But I may perhaps be permitted to indulge my vanity by publishing it as a testimony that his previous praise of what I had written was genuine, and not merely the laudatory compliments of a correspondent.
* * * * * "MY DEAR TROLLOPE,--Enclosed is the proof you were good enough to say you would correct.

When am I to return the compliment?
"I have finished _Marietta_.

Its picture of Italian life is extremely vivid and interesting, but it is a long way behind _La Beata_ in interest of story.

I have just finished one volume of Anthony's _America_, and am immensely pleased with it--so much so that I hope to do something towards counteracting the nasty notice in the _Saturday_.
"Ever yours faithfully, "G.H.

LEWES." * * * * * The next letter is from Lewes, dated "The Priory, North Bank, Regent's Park, 20th March, 1864."-- * * * * * "MY DEAR TROLLOPE,--My eldest boy, who spends his honeymoon in Florence (is not that sugaring jam tart ?), brings you this greeting from your silent but affectionate friends.