against the coldness and flippancy and silliness of the present fashion, and I think it may add something good and simple, as he was himself, to the thoughts of those who are yet to read and to love him. It is a finer standard than this hateful low standard of today.
The End House April [1898]
. . . Hester, recovered--removed and thought uninfectious, is allowed to hold the Vanity Fair in her own hands, and her exclamation of pleasure and delighted approbation is so cheering that I long to carry it on to you. . .
I had a charming letter from George Russell, and Richmond sent me the best compliment of all. He says Lord George Hamilton was very much interested indeed, and said he could remember Dizzy saying to him that he couldn't understand Dickens, but that my father's style was so magnificent that he would never cease to be read and to be admired.
I am longing to know how the Edition is selling.
12, Kensington Court Gardens April 9 [1898].
I have just had a line from Gussie to whom I sent your beautiful book1 I then saw Pinkie looking with such longing eyes that I could not resist giving her another copy, and I sent your letter with a third to India. I do not generally treat my sisters-in-law so liberally, but somehow I feel as if this dear message of your mother's ought to be given--not bought by each. I am sure the book will live on--don't mind what anybody says to you. It is a gift for those who have hearts to feel with. Richmond told me the Times was
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