidenote: The same.] 3, HANOVER TERRACE, REGENT'S PARK, _Wednesday, 8th May, 1861._ MY DEAR BULWER LYTTON,