But it must be acknowledged that a great deal was expected from _The Cornhill_, and I think it will be confessed that it was the general opinion that a great deal was given by it.
Thackeray had become big enough to give a special _eclat_ to any literary exploit to which he attached himself.

Since the days of _The Constitutional_ he had fought his way up the ladder and knew how to take his stand there with an assurance of success.

When it became known to the world of readers that a new magazine was to appear under Thackeray's editorship, the world of readers was quite sure that there would be a large sale.

Of the first number over one hundred and ten thousand were sold, and of the second and third over one hundred thousand.

It is in the nature of such things that the sale should fall off when the novelty is over.